As sort of a followup to the other texts, I got 7 more from various people - a few that know I'm an atheist and that I don't really appreciate the subtle evangelical jabs they like to inflict on non-christians. After calling them on their obvious ploy, and the exchange of a few more texts, most are no longer speaking to me.
This is the most interesting one. I'd give you some background information, but you can infer the type of dialogue we've had in the past.
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Happy Easter son. I love you!
I'm more than a little ashamed that my father is rude enough to send a religious text to someone he knows is an Atheist
No offense intended. My hope for you son is that you learn to get over yourself.
I feel the same way about you. I'm just not passive-aggressive about it.
The difference here is that I take no offense. So is it possible that your anger could be misplaced?
Did I mention anger, or offense? Or did you just straw-man my text?
No I mentioned your anger, but I'm no expert
What anger are you referring to? Are you projecting some on me? Do you need me to be angry for some reason?
No, you seem to project your views adequately. I don't feel the need to project my own. Easter is just a symbol. Your offense is self induced. Maybe you don't want to hear that I love you. Dunno.
I didn't say anything about "offense". Did this not register with you the first time? You also didn't answer what anger you're speaking of. Avoiding the subject doesn't make it go away, and your semantic wordplay doesn't make your religious instigatory text any less shameful.
Well, I see no effective meaning being conveyed via text and you won't meet me in person. So, happy Easter. I love you. If you feel shame, that was not my intent any more than Happy Thanksgiving or Happy 4th.
Typical. You're welcome to talk to me again when you can explain where 'anger' and 'offense' came from. Until then, have a nice life.
Ultimatums? Definitely manifestations of anger. Sorry, I'm not playing. You really are in a sad and lonely place. I won't contact you then if that is what you need. Contact me when you are ready to have a meaningful relationship with your father. Until then feel free to project your anger on me, as you have been doing for years. I love you son. Goodbye for now.
Gotta have the last word? You engage in a conversation, then choose not to answer simple questions after straw-manning my text to you. Meaningful conversation? You're not contributing anything meaningful to a conversation by misrepresenting my views, and then talking to me as if your misrepresentation is what I said or meant. Then you proceed to grandstand a victim stance to the whole thing when you've been passive-aggressive and dishonest. Ultimatum? I don't think asking for an honest conversation is too much to ask in furtherance of a relationship.
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