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Ninga

(8,275 posts) Fri Feb 8, 2019, 01:58 PM Feb 2019

So I'm visiting in Florida, and decided for the next two weeks, I'll join the morning

water aerobics group.

About 30 mostly women, seem cheerful.

Then at the very end of the session, the group sings a prayer evoking God and past relatives.

Then they turn toward an American flag and sing "God Bless America."

All of this is of course, their right to do. I'm not interested. At all.

I am polite, and don't move until they are finished. However, today being day three I haven't joined in, I saw elbows flying as if to say...see she doesn't join in.

It's a guarantee that I'll be questioned. Is it enough to say it's not my thing (which is not the entire truth)

6 replies

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So I'm visiting in Florida, and decided for the next two weeks, I'll join the morning (Original Post) Ninga Feb 2019 OP

It's enough to say "it's not my thing" and decline further discussion. The Velveteen Ocelot Feb 2019 #1

Tell them you consider mercuryblues Feb 2019 #2

This seems something I can say. I really enjoy the water workout and can be patient until Ninga Feb 2019 #3

Yeah. it isn't really their business. mercuryblues Feb 2019 #4

Ugh. Is it a church group, public pool, etc.? Croney Feb 2019 #5

It's a condo association pool. Old biddies indeed, me being one too. They do a good job Ninga Feb 2019 #6

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,732 posts)

1. It's enough to say "it's not my thing" and decline further discussion.

Reply to Ninga (Original post)

Fri Feb 8, 2019, 02:02 PM

Feb 2019

"Why not?"
"It just isn't."
"Don't you love America? Or God?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because you don't sing "God Bless America."
"Maybe I can't sing. Anyhow, it's not my thing."
"Why not?"
"It just isn't. Lovely weather we're having, don't you think?"

mercuryblues

(14,532 posts)

2. Tell them you consider

Reply to Ninga (Original post)

Fri Feb 8, 2019, 02:03 PM

Feb 2019

your religious views to be private. Yet, you respect their right to be vocal about theirs. I show that respect by not disturbing you by getting out of the pool.

Ninga

(8,275 posts)

3. This seems something I can say. I really enjoy the water workout and can be patient until

Reply to mercuryblues (Reply #2)

Fri Feb 8, 2019, 02:07 PM

Feb 2019

they are done. It's only two weeks. But for fucks sake, really irritates me.

mercuryblues

(14,532 posts)

4. Yeah. it isn't really their business.

Reply to Ninga (Reply #3)

Fri Feb 8, 2019, 02:16 PM

Feb 2019

By saying that you respect their views, you are putting the ball in their court. They can either accept it or tell you to stop coming. In which case they are telling you that they don't respect your rights. If that is the case I would call them out on that, on my way out the door. Knowing me I toss in a big, heaty FU. for good measure.

Croney

(4,661 posts)

5. Ugh. Is it a church group, public pool, etc.?

Reply to Ninga (Original post)

Fri Feb 8, 2019, 02:46 PM

Feb 2019

I tried a water aerobics class and the old biddies just wanted to bounce in the water and gossip because they all knew each other from somewhere. I'm an old biddy who had hoped to get some exercise.

Ninga

(8,275 posts)

6. It's a condo association pool. Old biddies indeed, me being one too. They do a good job