DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who does not view religion the same way I do. I'm accepting of people with different beliefs, but often my friend will openly disrespect my religion. He gets on a tear and starts picking at everything, including how much time I spend going to church and participating in activities beyond Sunday service. He criticizes the drama displayed during the service. (We have an active and lively congregation with jumping, music and lots of interaction.) I know this isn't right, but I wonder if I'm betraying myself and my beliefs by still communicating with him? Should I cut him off for his actions? -- Religious Challenges
DEAR RELIGIOUS CHALLENGES: Talk with your friend and let him know that you are offended by the way he talks about your religious views. Explain to him that you consider yourself to be an open-minded person. You are willing to accept people for who they are and what they believe, even if their beliefs differ from yours -- and you expect the same from him.
Point out specific instances when your friend has been rude or disrespectful about your religious views. Ask him to keep his opinions to himself. If he does not or cannot curb his negativity, then you can decide whether it is time to walk away.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)