How Do You Handle Well-Meaning Friends And Family When You Decide To Be A Vegetarian?
Becoming a vegetarian represents a major change in lifestyle. And as often happens during times of major life transitions, well-meaning friends and family will be there to lend support – and criticism. Prepare in advance to make things easier for everyone. Decide who really needs to be told. If you know that a particular friend will be very negative, assess if he or she really needs to know. Prepare yourself for the deluge. For example, if you are omitting animal products for health reasons, then have at your fingertips all of the documented scientific studies concerning negative consequences of meat eating. Keep a sense of humor. Remember, your friends and family mean well. Be patient – this is new to them. Have your comebacks ready. For example, if your mother fears you will die from lack of meat loaf, be prepared to point out all of the long-lived vegetarians in history (have a list ready). Explain that lack of meat does not make you weak. Point out the numerous athletes, including
