What can I do about my family not accepting me as a vegetarian and liking animals?

Question

I've became a vegetarian latley and my grandmother and mother don't like it. My mother told my grandmother that she don't need to buy anything extra for me. Its really breaking my heart because my mother don't believe in the things I do. She has never praise me in anything or tries to help me with anything. I really don't know what to do next. I'm running out of ideas...

When I try talking to her she tells me to "shutup" or "I don't want to hear it". Same way with my grandmother. And recently she threatened me by saying she would come to Oklahoma and hit me.

Answer 1

That's a tough one. I'd say just try to see things from their perspective. You're calling something they've done all their lives morally wrong. Think about that makes them feel. Sit down with them and have an honest conversation about it. Make it plain that you're only following your conscience and that you're not judging them and that you still love them.

Answer 2

I'm going to ride the fence on my answer so you can see both sides. You have the freedom to choose what you eat, and what you feel is fair to animals and what is against your beliefs. However, there are proven benefits to eating meat, and your mother and grandmother are probably trying to look out for your best interests. Parents can be a pain to get along with, and you have to make sure that when you are stating that you choose not to eat meat, you should make sure you do not go out of your way to appear as if you are doing it, just to be doing it. A reason they may not support it is because they think you are trying to rebel, be different, or get attention. That may not be the case, but you have to make sure you are not treating it like a "life changing event" and just a personal choice. Downplay its importance. Don't talk about it, but just implement your decision silently. The more you make a big deal about it, the less seriously they will take you.

Answer 3

All you have to do is prove that you are serious by sticking to your chosen diet for a long time (like a year). Your mom is probably trying to decide whether you are becoming a vegitarian as (a) a form of rebellion or (b) a health/lifestyle choice.

The thing that's hurting you is bringing your love of animals into the argument. Here's how it plays out. You say you are a vegetarian because you are against cruelty to animals, but what you are also saying (without words) is that "my mom and grandma are contributing to the cruelty of animals the way they have chosen to live their lives."

If you play up the "killing animals" angle or even mention animals she will think that you are rebelling, and you will NOT get taken seriously. If you keep quiet about your reasons and be very agreeable about meals, and do your best to stick to your diet like using your own money to buy tofu, etc.... then you will gain the respect you want.

Answer 4

Collect reports about the benefits of being a vegetarian. Show them to the person you think understands you better. I mean either your mother or grandmother. Try to convince her and wait a while. Then talk to the second person.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Well, don't let her lack of understanding get you down! Those are your choices, and if you don't want to eat meat, then that's your business! She really should support you, but give her time to come around. Stick to your ways, and don't apologize for it! Still give her love, hugs and let her know you still care, but this is you. I wouldn't issue any ultimatums just yet, family is very important. Give her time, she'll come around. As for other things she doesn't support you in, just don't discuss those things with her. You need positive support, negative advice and such won't help you, so look to someone else to confide in! Good luck, and don't let ANYONE spoil your dreams! That's why they are yours, after all! God bless.

Answer 6

Just get over it and its ur life...

I'm a vegetarian as well and my familys Mexican and they eat a lot of meat, but i choose not to and I want a health life.

At 1st they thought I was kidding but once the figured out I was serious about it my dad said he woulod try it and he actually liked it as well as my step mom...

i dont see nothing wrong with it as long as your happy you family will see that and the'll get over it sooner than you know!

Answer 7

I love animals too. Especially when they are grilled. Yummmmmm.

Sorry kid. People were made to eat a little bit of everything. Vegan/Vegetarians are misguided.

Slaughter must be done humanely - but all foods are acceptable to eat.

Answer 8

You can't change them. Just do what you do and be yourself. You can't please everyone so just please yourself and you be the happy one ;)

Just curious...why?
Is ALL of nature wrong?
Has humans stepped off of the food chain in the past few years that I didn't hear about?
Do you realize that you are SUPPOSED to have certain vitamins and minerals that are only found in meat?
I'm not saying you should run out and grab any living thing and start chewing. It's just that many v-gans that I've met have made their decision because one of their friends did it and they wanted to do it too.

Answer 9

dont change the way you are for anyone just talk to your mom and grandma and tell them that it is something that you really want to do and they may change there ideas just make sure that since your not eating meat you are still getting nutrientsyou need i hope your family will learn to accept you GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 10

When you move out on your own,you can be and do whatever you choose,but to expect your folks to subsides a diet,or way of life or to incur additional cost and or effort is selfish on your part !!