Carnivores, herbivores, and bears...oh my!

I read an interesting article today about a vegan/omnivore couple and how they cope with their differences in dietary preferences. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2003701548_veggiewars130.html The timing of this article couldn't have been more perfect.

I was just at Hukilaus, one of my favorite bars with Mellie and my friend BT...Yes I'm a boozing vegan(careful to drink vegan friendly liquors and beers). We were having a great time checking out the patrons, commenting on the cute waitresses and eating our meals as usual as we listened to the laid back Hawaiian tunes they play in the background. I typically order my salad with avocado poke and everyone else orders some over processed, fatty, oily pieces of meat smothered with gravy, sauce or what not. Normally I'm OK with it, I carry on with my drunk self, talk up a storm and have a great time enjoying the conversation with the company I keep. However today, for some reason, I looked over at everyone's food and felt ill. Nothing had changed, no one was in a bad mood, and we were all happy, but the food that 'they' were eating looked extremely gross and all I could picture was the cow, pigs and chickens that were tortured to feed them. I thought, "Uh oh" this may become a problem.

Personally, I've been vegan now for over a year. Compared to many veteran vegans, a year is nothing, while to omnivores, 2 days seems like an eternal hell when it comes to removing meat from their diets. For me, I enjoy being vegan and wouldn't change it, and looking at everyone else's food today confirmed it. I won't deny that the memory of many foods and certainly the smells trigger my hunger and cravings but I know that I can no longer eat it. Its not because I'm allergic or because it could clog my arteries, I just can't go back to eating animal products because the sight of it makes me sick. I know its not for everyone, and I won't force veganism on others, but I know its the only way for me. That being said, all my friends, family and partner are all omnivores. Hard core meat loving individuals that have no intention of changing their dietary habits. What am I going to do?

Some vegans say they can't imagine dating someone that is not vegan. Kissing a non-vegan is repulsive some say. And meat loving individuals say that they'd never date a vegan because the thought of eating with boundaries is too difficult and annoying for some (I'm sure Mellie would agree and next time he'd choose a meat loving carnivore as a mate for sure!). Life would definitely be easier for all parties involved if dietary habits were the same, and probably more satisfying as they are able to appreciate more things together. Unfortunately, some life changing decision pop up out of no-where like it did for me when I discovered vegansim and if all parties want to continue to participate, accommodations need to be made.

I suppose that if the option were there, I'd prefer that my friends and family were vegan as well, but its not the case. The only way I could live that way now would be if I were to drop everyone and start from scratch...family included. I've known a few vegetarians that would cave to peer pressure. Given the limited choices at a typical restaurant, they'll eat beyond the scope of a vegetarian diet, including chicken, fish or more to satisfy hunger which doesn't make much sense if they're truly vegetarian. I on the other hand don't believe I'll be taking that route anytime soon so some things are going to have to give.

The best option I came up with is to pack up and leave. Start fresh and new where I can surround myself with other vegans that share similar beliefs and ideas about how to live. I'd definitely be rid of the disgusting sight of meat and death that surrounds it, free to live a less harmful life. I've packed up and moved my butt to an unfamiliar town before, I suppose it wouldn't be too difficult to do it again if need be.

I suppose that would be last resort. When I can't handle anymore and the mere sight of animal flesh on the plates of people around me drives me insane. Until then, instead of isolating myself from everyone, I guess my next option would be to eat out with them less, or possibly cook more frequently and invite them over instead. Or, make everyone accommodate my dietary needs over theirs and ask them to avoid eating meat in front of me. I'm sure that would never happen, but I'd be a happy camper if they did. (hint hint)