How to Explain Your Decision to Become a Vegetarian or Vegan to Others
Tina Marie Frawley
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The other day my husband (Jerry) was at an office luncheon when someone from upper management posed a question, leaving all eyes on Jerry.
Since becoming vegetarians only a few months ago, people in our lives have not really understood the change. (I suppose it is easier to be an established vegetarian when you meet new people). Wh 
ile he was sitting at this luncheon, he was asked if he "was still doing that vegetarian thing?"
Of course Jerry was taken aback by this question. Going vegetarian (or vegan) is a way of life. It is a positive change for those who embrace the challenge of not eating foods deriving from animals or their by-products. For people who have never taken the challenge, the concept can be somewhat difficult.
As vegetarians or vegans, we want to collectively position ourselves as representatives of the animal kingdom. We are the voice animals do not have. These are some tips for dealing with situations such as the one Jerry was in the other day. These tips are designed to help you deal with people who will inevitably tell you "Oh I couldn't live without eating meat," which people will tell you!
Ø Whenever you are faced with criticism for your choice to not eat meat, do not feel like you have to defend yourself!
In a world where people are constantly judged by their race, color, religion, and even hair color (i.e. dumb blond jokes); it is natural as humans to feel as though we need to defend our positions and views. When someone is critical about your positive choice to not eat meat, share your position, but don't feel like you have to prove yourself.
Ø Refrain from being preachy.
Remember when you were little and your mother or father told you not to do something and you did it anyway? It is like that with being a vegetarian. Before I became a vegetarian, I knew someone who already was one. She would come to work and wait for lunch so she could tell us how horrible we were for eating meat. It made me think vegetarians were nuts and I never considered the positive points of the lifestyle....all because one person was always on everyone's back about it!
Since becoming vegetarians only a few months ago, people in our lives have not really understood the change. (I suppose it is easier to be an established vegetarian when you meet new people). Wh
Of course Jerry was taken aback by this question. Going vegetarian (or vegan) is a way of life. It is a positive change for those who embrace the challenge of not eating foods deriving from animals or their by-products. For people who have never taken the challenge, the concept can be somewhat difficult.
As vegetarians or vegans, we want to collectively position ourselves as representatives of the animal kingdom. We are the voice animals do not have. These are some tips for dealing with situations such as the one Jerry was in the other day. These tips are designed to help you deal with people who will inevitably tell you "Oh I couldn't live without eating meat," which people will tell you!
Ø Whenever you are faced with criticism for your choice to not eat meat, do not feel like you have to defend yourself!
In a world where people are constantly judged by their race, color, religion, and even hair color (i.e. dumb blond jokes); it is natural as humans to feel as though we need to defend our positions and views. When someone is critical about your positive choice to not eat meat, share your position, but don't feel like you have to prove yourself.
Ø Refrain from being preachy.
Remember when you were little and your mother or father told you not to do something and you did it anyway? It is like that with being a vegetarian. Before I became a vegetarian, I knew someone who already was one. She would come to work and wait for lunch so she could tell us how horrible we were for eating meat. It made me think vegetarians were nuts and I never considered the positive points of the lifestyle....all because one person was always on everyone's back about it!