Why do people do this? I find it annoying when..?!

"Why do people have this reaction, and feel the need to tell me about their own diet" hahaha, I completely understand. People tell me "I would become vegetarian but I love meat way too much." It's like "Well, I loved meat too & I don't really care if you do, so shut up and go eat your stupid burritos."
The truth is people get impressed/scared/awed/shocked/interested… when they see something different. Many of them don't mean harm to you, that's just different from what they live from everyday. You'll get used to this. & if you don't like it, well, it'd be better to take the stickers off until you are well used to people's different opinions and the need to voice them even if you don't particularly care. Don't worry about a thing :)

@daisy: why the goddamn bananas are you answering questions on this section? Don't go all meanie on people who are sensitive!

I am a vegan but you asked for it. I am not saying they are right. I am just illustrating that when you put something where others can see it, they will often use it as a conversation tool.

Good for you for being vegan, though.

Vegan

there just being polite ? what else are they supposed to say ? "oh" ? that would just be rude ! if you don't want people talking to you and you don't want them giving you these answers just say are aren't one when they ask . problem solved .

So why did you put the stickers on your stuff? I'd suggest you did it to draw attention; now you're complaining about getting the attention?

Life is not that hard. Take the stickers off or get ready to engage people in conversation.

because you are basically advertising to them that you are different, people don't like different, so they try to talk you back to the meaty side

Good idea taking the stickers off. By advertising it, you are pretty much asking for people to make comments about it.

eat them

I used to be in their place and I know exactly why. I was introduced to vegetarianism when my best friend told me how she was a vegan in 7th grade. She was super thin (well, healthy) and never ate any junk food. Me, being overweight, felt uncomfortable about my appearance. I know many people feel "offended" because they feel bad about their own self, so they quickly say something to make them feel better. "I don't eat meat all the time" or "I just need protein" are quick and easy excuses to come up with.
It's nothing against you. They just feel bad about themselves, so they come up with a quick response. It's just a sign of insecurity in their part. Don't take it personally.
I wouldn't take them off if I were you. Take is as a compliment! Show how you're unique. My Facebook profile says how I'm vegetarian. A few have talked to me about it, but I honestly don't care what other people think.

Why did you put the stickers on your binder if you didn't want anyone to notice them and you feel so uncomfortable talking about what they represent?

That's like me putting a politically-themed bumper sticker on my car, and being surprised when I receive argumentative comments on it.

Through the stickers, you ARE saying something about your diet to everyone else. The point of the stickers are to make a statement; if you are incapable of adequately handling the consequences of making such a statement, then don't display your views and opinions so conspicuously.

I agree that kids in school can be annoying and immature anyway, but really? You did a lot to bring this upon yourself, especially if you have anxiety and don't like random people talking to you.

They likely know why most peope are vegan and what PETA stands for.
So whether you're saying anything or not,
knowing you're a vegan,
they feel indicted about their own diet.

If you don't want to engage them
just nod at whatever they say and ignore them.

Don't lose your stickers just because they make other people uncomfortable about themselves.

~vegan, 4 years~

PS: One of these days, I promise, someone will find out you're vegan and will genuinely want to know more about it. And that's how change happens. :)

No offense, hon, but by putting the PETA stickers on your binders, you ARE saying something about their diet. PETA is not an organization that tolerates omnivores, and by using their merchandise the massage you are sending is that you don't eat meat and no one else should, either. Even if that's not what you're TRYING to say, that's what people are going to infer, and that's why they feel the need to defend themselves to you. If you don't want to talk about your veganism or get any attention for it, I would take off the PETA stickers.

You are advertising if you have stickers. You might as well introduce yourself by saying "hey, my name is ___name___ and I am a vegan." It is probably better to take the stickers off if you do not want the attention. You could just respond to each statement or question as necessary though (this doesn't mean going on about factory farms when people say "I only eat chicken and burgers." I mean saying "oh. I don't eat those at all." Simple answers for simple statements.)

People are giving you this attention as a result of your "advertising," but what motivates them is most likely a result of an interest, fear, or curiosity of the unknown. Rumours they have heard about vegan or vegetarian diets are also a strong motivator for many people. Some may feel that, by advertising, you are pushing your views on them.

Vegan.

I suggest you research PETA. They are not the nicest company. Not only do they brutally push their views on others, they also kill at their shelters. There are many other horrors about PETA, but you can research that all yourself.

i am the same in the shy and the anxeity part but it your chice to have that and plus they probally want to get to know you better or something like that and maybe they are just surpriaesd by the fact your are vegen and that doesent change things. but if you dont what random reactions to it you can just make up a reason to leave the conversation or tell them it is too uncometbate to talk about since you want to foucs on school or something like that. that may help you.

If you had wanted to advertise that you are a PETA fan and animal lover, then putting the stickers on your school things would have been a good idea. However due to your shyness and anxiety, if you really do NOT like talking to people about it, maybe you should take off the stickers. It seems that you really aren't enjoying the effect that these stickers have caused on your life (who knew stickers could make such an impact?), so in that case, it might be wise to take them off.