How do I make people around me understand that I'm a vegetarian?

Question

I just started to be a vegetarian, but my parents don't seem to understand. Each time I go see them they've made roast beef or lamb chops... I tryed to expain my reasons for choosing this, but they look like it's unbelievable or ridiculous each time I try to explain it to them.

Answer 1

Well, it's their home. They can prepare what they like for meals. As your hosts, it's only polite for them to make sure there's enough meat-free food for you to fill up on, even if it's just side dishes and rolls. They don't have to make something special for you, although it would be kind of them to do so. On the flip side, as their guest, it would be considerate of you to bring a vegetarian dish to share. That would give you an entree, and them an extra side dish to enjoy. It would also eliminate any expectation on either side that they do extra work to accommodate you.

Now, if they're pushing you to eat the meat they've cooked, that's another story. That's just rude, actually.

BTW, I'm a vegetarian. When invited to a meat-eater's home for dinner, I always offer to bring something. Some take me up on that, some do not. If someone wants to make something special for me, I accept it as the gift it is intended to be. If they do not, I bring a dish as a gift to the party. There's no need for any hard feelings, either way. In the end, it's not about the food, it's about spending time with people we care about.

Answer 2

I can't imagine what it is you're saying to them that makes them think it's unbelievable or ridiculous.
The cruelty that goes into the meat industry is proven, and isn't even denied by a lot of carnivores.
Stick to your principles - if you don't want any part in the meat industry, you do not have to.
If necessary, take your own food each time you visit them and tuck into it with gusto while they chew on another dead animal.
If they come to visit you, only cook them vegetarian dishes - they may well be amazed at how good they tasted.
Make sure you know your reasons for being vegetarian, read up on the subject so you can speak persuasively and intelligently about the subject. You don't have to try and persuade anyone else to become vegetarian, but you can simply make it clear that you have taken this step for very good reasons and plan to stick with it.
Take a look at the Vegetarian Society website (link below), print out anything you think might help, and take the papers with you when you next visit. Maybe having it explained by someone else might help them understand.

Answer 3

Assuming that they have something non meat to offer also, like veggies, mashed potatoes, etc. Just say that everything looks delicious and only help yourself to the non meat portions of dinner. Many people do have a hard time understanding your choice, or also think it is just a phase. Trying to explain over and over can be frustrating for you and them, so just let it be for a while. Eventually they will get the picture.

They may also feel slightly insecure and worry that you are judging them for their food choices, think they are not good enough, and that you expect them to change as well.(Which I am sure you do not, just try and see it from their side)

Anyhow, just try to be as pleasant as possible.....you know that you can always make yourself another dinner when you get home.....just try and focus more on having a good time with them instead of the menu. This always works for me.

Answer 4

Wow. this never an easy one. I decided to go vegetarian when i was 15. Although i changed my mind eventually, my mom, who i lived with at the time, thought i was crazy. She would make more than one dish of meat at dinner, leaving me to eating almost nothing.

some people just don't understand. Maybe you could suggest foods that are still vegetarian friendly, but not a "hassle" to make. you know, like putting the meatballs on the side, instead of in the spaghetti. just little things that make a good compromise.

my whole family looked at me like i was crazy at my first family dinner as a vegetarian, but eventually everyone excepted it.

Answer 5

Try this one, girl..."Tell them u no wish to be a human mausoleum harboring dead and taking on their karma!" Then pass on the meal, they'll give them something too really think about and in the long run they'll come around.

If it's not okay to eat humans, how could it be okay to eat animal's? they are people too... they bleed, breed, have brains and a heart just as we do...

Whatever was put into their bodies goes into ours, that's why we have these sickness, diseases and obesity problems!

Cannibalism! what about animal-ism? Also be careful of other dishes they prepare although it is meatless or elsewhere for that matter because they could be meat based with animal fat such as lard etc...

Answer 6

Invite them to yours for dinner and cook a lovely vegetarian dish. They probably don't know what alternative to do.

If you don't have the facilities to invite them over, take a pre-made dish for you to share.

If they won't eat a veggie meal then just take something for yourself.

HTH

Answer 7

Old habits die hard...especially with our parents. It makes me think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the girl says that her beau is vegetarian and the aunt freaks and says ok, I will make lamb...some people just dont get it.

Answer 8

I know! Call ahead of time and since that doesn't work bring a veggie dish with you to share with them just don't tell them. And honey don't worry about it, you're an adult if they don't respect your choices then move on, it's not your problem. Being veggie ROCKS!

Answer 9

Check with your parents in the morning to see what they are making for dinner. Then, if they are eating meat, don't eat it. Get Fruits or veggies, instead.

Answer 10

Just don't worry about them. I'm guessing you're over 18 and can do whatever you want. If they don't want to make vegan things for you then fine.. Make them yourself when you are there. Show them you are serious about it by not caring about what they say. It's your choice.