A person grapples with a strained friendship with a woman who shares their past trauma but whose religious convictions create conflict. They seek advice on how to navigate these differences and find common ground.
I identify as a non-observant Jew. My spiritual beliefs are deeply personal and I don't discuss them casually. My mother embraced Christianity, which led her to form friendships with like-minded individuals. One such friend, a younger woman she considered her spiritual daughter, was introduced to me by my mother. My mother hoped I could offer support to this woman, Jean, during a difficult time.
While I don't share Jean's religion, we both have the shared experience of surviving childhood sexual abuse. Fifteen years have passed since this initial connection, and my mother passed away last year. I find that we have less to talk about. Our conversations often revolve around our differences, with Jean's faith being a source of security for her in an uncertain world, which I perceive as judgmental. I've been subtly avoiding conversations, but Jean called me out on it. I expressed my need for a break from our conversations, and she responded somewhat defensively, claiming she's always been accepting towards me. While she's a kind person, I've come to feel like I'm a project to her rather than a genuine friend. Can you suggest a way forward
Friendship Religion Differences Communication Boundaries
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