[Treehugger267]

I went to a shower today and as I was being given a guided tour of the buffet, the host told me I "must" try a few of the cocktail weenies and some other ham twirly thing. I told her thanks, but I recently decided that I wasn't going to eat meat anymore. She got a look on her face like she had stepped in poo and said "Why would you do THAT!?!?" I just told her that after doing much research, it all just simply freaked me out. I didn't want to get into a whole discussion about it. I just chose some of the other foods, no problem. I know everyone goes through this to some extent, but being that it was new to me, I was kind of surprised that someone would act as if you were doing something yucky, by not eating meat.

At the end of the shower, she told me they would be bbqing the pig they filled their freezer with (her future daughter in law even told me what they had named it) and that we would be invited. Can't wait (NOT)

And, slightly off subject, I wish I could just hide on Easter. I know I will seem freakish not wanting to partake in the sacrificed ham.

 

[danakscully64]

Don't let this person discourage you. Expect to get ugly responses once and a while. Just keep reminding yourself why you're a vegetarian and you'll be fine

Congrats for cutting out the meat!

If you want, you can get some cleaver responses ready for another encounter like this

 

[sam o nela]

Yes, sad to say, but you will get used to it. A lot of people seem to think that there is something "wrong" with us but if you think about it, they are actually just grossly misinformed and sometimes uneducated on their OWN eating habits.

Just stick to yourself and your own morals. Your body and health will THANK YOU in the end

 

[danakscully64]

I seriously can't believe some of the comments I've had from meat eaters. It's not like I'm standing there, judging them (outloud, at least)... they find out I'm a veg and just start going on and on about the bible and crap like that. I've found that having good responses to their crazy talk can really help. If anyone pulls the religion card on you, this is what I say:

Omni: "But the Bible says we're supposed to eat meat."

Me: "Not true, you don't HAVE to eat it, just like you don't have to sacrific your first born child (like the Bible says). Plus, the Bible talks about taking care of your body. Meat is loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol, how is eating that junk taking care of your body?"

 

[danakscully64]

My last post was actually a nice response... if you want to get the point across fast (these can be mean, but effective), you can say:

"Are you educated on vegetarianism? *no* Then stop talking."

or

"Oh, so you're a nutritionist now? When did you get your degree?"

or

"The idea of my dinner having its throat slit, bleeding to death, and crying out in pain is NOT appetizing."

(Last one is my fav, I haven't used it yet)

 

[Vegan Joe]

I personally have great resolve, and know of nothing that might sway it, especially others opinions of me, based on my choices.

I find it interesting, informative, and often funny, and sad, to realize the rational behind others choices.

 

[Fromper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danakscully64

Omni: "But the Bible says we're supposed to eat meat."

Genesis 1:29

Nuff said.

--Fromper

 

[criticizedveggi]

yea, you can expect a lot of those. i still get them, and I haven't eaten meat for 4 months. i wish i could hide on easter too. i have to go to my sister's mother-in-laws house for HAM, HAM, HAM. haha... here i come corn and broccoli.

 

[Rachel-345]

when i gave up meat my parents gave me a horrible look and treated me horribly for ages but there over it now and i still get people asking why i gave up meat etc The thing i get most is ... your not making a difference they are dead anyway and if you dont eat them someone else will ... its so anorying but anyway the piont of this is just to say that there will always be people like this ...but your doing the right thing

 

[cftwo]

You can make a fuss or you can be more quiet about it. I have taken the quieter approach, since some people (no matter how much they want to preach to us about what we should eat) don't like to be preached to. And they'll see any attempt to talk to them about being a veg*n as preaching. Unfortunately.

So I just say "I'd rather not talk about it while we're eating" or "Maybe we can talk about it another time." Bring a snack, bring a dish you know you can eat, eat ahead of time, plan on eating whatever sides you can. That's my advice, at least.

 

[danakscully64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fromper

Genesis 1:29

Nuff said.

--Fromper

Yeah, that's a good line, but later on in the bible, it talks about eating fish and other things. When it comes to the bible though, it's almost all about interpretation.

