How do I 32F), a non-Christian, tell my boyfriend’s (33M), I do not want to say grace?

Not sure if this is the best place to post this. I (32F) am not religious. I think people should be able to believe whatever they want to, as long as they don’t force their beliefs on others. My boyfriend (33M) is also not religious, but his parents are very Christian.

We have dinner with them once a week at their house. They make us hold hands and say grace before we eat, which I am happy to do because it’s important to them, and it really makes no difference to me. They say “amen” at the end, I do not. Sometimes they ask my boyfriend to say grace, even knowing his beliefs are different from theirs. He will, although he makes it very short.

Last week, they said that I would have to say grace the next time we ate together. I didn’t say anything at the time, but this makes me feel very uncomfortable. His parents and I have never really talked about our beliefs, and to be honest, I don’t really want to. Our political beliefs do not align, so it’s a subject I’ve always avoided, as is religion. I do know that this will be a point of contention when my bf and I eventually have kids together and don’t feel comfortable with certain things being taught to them, but we obviously haven’t gotten to that point yet.

Again, I have no problem with their beliefs. But I do want to set a precedent that I will not do religious things with/for them just because they are religious. I know they wouldn’t do the same for me if our roles were reversed. I am wondering what the best way to tell them I will not be saying grace is when it comes up this week. I want to remain respectful because they are my boyfriend’s family, but I do think my beliefs are just as important and I want to assert that. What is the best response to them when they tell me to say grace?