I've heard comments when I've been at gatherings- whether in jest or in seriousness- some people don't cope well when their partner chooses to go plant based and feel the need to vocalise their thoughts on the matter.
Vegan on Female First
When a meat eater dates a veggie- they may feel aggrieved in some way by their partner's choices. So I've come up with a list of my favourites- and some solutions for if you're struggling with all the newness.
'Their farts stink'- It's a given- when you go vegan- your bottom takes on a whole new aroma - and it smells of vegetables. As long as you establish some sort of system whereby your partner warns you before they're going to drop one, so you can open a window or leave the room- you'll be fine. Remember your farts probably don't smell that sweet to them either.
'I keep getting stick from friends'- Friends like to poke fun at whatever they deem to be 'different' so this is an easy target if they don't know any other vegans. They'll soon get bored and move on so simply change the subject if you don't feel in a position to defend your partner's choices.
'We now have fast food limitations'- Some of the fast food chains haven't yet caught on so if your favourite past time was to go out for a greasy burger together- it can be difficult to let go. One thing you could do is cook a version of your favourite fast food at home and everyone's happy- plus you'll probably save a ton of money too.
'We don't eat the same'- Chances are you like the same things but you want the meat version and your partner doesn't. You can make the same base sauce and then separate it into two pans before adding meat for you and vegetables for your partner. Think chilli, curry, spaghetti bolognaise and fajitas to name a few.
'We can't enjoy the same foodie experiences'- At one time you may have split a dessert, ordered a sharing platter or a pizza between you, but now you have to do everything separately. Why not try the veggie version once in a while? You might just like it. If you're not prepared to- focus on the experience of being together rather than the food you're eating- that is of course what's most important. Talk about the flavours in your food and what you like best- you may not be able to give your partner a forkful of what you're having but at least it gets you talking.
'Meat substitutes suck!'- Chances are your partner isn't forcing you to eat them- if they enjoy them- that's all that really matters and if you don't- eat the real thing- it's all about personal preference. Plus- meat substitutes often contain a lot of protein so they're helping to keep your significant other healthy.
'Going out is difficult'- It doesn't have to be- just plan beforehand so your partner can take a peek at the menu first then you're not driving there, sitting down, ordering a drink only to find they can't have anything. If they can't order a main- they can often have a selection of sides as another option too so don't assume that every restaurant is a right off because they can always enjoy a little buffet to themselves.
'They have to take food with them when we go to someone's house'- It's just like BYOB (bring your own booze)- people turn up with bottles galore, so what's the big deal about a Tupperware tub too? When everyone's tucking in they won't even notice that your partner's food has come from a tub and not the buffet table.
'I have to eat more vegetables if they cook'- Is this such a bad thing? They have probably increased your zero a day to the recommended five so it's going to do you more good than harm. And if you're eating it with a side of meat it's just like having a Sunday roast at other points in the week- stick some gravy on it if you need to.
'All of our products have to have a leaping bunny on them'- As long as the products are effective and of a similar price- does it honestly matter what they have on the label? If you're adamant to keep something that's not cruelty free- your partner would likely be ok with that- just as long as you don't expect them to use it- each to their own.
Tagged in Vegan