We should all allow others, and ourselves the right to be wrong...I find it helps relieve the fustration with others. And helps me focus on improving myself and not spend too much energy on what others may be feeling or doing, or thinking..what others feel, do, or think is really none of my business.

I think everyone struggles with the frustration of other people not listening and having a closed mind.

Just tell them you're evidence based.

No need to announce that you don’t believe....just keep cool and detached in the knowledge that you are now a rational, thinking being. If it comes up in any conversation, then you can say that after critical thought you have come to the conclusion that it is irrational to believe in something for which there is no evidence, and are now an atheist/agnostic (or whichever terminology you decide to use to describe yourself).

Not accepting the existence of gods is not a belief. It is a position. It isn't necessary to talk about your position to anyone unless they are directly attacking you with their beliefs. Relax and enjoy the freedom.

Okay, my first post may be misleading. By "outward expression" I am referring to an online forum. I do not go around spouting that I am an atheist. My apologies for any confusion.

Can you give some examples of the reactions you are getting? I have found, through trial and error, that sometimes it is better to keep my mouth shut, at least until I am really comfortable and sure of new knowledge, and only when I think it is important to take a stance.

I guess my question is more of the personal than the inter-personal. I feel angry at the beliefs I was indoctrinated into. I don't like feeling this way as I cannot change the past. I feel angry that conversations did not go well. This is the only area that I am struggling to quell such emotions. Is it just that i'm so fresh to anti-belief? Have others experienced this and it faded over time?