Sometimes people shock me

I've never felt so much hostility towards me ever in my life until I started to show my interest in Islam. Seriously. And from people who I never thought would be so close minded.

I work for a faith based organization and while the organization is mainly made up of Christians there are a few non-Christians (remember the first post I talked about my co-worker who is an Imam) and a lot of our clients are non-Christians. I figured that religious tolerance and open-mindedness would not be uncommon at this place but apparently not. NO ONE was ever concerned about where I went to church or what I believed in. The second I express interest in Islam all of a sudden my religious beliefs are at the center of everyone's conversation! In the past year, almost daily, I've heard jokes about Muslims being terrorists. One person told me that if I keep my head covered my hair would fall out. Another said that I shouldn't involve myself in this "Muslim crap" and proceeded to give me a Christmas card that said Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Even some of my friends have been negative about it. My roommate from college saw me with my head covered and says "Oh God please don't tell me you're going to convert." It's so hurtful.

Sometimes I truly feel alone. I don't know who I can talk to about these things. I feel like I've been outcasted. I wonder if this ever gets easier...