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Answers: I've just recently became one and she keeps on assuming that it's "just a phase". Granted, I've only known her for about a year and a half, but as any of my other friends can tell her, I don't do "phases". I stick with EVERYTHING that I start. For example, I haven't eaten fast food or shopped at Wal*Mart in almost 3 years!!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

So anyway, she always liked to cook for me and now I just eat her side dishes. And one time, I cooked tofu n veggie stir-fry at her house and her family (husband and 13 yo daughter) loved it!

But everytime she's eating something she asks me if I want some and I'm like "No, I'm vegetarian" and she says, "Oh, I keep forgetting!!!" And then rides me about it. It's getting annoying.

So, why do you think that she's so offended by me being a vegetarian? Like, honestly, why does she care so much?

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Sometimes people use food as a way of loving or caring for others. If she's great at cooking a roast and you no longer want to eat it, she might feel rejected an even afraid for the friendship. It's possible she needs to control other peoples eating to feel secure

She might also feel a bit unsure about how to cook a balanced dish for a vegetarian since most people aren't brought up in vego households. She probably feels embarrassed that she hasn't been able to feed you a decent dinner

Another possibility is that she thinks you're judging her for her choice to stay omnivore so she's going on the attack first before you tell her how clear your conscience is now ...meat eating guilt

At any rate, it sounds like some sort of insecurity on her part so try to be patient until her fear dies down. Maybe I wouldn't even bother to say "no, I'm a vegetarian" ...If you don't say anything there will be nothing to argue with ...just leave a deadly silence and then change the topic

Sharing food and drink is a funny thing. I don't drink because it makes me quite sick ...my friends (of 23 years) just don't know what to do with me. They spend entire evenings trying to get me to drink things ...weird. One even said she couldn't go out with a non drinker because wine was very important to her ...respecting the person is more important than needing to share every digestive experience ...surely

hope it stops soon (c;

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Hon, if you're going to stick with being a vegetarian, you'd better learn REAL QUICK not to pay attention to any detractors because there's going to be a TON of 'em!

But honestly, I think a lot of people may be resentful and even somewhat jealous because they themselves do not have the stamina, willpower, and strength of character required to remain a vegetarian.

It's a very serious lifestyle choice, and a powerful environmental statement.

Good luck!

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some people are just silly and can't seem to see that others have the right to eat how they choose and no matter how they choose it should be respected.

I eat meat but would not dare to belittle someone who chose not to and would be happy to try something they had cooked for me...
i am not sure what you can do about this friend , maybe not eat around her so much? I am not sure cos she sounds pretty silly to me

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i woudldnt worry about it, just keep telling her, and tell her how its anoying that she has no regard for animal's lives

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People will always have something to say but it doesn't matter because you know you are choosing a healthy lifestyle and that is all that matters. I've been a vegetarian for many years and I've had heard lots of rude comments. In the end, it doesn't matter, because I am happy and healthy. Good luck to you!

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I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I love vegetarian food and I love cooking it. My ex boyfriend's family was vegan and I learned how to cook by watching his mom. Sometimes I will order vegan food when I go out to dinner with friends or I will prepare tofu for myself, etc. People constantly turn up their nose at this. And 9 times out of 10, they have never even tried it to see how it tastes. I hate this. It is a pet peeve of mine. I will tell them to try it and then they can knock it if it tastes bad. Once they've had it, they usually love it. I think it comes down to people being afraid of anything that is different from their own ways or norms. Just because they have a lifestyle of their own doesn't mean it's right.
Frankly, your friend should not be criticizing you for anything that you do. If she was a true friend, she would be supporting you 100% in your decisions, even if she herself would make a different decision.

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Forget trying to convince her,its not your job to make anyone understand it. Next time she offers you something your not comfortable eating just say "no thanks, how about more peas" for example. If and when she asks why, then you can say your a vegetarian. Let it go, its your choice, and don't let anyone else's lack of enthusiasm spoil it. Its not about them.

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I respect your choice but my food allergies will not allow me to be a vegetarian, so I have to eat meat. But the meat that I eat is all personally hunted wild game and is naturally lean.

People in general don't respect it because our bodies are set up to be omnivores not strict vegetarians.

Yes you can get all the nutrition that you need from vegetation, but most people don't know how to get all the nutrition that they need and suffer from malnutrition from being a vegetarian.

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Just be straight with her. Tell her that your friendship is important to you and that you respect her right to eat as she chooses and that you enjoy sharing food and cooking with her. Then ask her point blank to please respect you as well. You'll have to make an effort not to come across as preachy (I say this just because you pondered that she might be pissed because she knows you're "right.") In return, you have every right to expect that she not ride you about vegetarianism as well. At this point, she may just think she's just being concerned or that she's just kidding around. Unless you're clear with her that you appreciate her friendship but that you're hurt be her behavior, you're not really giving her a chance to be the supportive friend you want her to be. And, if you wonder why she cares so much, just ask her. I'd recommend not having this discussion over food and not having it at the spur of the moment, triggered by some comment of hers. Pick a neutral time and just tell her you'd like to get something off your chest.

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maybe stop cramming the fact you are vegatarian down her throat who cares what you do get over yourself and get on with life, a little meat in your diet might clear your thought process and also help with the dead pasty look you have

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