I had a conversation with a 20-year-old atheist relative yesterday.

[MineralMan]

7. It didn't sound sarcastic, actually. I just wasn't sure.

Some people here use sarcasm like a dull razor, so I thought I'd ask. I agree with you. I really like talking to younger people like this young woman. When I met her, she was 11 years old, and she has always taken to me, probably because I've always just talked to her like a real person, rather than a child. I find that works very well in communication with young people. Now, we get to talk about real, adult things. It's a good thing. I only see her maybe 3 times a year, at extended family gatherings, but we always manage to have a nice chat.