Why do vegetarians upset people so much? I really am curious. Friends and family are still upset with me and it's 5 years after I switched. It's worse at holiday time.
by 
debsmooth
ANSWERS: 10
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It's hard to cook for them, and a lot of times they make you feel like you are offending them by eating meat. I've actually had one gag at barbecues when we were eating our hamburgers. Or you get those preaching about how horrible meat is and they should all switch. I don't eat pork, I don't make it a big deal. I eat whatever doesn't have pork. If someone asks, I just let them know I don't eat pork, but I'll find something else. Also, I don't get why some vegetarians think its ok to eat fish sushi and but not mammals....but that is another question.
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Are you from a family of livestock producers or packers? Are you an activist for the cause of vegetarianism/veganism? I come from a long line of meat eaters. I got a little resistance from my mom when I was 11 and wanted to eat a vegetarian diet. I was only allowed to do so when I turned 14. Everybody expected me to forget about my vow to become veggie, but I didn't. When I turned 14, I let my preference rule, nobody made much of a fuss. My family and friends just let it happen. I even have an acquaintance who owns a steakhouse in a nearby town. He knows I'll never stop by for dinner, but he makes no fuss about it ever. For the holidays, my stepmom makes sure she has an item or two that is veggie and I do a couple of veggie potluck dishes. So, I think you have an isolated problem. Good luck
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I am a vegetarian. All my friends don't have a problem with it and all my family are vegetarians as well. I'm sorry to hear that you're surrounded by ignorant people in your life. They are constantly wanting to turn you back to that "bloody" way of life. Be mindful and never let anyone push you around for what is a very noble way of life.
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I got the same thing from my family. I was called stupid and when I told them it was a personal choice and I respect life...their answer was that the "bible" gives us permission to eat meat and we are as humans the "end all be all" Whatever! It just shows that ignorance shows no bounds. Do what you are comfortable with no matter what anyone thinks. You are the boss of what goes in your body...no one else
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I dont get upset by those who only eat veggies n tofu but gimme a big fat juicy steak any day! As long as they dont get all up my butt about how "meat is murder" (tasty tasty murder lol) then I wont be all over them about all the poor insects, baby deer, baby foxes, baby raccoons, baby bunnies, etc that was accidently swept into the combine as it harvested the crops.
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Although I am not a vegetarian I have considered making that life change.....when I told my family I was thinking about becoming a vegetarian....they were concerned for my heath....not getting the proper vitamins and I also have 9 year old son who they were concerned for.....which they shouldn't have been because I would still cook him meat....my brother actually said I bet you can't do that...anyway I decided to just not eat pork for now....still ponder the change in my life but I have not yet switched....I really don't know why they attack me for the idea....but I sure they will give me a hard time if or when I do decide vegetarianism is for me.
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Because most of you want to keep pointing it out to everybody that you do not eat meat. Just go and do not mention it and set down and just eat what you would like. Pass the meat on and do not say anything.
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I understand them. If you say things like: "I dont like animal cruelty- thats why I dont eat meat," you do indirectly accuse them for supporting animal cruelty. And then again for beeing a bad person. Noone likes to be called a bad person;) If you have a strong meaning, thats not really mainstream, you will eventually offend some people. Not that its really your fault, but you meanings may indirectly suggest that there is something wrong with other peoples way of life, eating habits, relationships or so on. My only advice would be to not discuss it too much if you know it upsets them. Ive had my battles with friends, and it aint that easy. And eating meat is something few people are willing to give up on. They are probably fed up with all fanatic-vegetarians, and may write you off as one of them before even bother to really understand your personal reasons for beeing a vegetarian.
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I don't think this is exclusive to vegetarians. Most people like to feel special or singled out in a positive way. If I know a vegetarian is coming to dinner, I try to exclude meat as part of a dish...like instead of beef stew, I'll go with a roast. Same veggies, salads, breads, starches and dessert. There's always enough for a meal even if you leave out the meat part.
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I think that our choice makes them feel like we are judging them. Frequently this is actually the case too, many vegetarians are very confrontational about it. But an upset nonvegetarian probably has an unconscious reaction that basically boils down to "they think eating meat is wrong, and I eat meat, so they think I am wrong. Who the hell are they to think they are better than me!" I frequently have people ask (with some defensiveness in their voice) "are you going to get mad if I eat a burger in front of you?" To which I usually answer, "no, are you going to get mad if I drink beer in front of you?" I find that it puts things into perspective.
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