How do I explain my choice to be a vegetarian without offending anyone?!
I have just been saying its because of all the meat recalls lately, which is the truth, but not the whole truth. Should I just keep on giving them half the story?
Answers: I recently became a vegetarian. I don't really know how to explain the choice to my friends and family. I know why I did it, but I am afraid that they will think that by me choosing not to eat meat that I am judging them for eating it.
I have just been saying its because of all the meat recalls lately, which is the truth, but not the whole truth. Should I just keep on giving them half the story?
Just tell them the truth...but tell them you are not judging them.
Who says you have to "explain" anything? Just sit back, smile and listen to them, acknowledge their opinions and respond only with what you're comfortable with. They'll move on quickly and you can go back to your tofu. ;)
You might want to say this, "Sorry, I am a vegetarian."
just be honest.
just say
i think that the slaughtering of animals to gain something for a person over a dead animal when we can get things which are healthy which do not have to be killed or slaughtered in any way is my choice of life
okay ... something to that degree
There are lots of vegetarians. Do you really think they'll hassle you? I doubt it.
I had a friend that used to eat meat/fish/chicken all the time - until she became very ill from food poisoning...now she won't touch any of it. Use the same excuse.
For health reasons.
Tell them what they need to know and nothing more. It's up to you, unless you are campaigning against everyone eating meat.
vegetarians live longer. they have nice skin. they aren't risking putting bad chemicals and viruses in their body as much as meat eaters. tell them they shouldn't be offended because they can do it too, so it isn't personally offending.
i figure you are asian? =) yeah i know they tend to think it's ridicilous not to eat meat. tell them the truth and say it is a healthier choice for yourself. im sure they'll understand =) you made a good choice
just say your vegetarian no need to explain if they ask u for an explanation just say i want to try a new thing
I wouldn't, once you explain it sounds like an excuse, and it opens everything up to discussion. I'd just say, I'm a vegetarian, when anyone offers me meat. I wouldn't bring it up otherwise, I don't walk up to people and say "I eat meat." So I wouldn't walk up and say "I don't eat meat" If they ask why, just say it's a personal choice, and change the subject.
Don't worry about offending them
Don't lie about why you chose to eat only vegetables. If you feel as though your decision is something you have to lie about, then you did not make this decision for the right reasons. It does not matter if your choices offend others, as long as you know your decisions are the right ones. Tell them exactly why you made your choice, and explain it respectfully, and not angrily. Let them know you're not judging them, that your decision is based on personal preference, and you believe what you believe. Perhaps, by telling others your reasons in a way that is nice, yet very matter-of-fact, they will see your point, and perhaps you can reach others, and they will make the same choice as well.
just say it is a personal choice and you're not trying to change them.
tell them the truth. i cant see where its offensive, at least you are not telling them you are queer .
Just say you don't feel comfortable eating meat because of health concerns.
You do not have to give an explanation. Just tell them that you've made a lifestyle difference. If they press for an explanation, just repeat, "I've made a lifestyle difference."
my excuses:
-contributes to global warming
-don't like the taste or the idea of eating animals
-isn't as healthy as vegetables.
your excuses:
just tell them EXACTLY what ur reasons are. the only way they will be offended is if they hear that u weren't truthful to them. basically, everyone has their own lifestyles...and this is yours.
haha maybe something along the lines of "I AM ___ YEARS OLD AND CAN MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS!"...only if that's needed of course.
Personally I just outright told my family... Meat is disgusting. They got over it.
I assume you can let the down easy and say something to the effect of...
"It is a lifestyle choice that I have made for myself, the animals and the environment."
Edit: Oh, so you have some right-wing nutjobs in your family eh? As do I, I am a left-wing fanatic so arguments get pretty heated over my agnosticism, veganism, et cetera. Honestly you are going to have to shrug off what they say... it really is the only way.
you shouldn't have to explain coz u r not doing any one else any harm, if they dont like it then their not worth it u should do what makes u happy. i love meat but if a mate of mine was vegi i would respect them. but if they give a hard time n they eat meat ask them wot do you think about wearing real fur if they say no then they r hypocrytes soz bout my spelling
congratulations that u have turned vegetarian. dont feel shy and whatever u want to have veg food have it with u r clear mind and with confidence . when a non-veg person dont feel shy for eating non-veg , why u should u feel shy. dont feel u r self guilty and express u r desire for veg food whatsoever u like.
They have no business telling you what's what, just say that what they say isn't going to change your entire lifestyle.
I'm like you, I don't bring it up, but if anyone asks then I tell them. I really don't worry about offending them because it's my choice and I never preach to them about their choices.
If someone simply asks, I tell them that I think it's the best choice for me with my particular beliefs. If I am pressed further to elaborate, I tell them that I do not want a dead animal working its way throughout my digestive system for several days.
well, as a meat loving dude, i think they could care less what you eat.
just don't get all preachy like these vegan fanatics who consider meat eaters murderers. then you sound crazy and unintelligent, as most vegans are.
if you accept them for who they are and not what they put in their body, they will do the same for you.
Just say that lately you're allegic to meat.