The Guardian, Sept. 9,2010: Thank God (and Richard Dawkins) I'm no longer an 'angry atheist'

[MineralMan]

28. The vast majority of atheists almost never even mention their atheism.

Unless asked, I don't, except in places dedicated to the discussion of religious topics. What would be the point of telling someone I am an atheist out of the blue? Most of my acquaintances and friends consider themselves to be Christians, Jews, or Muslims. That is not why they are my friends or acquaintances, though. It's a matter of their own personal beliefs, and isn't relevant to our relationship.

Some of them know that I'm an atheist, but only because they have asked me about my beliefs. Just as I would say, "OK" if someone told me of their Lutheran beliefs, they say "OK" to my atheism.

It's a matter of no consequence, either way, in terms of how I or they behave, which is the only thing either of us cares about, really.

Here in the Religion Group, I am more open about my atheism. That's because religious topics are the order of the day here.

The person who wrote the essay you quoted from is, perhaps, recognizing that atheism isn't really a topic for ordinary relationships. Good for him or her.