When the subject comes up, do you?

Question

Tell people outright that your a Vegan/Vegetarian. Like if you're in a restaurant, or people talking about diets, etc.

I just became a Vegan in April and I'm afraid of telling people I'm a Vegan, cause I get this weird look, or eyes rolling. So I just say "I don't eat meat and dairy" That seems to fit well instead of saying I'm a Vegan.

Answer 1

Yeah I tell people I'm vegan.

Most people find it weird and ask loads of questions and make 'vegan jokes' which have been told a million times.

But I don't preach, I explain why I am.

It questions their beliefs and gets them thinking.

I've met people so shut up in their own train of thought they can't imagine how you could SURVIVE without meat ffs.

It's up to you to question this. Don't be afraid.

Answer 2

I'm vegan but I say I'm vegetarian with an allergy to dairy when in restaurants unless I'm in a vegetarian or a restaurant I know is vegan friendly. I find this is more effective in ensuring that I will get vegan food. If a restaurant is particularly meat heavy and I know dairy/ eggs are not part of the cuisine (many Chinese restaurnats) I may even say I'm allergic to meat. I find that restaurants are more careful when they have to worry about a potential law suit because I became ill. I wish I didn't have to do this but I have been served pieces of meat in my food one too many times when I just said I was vegan. I have taken a lifestyle choice but I respect other peoples' choices so I normally don't ask other people questions about their diet and unless I am with close friends or people I am comfortable discussing with I try to avoid the whole conversation. I get tired of having the same conversations over and over again (ie. why are you vegan, what made you decide, what if you were trapped on a desert island....)

Answer 3

I'm not a vegan.

I know that vegan is more than a diet, it is a life choice. There is nothing wrong with being a vegan no more than there is being a fundamental Christian. The two have a lot in common. The big difference I think is when you act like a militant jerk and beat down the people around you don't expect to win over hearts and minds.

I actually met ONE vegan on this forum who was 100% nice. The reason you get the rolling eyes is because there are many shrill vegans who act like jerks. You could live by example and be a stronger voice. There might be more people who would think about their lifestyle choices if the met nicer vegans.

That said telling people that you don't eat meat or dairy might be a good start. When they notice that you are cool and all you might tell them that you are a vegan. It will make you less bizarre rather than invite a debate or fight.

Good luck

Answer 4

Oh yes, I tell people outright I don't eat meat. And usually, they are quite polite and do not roll their eyes. They might make some jokes about themselves not being able to live like me but it is all in good nature and I join in their laughter. Well, until now, I've met people like that who accept me for what I am.

I have only one advice for you. Be proud of who you are and do not let others get you down my dear! Two years of living in USA have taught me a lot of things, one being that people are proud of whatever they are no matter what, even if others try to bring them down. Just declare that I'm a vegan/vegetarian or whatever. Do not be afraid!

Answer 5

I've tried everything from hiding it, to tiptoeing around it, hinting, saying it outright, only mentioning it when relevant, saying it early on in knowing a person... and I get pretty much the same results with all of them. It really depends on the other person's maturity and open-mindedness, not your own, how they will react. Unless you do something like preach at them or bring it up first-thing inappropriately (i.e. - "Hi, I'm Bob, and I work in accounting, you?" "I'm Steven, and I'm a VEGAN!") then you are off the hook for any weird reactions they have. :)

Edit: I should add that the reactions I get are mostly neutral to slightly positive, with only a few people being annoying about it.

Answer 6

If the subject comes up I will say I'm vegetarian/vegan. But I don't sit down with people and say, "hi nice to meet you, I'm a vegan!"

If people then have questions I will answer them, but I'm not embarrassed about it. I've tried the "I don't eat animals/meat/dairy" but it usually leads to more: what about fish? what about chicken? what about cheese than the other.

Whatever works for you though!

Answer 7

If it comes up in conversation or someone asks, then I do tell them. But in order to avoid answering the same "Why did you become vegetarian? Does my eating meat offend you? etc" questions I normally don't make it a point to let people know, unless of course they are hosting a dinner in which I am attending.

Answer 8

Around here, it's just a given that someone might be vegan or vegetarian. Non-vegs will almost always ask in social situations involving food.

Answer 9

I think that's a good idea.

I'm lacto vegetarian, but I usually don't say anything about that unless somebody asks me directly. Sometimes if you say "I'm this or that" people might get all kinds mistaken ideas; especially if they don't know you very well.

I just look at the menu and pick something. If I have any questions about it, I ask the server.

I don't drink alcohol either; but I don't make any announcements; I just order something that isn't alcohol

Answer 10

If they rolled their eyes after I said that the next thing out of my mouth would be, "What, do you have an issue with that?" People that roll their eyes are being incredibly disrespectful. If they are meat eaters no one rolls eyes at them. People can be so tactless sometimes.