I love being asked all kinds of questions about my veg*nism. I am the only veggie a lot of these people know, so I want to make a good impression, and give them a good idea about it. I try to show them how we can get all of our nutrients, and eat just about any dish they can eat. (I do not live off of salads!) Also, about people being deffensive, it happens to me too. I think it's all in their head because they know being veg is a more ethical lifestyle. Also, they want an excuse to not feel bad about eating meat (to make themselves feel better) so they try to convince themselves veggies are judemental. Atleast, this is how I feel and what some of my experiences led me to believe. Though, I know this isn't the case for everyone. I would just asure them that you don't give them looks, and if you do it's not on purpose. Something like "I don't judge people on their diets, and I never give you dirty looks for eating meat around me. Just because I don't doesnt mean I can tell people not to either. I apoligize if it seemed like I was having bad manners. Please tell me the next time you think I am doing it." (Then you can see if they really think you are?)