Dear atheists, what is it about prayer and the belief in *something* that is offensive? Asking for a friend.

Interested in serious responses.

My “hypothesis“ is that people believe whatever they do, and should therefore (theoretically), be confident in those beliefs, and be able to socialize with those who have different beliefs.

It is clearer to me to understand why (for example) a religious person might choose to limit friendships with those from other religions (because faith requires practice, dedication and loyalty, and you have to protect the sanctity of your beliefs from any sort of corruption). And telling someone to “just believe/trust” can drive wedges in friendships and families.

So, I am curious to know about this from an Atheist perspective:

Are you able to be friends with believers (of any religion or practice)?

Do you have friends as such?

What challenges are there?

Thank you for broadening my perspective friend!