 

[danakscully64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cftwo

You can make a fuss or you can be more quiet about it. I have taken the quieter approach, since some people (no matter how much they want to preach to us about what we should eat) don't like to be preached to. And they'll see any attempt to talk to them about being a veg*n as preaching. Unfortunately.

So I just say "I'd rather not talk about it while we're eating" or "Maybe we can talk about it another time." Bring a snack, bring a dish you know you can eat, eat ahead of time, plan on eating whatever sides you can. That's my advice, at least.

I know what you're saying about that. I've used lines like "I just am because I am." It all depends on how I'm approached. If someone is rude enough to attack me, I'm going to throw some education their way. People don't have to agree with our lifestyles, but they should at least respect us.

 

[flvegnewbie]

I agree with everyone else, it's bound to come up! As time goes on though, it does get easier. I usually don't metion my food "choices" unless someone asks me directly why I'm not eating this or that, then I'll let them know I'm a vegetarian.

I will say though, I would have been a bit more upset after having told your friend you have stopped consuming animals she still brought up the pig roasting! It's almost like she could care less??

But, it *will* get easier, I promise!!!

Michelle

 

[napalmtheory]

They named it?

 

[queenarmadillo]

You always get the worst attitudes at the beginning, which sucks really cos its the time when you want the most support. I think from their point of view its a fairly natural response though.

When someone who used to share your opinion on things suddenly changes their mind, particularly if that is going to cause you extra effort or make you feel judged (and lets face it, most people believe the vegetarians are judging them even if they dont understand the morality behind it) the natural response is to try to win them back to your way of thinking. Usually this involves scorning the new belief, trying to make compliance with it dificult, or making a HUGE issue out of it. Being a person who doesnt share / understand your reasons for going veg (as evidenced by not being veggie) your friend probably doesnt understand how uncomfortable she makes you, or how much you would value her support.

If its really difficult for you then you might need to discuss it with her, but otherwise ride it out. It really doesnt take that long before people start to think of your name synonimously with vegetarian when planning meals / events etc.

 

[danakscully64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flvegnewbie

I agree with everyone else, it's bound to come up! As time goes on though, it does get easier. I usually don't metion my food "choices" unless someone asks me directly why I'm not eating this or that, then I'll let them know I'm a vegetarian.

Michelle

I do tell someone if either it comes up, or I'm going to eat something that may contain an animal product. If I go to someones house for say, a pot luck, I ask whoever made things if there are any animal broths, pieces of meat, fish or fish sauce, gelatin, etc. You wouldn't believe how many times things have looked vegetarian but turned out to be as omni as can be! I usually ask if I go to a new restaurant too. It's better to be safe than in the bathroom for the next 24 hours

 

[danakscully64]

People do get weird when you tell them you're vegetarian. They act like it really affects THEM, which it never really does. I've even told someone before when they argued that I should be eating meat.... "Seriously, this is MY body and I'll take care of it the way I think is appropriate. If you want to go nag someone on their diet choices, you might want to chose someone who eats McDonalds and greasy foods, not someone who eats a lot of fruits and vegetables." People would never speak down to an overweight person the way they do to a vegetarian.

 

[Treehugger267]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danakscully64

If you want to go nag someone on their diet choices, you might want to chose someone who eats McDonalds and greasy foods, not someone who eats a lot of fruits and vegetables." People would never speak down to an overweight person the way they do to a vegetarian.

How true.

 

[GhostUser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danakscully64

People would never speak down to an overweight person the way they do to a vegetarian.

I disagree. Here's an interesting article about it.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/display?id=17879

 

[HandcuffedAngel]

I have to say I have been lucky beyond belief to have a family that supports my veganism. My grandmother makes separate dishes for me during family holidays so that I can still eat and get full without having to bend on my vegan ways.

I think it's sweet of her. I lost a lot of weight [I used to be mildly overweight] and her and my aunt said to me, "S**t. You look good! I should go vegan."

Seriously though, you do get used to the criticism and the obviously moronic remarks of the omnis. You'll also eventually decide how to deal with it on a regular basis and you'll come up with things to say to them.

I'm a pretty blunt person, but I try to be polite. Just make it clear that it is your choice, it is your body, it is your life. You can do what you want. You surely are not hurting anyone by being a veg*an.