Raptor - there is a ring of selfishness in your posts...your friend doesn't want to hang out anymore...you're lonely.

I certainly don't feel like a mindless idiot and am trying to respect and trust the exploration of my version of your friend.

I'm with Ellenopoly on this one and I think discussing this with your friend in a somewhat less aggressive manner might set your mind at ease.(or at least let you feel less responsible for setting them on the "right" path)

"Act like a pious asshole" ??What's that about? It seems to me you are indulging in a little personal peity yourself...what you think works for you may not be the answer for your friends.

j