I'm similar to your neighbor and went through the Brahmin equivalent of confirmation (Upanayanam or thread ceremony
https://vaidicpujas.org/upanayanam/ in India when I was 12, but it was for the family more than for me... another story for another time). But I am not a faithful practitioner unless I'm at the Temple or with some of our relatives. Growing up in America in a multi-cultural neighborhood instead of an Indian immigrant enclave and liberal assimilation-focused parents will do that to you.
Funny story, the last time I went to India with my parents I flew home with my Dad through Detroit. After we landed and cleared immigration, we both looked at each other and said, "Let's get a burger"... and went to the McDonalds near the Middle of the main terminal. Definitely not Brahmin approved :cheesy: