Dear Harlan,

I'm really against organized religion. I consider myself agnostic/atheist, though I'm technically Jewish. I just don't like religion, and it's not a big part of my life. My boyfriend is really religious and his dad is a preacher, and I'm kind of worried because it's bothering me already.

Already Irritated

Dear Already Irritated,

This would be the equivalent of a PETA activist dating a man who is a butcher, hunts his own game and only feels comfortable wearing leather underpants (I can't imagine that would be comfortable). The difference you're talking about falls under the category of "fundamental differences." But this doesn't come as a surprise to you. Clearly, you're on a path to a bad break up. Still, you have time and options. One option is to break up with him before the holiday season lights up.Given your current state of mind, there's no way you'll make it through the season of joy. You'll be done right after the partridge in a pear tree. The other option is to talk to your spiritual leader about this. Yes, I know you hate religion, but these people actually are good at talking to people who hate religion. If you don't have a rabbi, find your nearest Hillel or approach any spiritual leader. If you just can't do it, then talk to a therapist. Your lack of faith and deep distaste for religion might have less to do with religion and more to do with the emotions that come with it. When people hate something with such intensity, there is always a reason - make sure you understand it completely before breaking up. Once you can understand why you have this reaction, you can determine if you're capable of dating a son of a preacher man.