How do I tell my friends that I'm a vegetarian?!
How do I tell my friends that I'm a vegetarian?
I know this sounds kind of ridiculous, but few friends of mine invited me to dinner and I don't want to offend them by declining the meat they're planning to prepare. There are a lot of reasons that I don't want to eat meat, and most people have trouble understanding them. Even if the cow slaughtered for my steak had a swift, painless death, for some reason I can't physically stand the smell or taste of flesh. I'd get really nauseated if I force myself to eat it, and probably even throw up. By the way, I've been to a slaughterhouse and watched pigs slaughtered by the mass, so that was somewhat traumatizing especially when I wanted one of those pigs as a pet... anyways, I digress. Regardless of your opinion about meat, don't judge and please help me out... What should I tell my friends in a way that won't offend them? Most people I've met seemed bothered by the idea (especially my family, who initiated an intervention on me with a burger lol)
Answers: well.. I think they would be less offended if you told them ahead of time, asked if you can bring a nice dish (something you can eat, but it would be tasty for everyone and would be your contribution to the meal) Tell them you didn't want to pull this on them at the last minute, and you certainly don't want to offend them, but you have been a vegetarian for ___ amount of time.
Most people today are really open-minded about vegetarianism.
Prepare for the possibility that your friends might make your diet a discussion topic at the meal.. rehearase in your mind the things you can say when you're asked about your vegetarianism... try to be not-preachy, but simply answer the questions in an informative and kind way.. Emphasise that you feel this is right for you and you feel everyone has a right to make these choices for themselves. Just be all
"Dinner? Sure, I'd love to. Heads up though, I'm a vegetarian." Tell em your vegetarian thats all You have a right to be a vegetarian. What your family did is insensitive and childish. Simply tell your friends that for personal reasons you don't eat meat products. They will understand. It really isn't that big of a problem these days. Wouldn't hurt them to cut down and try some vege recipes too! How about just calling ahead and just saying "I just wanted to let you know in advance that I'm a vegetarian. I'll do fine on the sides; I just wanted to let you know so you won't be hurt when I skip the meat." lol same i just say oh by the way i dont eat meat im a veggie..sorry before i go anywere Tell them NOW. Why should you be ashamed of it? Hold your head high and be proud to be vegetarian. Just don't tell them five minutes before the meal. You should tell them before the meal,not when you arrive for dinner. Just tell them you would love to come, but you feel you would be to much trouble since you are vegetarian and don't eat meat.
This way it gives them an out, if they don't want to deal with your dietary restrictions.
You could even say "I would love to come to dinner, but let me bring my own meal, since I am vegetarian and don't want to put you out, but I would love to share your company during a meal."
If they are real friends they will understand. If they truly get offwended by this then they can't really be your friends. Just say "Dinner would be great!By the way, I don't eat meat." They will be cool with it. You need to eat protein. Meat is the best way to get that.
Those who do not eat protein on the average die 20 years earlier.
Just wanted you to know.
Now, to answer your question.
Bring your favorite vegetables and show them to everyone and say, no animal had to die for me to eat. I feel better this way in my heart. i'm sure puking on the table will be harder than telling your friends you don't eat meat. just say " look i would love to come over for dinner, but i wanted to let you know "before" you prepare the meal that i do not eat meat" offer to help cook and let then try a special meal that you find satisfying. you never know..... the might want to follow in the same direction! If they are your friends they will understand. Let them know that you aren't trying to complicate things but you don't want to offend them by not eating their offering. What if they make beef stew or another one dish meal with meat? You could offer to bring a side dish to the dinner. If it is something like a cookout bring your own garden burger. I always show up with mine! People are really understanding! If thery r ur real friends, they will understand.
Also dont telll them right b4 u eat tell them in advance b4 u go I would just say something like, "Just a heads up, I'm a vegetarian. Don't go out of your way for me, though. If you'd like, I can bring a dish to compliment your meal." Sometimes when people feel like they need to bend over backwards to accomodate me, I just joke, "Don't worry about me, I haven't gone hungry yet!" Most people seem to appreciate being absolved of the responsibility of worrying about me, but they tend to make sure I'm taken care of anyway. just tell them up front that you really appreciate the dinner but you are vegetarian I'm a meat eater and have friends that are vegetarian; I will cook dinner etc. and its not a problem. It would only be a problem if they started preaching at me or making me feel uncomfortable about my choice to eat meat. Its the whole live and let live thing - it only bothers me if the person starts going on some moral crusade and judges other people.
Just be matter of fact about telling them your vege and leave it at that. there is no need to TELL unless you are in need of attention. Quietly choose the foods that fit you. They will get a clue eventually. My dad came up for the weekend and was bombed by the rav marinara pasta sauce and stir fry veggies with rice noodles I made, he cleaned the pan no leftovers. People might surprise you! Say that you're a veg, and ask if there wil be salad or vegetables or something. They don't need to make something just for you - you can select the foods that are not meat, etc. When you go to dinner with them, if it's at their house...bring your own side dishes or something. And if you're going out to eat, order something not meat. If they ask, just say "I'm trying to not eat meat anymore. It's much healthier for me." Or something like that.