I told her I need a break from talking with her. She was somewhat defensive and told me how she feels she’s always been accepting toward me. Can you suggest a way forward?

One of them is a younger woman she called her spiritual daughter. My mother arranged an introduction for me to this woman, Jean, because she hoped I could help Jean through a rough patch. I don’t share Jean’s religion,

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who isn't sure how to deal with a friend after having multiple disagreements.

One of them is a younger woman she called her spiritual daughter. My mother arranged an introduction for me to this woman, Jean, because she hoped I could help Jean through a rough patch. I don’t share Jean’s religion, but we were survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Your beliefs aren’t something she needs to accept. They are simply a fact for you. And she’s not in a position to decide whose faith is valid. I suspect that, by saying she’s accepting, she’s really indicating that she wishes she didn’t have to be.

"I said I need a break from talking with her. She was somewhat defensive and told me how she feels she’s always been accepting toward me."