How to Respond When You’re the Only Vegan at the Table

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6 Comments

  1. Catarina Batista says:

    This article is so pertinent to what I am going through nowadays, I have been transitioning to Plant-based and boy, how I have wondered about communicating this to my family next year when I travel and visit (we are in two different continents)! Should I write them an email beforehand? I thought about this very seriously… anyway, great article !!

    1. Thanks! I think it would be helpful to talk about your new diet with your family, especially if you plan on getting together with them soon. While finding a way to talk about veganism in a way that doesn’t seem “preachy” may be awkward, it can help your family choose restaurants or dishes that suit you. But it may open the doors to further discussion and consideration. I decided to bring my own dish to dinner shortly after becoming a vegan — nothing gets people interested in veganism faster than some fresh vegan cookies or brownies.

  2. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your experiences! Having a supportive network of friends and family is important, especially when it comes to social acceptance & your feelings of self-worth.

  3. I think people will always be having the same kind of boring and sometimes annoying question. Often is it just to make you react with anger or to prove you are wrong. But in many cases when I respond kindly and give them information I have they tend to say oh ok and don’t want to keep talking because they see I have the information and I know what I do and why I do it. Sometimes they really genuinely want to learn about this topic because they know nothing about veganism and nutrition and so on. Luckily most of my family and friends respect my decision and they take me as I am. Plus they often try to make some vegan recipes when I am visiting them or go to vegan restaurants with me 🙂 I am one lucky girl. Nice article btw, I love the photos.

  4. I’ve been vegan for 28 years and this has to be the most frustrating aspect. These questions never end and are frustrating. I have never been a “preachy” vegan. This is my personal choice and has never been information I volunteer. Many times it just comes up because people feel the need to comment on what is or isn’t on your plate. Years of business dinners in steak houses tends to elicit commentary when you order the garden salad. Every year at Thanksgiving my cousin feels the need to to say “oh, your still not eating meat?” After a quarter century you would think there would be acceptance.
    That said, if you are like me and most of your friends are very conscious about their food choices and sources, then your diet is not only accepted, but any commentary around it becomes much more welcoming and informative. I am still the only vegan among my friends but it’s not only accepted, it’s welcomed. They know I can always be counted on for the veggie option and kick ass vegan baked goods.

    1. I’m glad this resonated with you. Thanks for reading, and for sharing your experiences! I’ve also found that acceptance from some family members about my dietary choices has been frustratingly gradual, to say the least. The support of open-minded friends can truly help.