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Odd Responses

LucybellMocha
LucybellMocha Posts: 39
edited November 11 in Social Groups
I've been vegan for about 6 weeks, and I'm loving it. I feel better and look better. However, I'm noticing people have odd responses to my new way of life. I'm constantly peppered with questions, as to, "why" I've chosen to eat vegan and "what" I eat. Lots of curiosity. After 6 weeks, it seems like the questions ought to slow down a bit. Any advice on how to deal with all the questions?

Replies

  • AnnaMaus
    AnnaMaus Posts: 167 Member
    Well, I guess you're learning to be patient! The questions won't stop any time soon. Maybe in another 10 years they'll slow down.

    What are the reasons for your decision?
  • gingerb85
    gingerb85 Posts: 357 Member
    I get lots of questions, too, especially living in South Louisiana where EVERYONE eats seafood and most of it is deep fried. I initially went vegan for health reasons (to reduced my cholesterol without meds - and have done that). I find it odd that no one would question a diabetic for giving up sugar, but they question someone with hypercholesterolemia who gives up products that contain cholesterol.

    I try to patiently answer questions as best I can without making people feel like I'm judging them for not making the same choice. I think that's the biggest thing. People feel like I think I'm superior because I don't eat meat - I'm not - it's just MY choice.
  • kyoules
    kyoules Posts: 37 Member
    I have been a vegetarian for 15 years and people still ask, especially older people. One older woman once accidentally referred to me as "vegetation" instead of "vegetarian" LOL!
  • GoodMorningGirl
    GoodMorningGirl Posts: 103 Member
    I really like it when people ask me. I am a teacher, so my students and coworkers ask me a lot of questions about being vegan. I never bring up the topic (especially while dining with others!), but I am always happy to answer questions and suggest documentaries, books, and web sites I enjoy. I feel like it's my job to be an "ambassador" for a way of eating that I hope will catch on with everyone someday. I have also been losing weight and feeling really good, so I hope that in itself is an advertisement for veganism.

    P.S. Can anyone tell me why so many people write veg*n rather than vegan???
  • artadvocate3
    artadvocate3 Posts: 15 Member
    I am a teacher as well, in Kentucky, in a small town that is populated by a lot of farmers. When my kids ask, I say that it was a personal CHOICE and that no one made me do it. IF they ask further, I tell them that I saw a video on factory farming. However, people still ask me if I eat chicken or if I can eat protein at all! I try to declassify myths and let my kids see that being a vegan is a healthy alternative.
  • kyoules
    kyoules Posts: 37 Member
    P.S. Can anyone tell me why so many people write veg*n rather than vegan???

    Veg*n refers to vegan and/or vegetarian
  • LucybellMocha
    LucybellMocha Posts: 39
    I initially became vegan for health reasons, but I also love my for-legged pals, and am happy to not have an active part in their slaughter. It amazes me that so many people think you can't derive protein from any other source than meat! Even I knew better than that before I went vegan. I wish I knew someone who eats vegan - I know hundreds of people, and I truly feel misunderstood. Ginger may be right...some people appear defensive about the fact that someone else may not eat meat; I wonder why.
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