"Hell is other people"

[lissabliss]

The hardest part about being vegan, for me, is conversing with non-vegan people. In the past while, I've asked 3 people, "Oh, you're vegan?" (because i really think that they are based on the context) and they've said no. Now I'm not talking about meanies, but nice, informed people. I get really awkward and have no idea what to say. My responses

Comments

[monkey_goose]

I'd love to tell you that i have an answer to that, but i don't. It gets to me too. These days i don't really do a lot to spread the word. The people in my life know my opinions and they don't agree. And thats pretty much that. I try to not bring it up around them because it just turns into a big bitch fest. They find me quaint at the very least. When i meet someone new, me being vegan usually comes up, and most are interested, but they don't really want to hear about animal rights. I talk to the ones that do, but unfortunately it has a habit of coming up over meals, so they want me to explain it while they're woolfing down some animals carcass. That usually doesn't go down well. So i guess the only advice i can offer is to not talk about it over animal based food, because it immediately puts people on the defense. But good luck, hopefully it'll get easier with time.

[anomniverse]

Heh, it's all in your head ;)

Let go of the whole vegan-superiority thing; then you'll be able to talk to vegans and non-vegans compassionately and selflessly. Look beyond your nose~

Being judgmental and self-conscious really is such a waste of energy.

[lissabliss]

i appreciate that you took this one out of the vegan box. this is obviously a personal issue that goes just a bit deeper. i'll have to look elsewhere for advice on how to be less judgmental of myself and others!

Try Buddhism!

[anomniverse]

Best advice I ever had. ^_^

Re: Try Buddhism!

[lissabliss]

thank you.
i'm actually going to Vipassana in a month (10 day meditation retreat). also, i just watched a documentary on the life of the Buddha and it was rather fascinating...

[mushyasparagus]

I'm not sure it is any of your business, to be frank.

It is slightly reminiscent of religious people saying, "Oh, are you Christian? Well, why not?" And that... is kind put-offing.

Sure, it is good to spread the word and knowledge, the information about how awesome veganism is. But asking people why they are not vegan? That doesn't sit with me too well.

[etomlef]

i'd say in situations where someone proclaims their love for animals or says they are environmentalists.. asking them why they aren't vegan is entirely appropriate.

[lissabliss]

yeah, i'm talking about in the context of people that already know the facts... such as volunteers for the outreach group i work with. but maybe you're right, maybe labels don't matter so much and we can still talk about the issues.

part of it is that i've been vegan for under a year and just get really excited about meeting other vegans, not so much that i want to convert anyone.

[catnip13]

I think that a less confrontational way to handle that is to say "I love animals/am concerned about the environment too. That's why I'm vegan." "Then why aren't you vegan?" comes off as more judgemental.

[mushyasparagus]

*off-putting

[kumquatpie]

I don't ask people why they stopped being vegetarian or vegan because I'm 99% sure it's just going to irritate me more.

[etomlef]

same. it's usually "i missed meat too much" or "being vegan is just too hard" or "it's just not realistic" etc.. which, frankly, i see as weakness. i still struggle with not automatically equating weakness with inferiority. it's difficult.

[eneffigie]

I don't ask either. Unfortunately, they usually feel the need to tell me anyway.