Dear Atheist Republic, I have had an unusual experience at work.

A new Operations Manager has recently started with the company, a very straight-laced, “decent, clean-cut” looking sort of guy, younger than me, and professionally qualified, I presume. He looks a real no-nonsense go-getter. At first glance he reminded me of a school prefect or a library monitor.

I have been in this job for a couple of years and everyone knows my attitude to religion.

To cut to the short, the other morning I was having coffee in the staff lunch area before work, as is my habit, and in he walks. I opened with a cheery “Good Morning.”
He cautiously returned the greeting and, I swear, on my Grandma’s copy of ‘The Female Eunuch’, he made the sign of the cross at me, with the index fingers of both hands, as if to fend off my presence.

I have to say I was delighted!

But he wasn’t smiling. It wasn’t like a joke or anything. Friends in jest have done exactly the same thing to me in the past. I have been told more than once by quite a few that I will burn in the fiery lake of hell, but this guy hardly knows me and he hexes me as if I am spawn of Satan. (perhaps I am, and missed the memo).

Anyway, I have to say I was so astonished I didn’t know how to react, but was spared the need as he abruptly exited.
I can’t be sure I am not imagining that he is glaring at me or if he is simply deep in serious thought about work issues when-ever our paths cross. In repsonse, I either wave like the Queen, nod meaningfully like Schwarznegger, or grin insincerely like Basil Fawlty as the mood takes me. I wonder if he knows my dear brother or attends the same brethren? In any case I still feel delighted.

Has any fellow ARian has a similar experience? Anyone had holy water thrown at them, been subject to a curse, an exorcism, had a stake driven through their heart, anything?

Share your mini-inquisition.