Anyone else sick of lack of support of choosing to not eat meat?

Question

I dont care what anyone else chooses to eat, so why does everyone seem to make it a big deal and hassel at meal time's when I choose to not eat the meat and dairy?? I dont mind working around what has been served or cooked.. I mean I will just eat the veggies and have a peice of bread and be done with dinner, but I am getting very sick of eating infront of people because of the negative reactions, lectures, etc.. (I avoid eating with others now) why cant people mind thier own business and let us vegetarians/vegan consume what we want? I have only just become vegan in the past 2 months after 25 years of eating meat and junk.. and I already sick of the negative thoughts by most people... sorry for the rant but I had to vent it somewhere!

Answer 1

Unfortunately, I don't think there is a "right" answer for your question. Personally, I am not a vegetarian but I have a friend who after years of eating meat, decided to become one. I can't honestly tell you why I was so put off by it at first. It really bothered me and there was absolutely no reason why it should have. I got over it and now I look back and wonder what got into me. I was never mean or accusing or rude, but I was not really accepting at first.
Looking back on it, I really was impressed by the way she handled her decision. She had made the decision and stuck to it regardless of what anybody said. I'm sure she got a lot of the same looks and quiet stares that you get.
Just hang in there and stick to your decision. It really doesn't matter what other people think anyway.

Answer 2

Oh, I know what that feels like. I'm sick of it too but there's not much you can do. People seem to get off at seeing others being ridiculed. I no longer even go to family parties and things because after people found out I was vegan they decided to give me nothing but lectures and a few rude remarks about vegans in general. It's not like I even force my views or anything or even bring it up unless it's necessary (like someone keeps asking why I won't eat any meat, cheese, etc.). Some people just have something against vegans just like some people have something against homosexuals or Muslims. I just ignore them for the most part because trying to reason or actually trying talk to people who enjoy insulting you just because your vegan is pointless.

Answer 3

I'm not a vegetarian, but many of my friends are. They don't run into this problem, so why do you? Maybe you are making too big a deal of this (like in your question) or handling it in an inappropriate manner. I know who is and isn't vegetarian - when I invite my friends over for dinner, I try to accomodate them and know that they will work with what I am serving as well. How about when you eat with someone, you don't even tell them you are Vegan and act like a normal person and just eat your food?? If you act weird about it, they will act weird about it too. I don't like fish, but nobody has ever given me a hard time about it - understand my point?

Answer 4

People are people and most are not mature enough to accept someone elses differences. Instead they thrive on humiliating people based on them which is sick in my opinion and society has come to accept this behavior instead of punish it. The way I see it I have at least two people who support my decision in my life and I know there are plenty of people on this forum that help by sharing recipes, giving advice, listening to complaints, and other things. That is one of the reasons I like it so much. As for the trolls I just ignore them, report them, and block them.

Answer 5

i'm actually thinking about going vegan, -i'm only thirteen. my mom totally flipped out when i told her i was a vegetarian and she literally forced me to eat meat. so i wasn't a vegetarian anymore. i think people just don't have lives, and theyre jealous of you because you're making your life better by not eating animal products. go you!

Answer 6

Unfortunately, America is a meat-eating country. Being subjected to people's narrow-mindedness is a normal part of the vegetarian lifestyle. We just have to stick to our beliefs and defend our point of view w/o belittling others for their choices. If we beat up on them verbally, it makes us look as ignorant as they do.
I am tired of the lack of support from my friends and family, but I look within myself for motivation and strength to carry on with my convictions. If you're ever feeling down, post on Y!A and you'll find plenty of friends!
:-)

Answer 7

Why do you need "support" to make a personal choice you believe in?

You made a choice, no one HAS to agree with it. Eat what you want, do what you want, if it ain't criminal, it ain't my problem.
Who are these "people" you are refering too, I'm guessing friends and family? At the age of 25, your need "approval" for your personal eating habits seem to indicate an esteem problem.

Answer 8

My friend has been a vegetarian since she was eleven and is attempting to raise her two lovely children to be veggie - you should hear the bull people give her about "abuse." Word. Rant all you want. P.S.: Have you tried P.F. Chang's tofu? Ah! It's worth every guilt-free bite.

Answer 9

I know how you feel. My family wouldn't leave me alone and unfortunately temptation got the best of me and now every time I eat meat it just doesn't feel right. Hang in there. People just don't understand where you're coming from.

Answer 10

I know what you mean, I mean people just seam to think that by telling us that where not getting enough protin it going to make us want to eat there nasty meat!