Dealing with Meat Eaters

One of the issues faced by many vegetarians is dealing with non-vegetarians. While it's true that some vegetarians will make comments and try to "convert" meat eaters, I think the majority of us see it as a personal choice and accept that some will choose to eat meat and others don't. For some reason, many meat eaters are unable or unwilling to reciprocate in kind, and take it upon themselves to attack or try to "knock some sense into" vegetarians.

To keep it short I've started just saying "I think it's the right thing to do" or "It's a decision I made." (by Christy23664)

"It was a personal decision/choice" is always a nicely vague way to go, with the option to expand into an explanation should anyone pursue the matter. (by Jperceval)

If it were me, I'd say "Why not?", using the exact same facial expression, body language and tone of voice as the person asking the question. Maybe they'd get the hint that it's none of their dang business why you choose to eat what you do. If they're truly interested, that's one thing, but if they're just being confrontational, you are not obligated to justify yourself. (by Nightfall)

If people tell you it's "stupid" I would suggest politely telling them "Look, I'm not telling you what to eat, can you give me the same room?" I know it sounds naive, but politeness in the face of jokes can 1) stump bad-natured people into silence, and 2) make good-natured people realize the jokes are getting old. If they tell you its not healthy, tell them that Fred Rogers, from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood who died recently, was a vegetarian, and he lived until 74 and swam at the YMCA twice a day up until the day he died. (by LibChristian)

Admit that vegetarianism/veganism CAN be unhealthy (so can Big Macs!), but that you've researched it and you know how to do it right. (by Curt1929)

It is a personal choice, and people have a right to choose to eat meat or not. It's an ethical choice as well, but no one has the right to make anyone else feel bad about their choice. No matter what side you stand on, it's not a war it's a choice that each individual has to make for themselves. (by DolphinBabe)

I always say your meal ethics are based on your location. Instead of eating a dead cow, if you lived on the flipside you'd be eating a dead German shepard. It's just where you were born. This basically grosses people out and makes them think at the same time. (by LisaDetroit)

I asked them if they had any pets. They went on and on about their 2 precious dogs until I asked them how they would feel to see them packaged in their grocery stores meat dept. They had nothing more to say. Life is life, why do we value cats and dogs more than chickens, pigs, and cows. It is agasinst the law to kill a pet(cat, dog)What a double standard! (by Amitrisin)

Avoid the word "vegetarian," it is like saying "tree hugger" to many unevolved people. Instead try saying, "I eat a plant-based diet." (by Amitrisin)

The other day I met this neighbor who everyone says is a real curmudgeon. He is, but he seems to like me. When the subject of my vegetarianism came up he said, "Oh Jesus, my daughter is a vegetarian. I hate you people. We have these beautiful steaks and you refuse to eat them." I said, "Hey, you should be grateful - more for you!" That stopped him in his tracks. (by Laura the Veggie)