Several years ago I noticed some people identifiying themselves, “I’m a Catholic Christian.” At first it disturbed me, because Catholic is Christian. But I think it originated with this Catholic-or-Christian perception among some Protestants. It still disturbs me, but I don’t think it’s a terrible idea.
A couple of things you might wish to recognize before you choose your intentional approach: people who “convert” from Catholicism to Christianity 1. didn’t know their Catholic faith (they think Catholic isn’t Christian!), and 2. sometimes harbor deep and very painful wounds that drove them from Catholicism. As irate as it makes us to be spoken of as “other,” and as challenging as that is, we have a responsibility to act from our love of Christ, rather than our irritation (though I’m not saying you’re doing the latter).
Another thing you might consider is that Catholics are wired toward a group-orientation. Protestants are wired toward individualism. A Catholic who changes camp will often denounce anything they are asked to in order to fit into this new group. To an individualistic Protestant, that looks like a freely offered proof that Catholic does not equal Christian, when in reality, it has a lot to do with a Catholic being uncomfortable on his own, and needing to do whatever it takes to “belong.”
Fulton Sheen said, “There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” You might wish to educate.
Many Protestants have never known a practicing Catholic. Furthermore, when they are in groups of Protestants, they may speak quite harshly of Catholics, as if that doesn’t in any way conflict with their professed beliefs. You might identify yourself and watch how that unkindness changes. Most people, once they personally know someone from an “other” group, become much more tolerant.
You’ll also find that the Protestant idea that, “we believe these core things and anything else is a matter of opinion,” irrational though it is, should work very much in your favor, if it is an honestly held belief. You will find some people who want to fight and won’t listen to reason, but you may also find some unexpected friends; and you can sharpen each other, even though you come from different perspectives.
I guess your approach will partly be determined by just how “practicing” you are. And in such a hostile environment, it seems like you’d have to be pretty “practicing” just to hold your ground. If you’re not already part of one, I would highly suggest joining a strong Catholic community - whether campus ministry or local parish - and spending some time there developing relationships. Also, if you’re not in the habit of Eucharistic Adoration, you might give it a shot. The Blessed Sacrament doesn’t have to be exposed to adore - if the tabernacle lamp is lit, you’re good to go.
I prayed for you, that Jesus will draw you toward the approach that is best suited to his will in your life.
I was practically ostracized from my hometown when I became Catholic, but over several years of awkward, sometimes heated conversations, I’m actually now on peaceful, neighborly terms with their “speaker” (that’s pastor, to most of us, but not in their vocabulary).