What responsibility do non-theists have in communication or relationships with theists? (Or vice versa question)

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Both sides have the responsibility to be respectful, even if they don’t agree with the views being expressed?
 
There are certain courtesies that I would extend to some one that I am speaking to until a person motivates me to revoke them. Their religious background isn’t a consideration there. I am almost tempted to use the word “respect” here, but there are differences in what people consider respectful or disrespectful. Those differences can easily contribute to negative feelings when communicating on divisive topics especially if the two people communicating don’t know each other that well.

My younger sister (who is apathetic towards religion) and my mother (Christian) were having a conversation the other day in which my mom was asking her why she won’t go back to Christianity. My sister shared her reason and given their disposition to each other it was taken as nothing more than her reason. Were they two strangers speaking the very same wording may come across as offensive.

If you have two people speaking that have compatible goals (seeking to understand the other person, seeking to express ones self, so on) then I think that will provide grounds for more favourable communication.

If you have two people whose motivations are not compatible, or if their goals are competitive then you’ve got fertile ground for things to break down to argument. Even if one of the people has the best of intention it may be a situation in which it is preferable to walk away than continue the dialog.
 
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