Hey all,

So I recently decided to go vegan. My personal reasons for ditching animal products were because of environmental factors, animal welfare, and trying to maintain consistency with the values I hold to their logical ends.

I was curious. I’ve seen a lot of hate towards vegans online, admittedly being someone who partook in that several years ago myself to a small degree. While I’m glad and very lucky people I know closely have been making accommodations for me, I’m also worried about mentioning or bringing it up to people I’m getting to know since I don’t want to rub them the wrong way if they possibly have these notions that being vegan and veganism are a bad thing. Namely when it’s relevant in conversation like people asking me why I read ingredients lists or can’t have something they’re offering me, which I’ve been half-lying attributing to food allergies and intolerances out of worry (I’m lactose intolerant, which helps as a cop-out).

I’m wanting to know what people dislike about vegans, whether they’re based on previous experiences they’ve had, or preconceived notions, and what would make someone a “good vegan” in their eyes. I know I shouldn’t be a people-pleaser, but knowing this stuff would definitely help me gain the confidence to be more open about myself and my personal values to others who don’t necessarily share said values.

Thanks in advance, I’ll try to respond where possible, but it’s going to be a busy day for me, though I do read all replies to posts I make.

    • MoonlightFox@lemmy.world
      1·
      28 days ago

      It’s a compromise for sure, and not entirely consistent with the values of a vegan / vegetarian.

      I wanted to reduce my meat and animal product consumption and it removed most of the social friction. The constant need to tell hosts of social gatherings of my preferences. I did not have to constantly hear whining from my grandmother about how they ate in the old days, and how we “city-folk” are.

      I am currently a meat eater, but try to not eat meat too often. I would not consider myself a flexitarian, but eat way less than before.