How to go about convincing friends to be vegetarian?!

I'd say you are doing a good job. If someone is interested and wants more information and resources, give it to them. If they haven't expressed an interest, they probably aren't open to hearing it. Respect doesn't mean that you think someone else is right, it simply means that you accept their right to have a belief, correct or not. The right time and place is in an open discussion. In situations where you are questioning someone else's belief or behavior, I'd say that it is best if you don't ask them to question their own unless they have indicated that they are open to it. Some people simply aren't open to it, and trying to force them into it will likely backfire and make them dig their heels in even more. The exception, of course, is if they are doing something self-destructive or are harming someone else.

I say lead by examble. This what i do, i never preach about my lifestyle i only demonstrate how you become a better person wjen you make better choices. So far two of freinds have become vegeterians and without even talking about it, it was very natural

Vegan

Don't try to convince anyone. We're already seen as a preachy group so the only time I discuss veg*nism offline is with other veg*ns unless someone has a genuine interest.

People don't need a good argument or an excuse to do something that's perfectly legal, completely natural, and socially acceptable.

you are a douche. If they want to be a vegetarian they will decide without your convincing

Get your friends to a computer and visit http://www.meat.org/

Stream the video. If your friends have a heart they will be affected by this video in some way.

Explain to your friends the cruelty that goes on in slaughterhouses, fur farms, etc. If you are unsure about everything visit peta2.com or peta.org

Every vegetarian saves around 100 animals a year. When we all come together we have the power to change the world. Encourage your friends to look into becoming a vegetarian. Even if you convince only 1 friend, that's still 100 lives saved.

Inform your friends on the health benefits of vegetarianism and veganism. Explain to them how vegetarians are 80% less likely do develop almost every type of cancer!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5733574_convince…

I'm a vegetarian and I tell my friends about the vegetarian lifestyle. I tell them the benefits and about the animals and what it means to me. I never force the lifestyle on them though. I would never try to convince my friends to be vegetarian! It is not my decision! If you tell them about it maybe they will think about it but forcing it onto someone isn't the right way.

"Firstly let me say i'm aware this may sound like I'm being one of these condescending vegetarians producing a bad stereotype"

Gee, I wonder why we might think that.

If someone starts to close up as you debate, then they clearly AREN'T willing to enter into a dialogue with you.



"It's counterproductive though for trying to convince somebody to try vegetarianism out and to leave any lasting impression"

That's the entire point, they're essentially telling you to go **** yourself.



"It should all be questioned & debated in its right place and time."

I have doubts whether or not you have any understanding of a right place and time, since you obviously don't recognize not-so-subtle hints when your "friends" don't want to question and debate their beliefs with you.


Anyway, I wouldn't worry about this too much if I were you. The way you're going about it, you're not likely to have friends for too much longer and then your "problem" will become moot.



So you're not trying to force vegetarianism upon anybody, but you want to convince people (who aren't interested in talking with you) to be vegetarian? What's the difference?

You wrote, "I don't think we should have to 'respect' other people's beliefs" (except you used incorrect punctuation and I've fixed it here.) And if that's what you think, then honestly, you won't have friends for very much longer.

Some things are not an issue of proof. They're an issue of personal beliefs. Believe it or not, other people are entitled to theirs as well. Respect doesn't mean you have to agree with someone. It means you know when to mind your own d*mn business and accept that you don't know everything.

There is no need to convince your friends to be a vegetarian. Just lead by example. If you are really healthy, energetic, young and glowing, automatically people will flock to you for advice. Then, you can share with others what you do. However, if you share your enthusiasm with others before you have attained the pink of health physically, emotionally and spiritually, people will not only not listen to you, but you may develop disharmonious relationships with others.

So there is no need to preach. Just be like a flower. The beauty and the scent of the flower attracts the bees to it. There is no need to talk and preach. Just lead by example. Peace and Good luck!

"I don't think we should have to ''respect'' other peoples beliefs be that religion, diet, politics..."
Yes you do. And unless you recognize that, you will be, as someone eloquently mentioned, always be considered a "douche". Being disrespectful of other peoples personal choices and getting into other peoples business unsolicited fits in with the description of that word nicely.

"Trying to convince someone.." is forcing your beliefs on others because you want them to adopt your personal lifestyle which ironically you made freely without anyone convincing you. Like a concentration camp guard who whips inmates but says "hey I am not a Nazi.. Look I don't raise my right arm like they do.."

You can try to disguise the fact that you are just another "preachy vegetarian" stereotype who merely changed the word "force" to "convince" but as the saying goes "actions speak louder than words". Frankly, I think you are just so full of yourself and your new found "knowledge" that you want to turn every conversation and observation into a debate and "win" the argument so you can just prove you are better than everyone else around you. You are annoyed because no one is interested in playing your game. So I ask you and we can debate on this if you want: How can I convince you that what you I said about you is accurate?

I always feel that rather than trying to enter into long winded dialogues about anything, and pointing out what needs changing in other people's lifestyle, it is better to show them what is so great about yours. Rather than a debate, cook people a great vegetarian meal.
For many years as a vegetarian I tried to avoid the truth about the cruelty inherent in eggs and dairy. It was actually discovering how great vegan food is that finally brought about the change.

Hello,

I have read ALL the info as othere need to do efor they can comment !

And i beleve pepol will always be hesedent about talking about subjects sutch as these as they know what goes on and kjnow what they are contributing too but theey feel if they brudh it aside that it will go away ? its how humans work ! manny say that you should not force your views on to pepol and i can see that you are only talking to pepol who are willing to engage withc is good as these pepol are best !

BUT as mutch as i admire you persistance and views at the end of the day it comes down to persnal choice and while there is a socity that can brushn things aside and "forget " them you will not get verry far with the masses

i beleve the quote if slaughter houses had glass walls...ect would some this up !

Kind Regards
Alex.s

alexanderstevens75@yahoo.com

as you said, you dont want to force it on anyone
just cos a friend creates a 'dialogue' about it, doesnt mean they want to do it, or that you should even try to convince them

its a conversation, you talk, they talk, you listen, they listen
no converting or tryign to change, if they want to change, its up to them to do it, not you
,their chosing to learn from you hats a great thing
but doesnt mean you should take that as an opportunity to try to change them in any way

you may not think we have to 'respect' others views, thts fine, but it wont wion you any freinds
i agree, we need to change things in soceity and eveyrthing your saying is valid, BUT, not when it comes to your friends, when it comes to soceity, yes definately, but not individual friends or people

its not your place nor mine to change them, its theirs
;-)

the reason he 'backed out' is because you pushed him into a corner
which is the problem, arguing your side with a meat eater will always do that
if they are interested, talk, LISTEN , and have a mutual conversation

but dont judge them, and when you say 'but you eat meat', in any form, it seems like a judgment, whether you mean it that way or not

and you back him inot a corner by limiting his choices, basically making it sound like, to you, he cant be pro dolphin/whale rights AND eat meat

when thats actually not true at all
plenty meat eaters are and can be

if you really want to help animals in this situation, not limiting the people on their side is the best way to go