Hi everyone, it depresses me that I have to resort to this. I really need some help and advise.
About me: male, 20s, doctor, UK
I don't know if there is a creator or not, but i have known for a while that organised religion that adheres itself to an all-knowing and judgmental god is both dangerous and bullshit. Being a doctor who has been around a lot of dying people over recent times has only served to further confirm my views.
I have had friends from a huge variety of cultures and religions. However, my core group of friends are muslims. This has not helped. Its funny, because I see how my muslim friends conduct themselves, and think to myself 'wow im probably a better muslim than you!'. Most of the hypocrites I have come across in life have been muslims.
My parents are strict muslims, though incredible people. They have given me everything, and have had to endure a lot of hard work and hurt throughout their lives for the sake of their children. I have been pretending to be a true muslim for years and years now, and its killing me.
I just can't do it. I can't leave my parents, or hurt them. I have always lived my life by the philosophy that I will never be truly happy unless my parents are happy. I know that if they found out about my true self, they would not be happy. I even have a muslim girlfriend, who i pretend to be muslim around as well. She's amazing, and i do really care for her, but i think the real reason i have chosen her is because i know my parents would be happy if i married her. I secretly wish i could find the same kind of girl, but with the same beliefs as me. Someone wants to pretend for her parents just like me. If I ever have kids, I feel sorry for them - I will have to pretend to be muslim and raise them as muslims just to make their grandparents happy - and they'll just have the same dilemma as me.
I guess I feel that I am locked in some kind of philosophical prison, and I don't know whether escaping this prison will improve my life or make me happier. I'm trying to make my life one big sacrifice. If you've got far enough to read this sentence, I thank you already.
Oh shit, this introduction makes me sound depressed and brooding lol. I can assure you that I like to have a laugh and am generally happy. I'm just having one of those nights when i'm smoking a cig and suddenly become all philosophical