Living Vegan For Dummies - Alexandra Jamieson [124]
Dating a Nonvegan: Does True Love Really Conquer All?
Vegans young and old make the choice to live a cruelty-free life based on their morals, emotions, and hopes for their health and the health of the planet. These high personal standards can become difficult to maintain in the face of love with a nonvegan. Whether you’re single and have just met the nonvegan love of your life or you’re already in a relationship where your partner has chosen not to join you in your dietary endeavors, this section can guide you.
Single vegans must make a choice as to whether they will date nonvegans. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that holding an ideal partner in your mind while on the search for that certain someone may not always become your reality. One night, quite unexpectedly, you’ll meet someone totally fabulous who rocks your world — and then you’ll find out they’ve ordered a steak for dinner. For some of us, that’s a deal breaker. For others, love will conquer all, and we’ll decide to develop an intimate relationship with our carnivorous interest. At least we’ll be helping them be healthier in the end — vegan lovers can always get their partner to eat more kale!
If you’re already in an intimate relationship with a nonvegan, keep in mind that as time goes on you may have to make sacrifices for each other. Consider the value of the other person in your life and how much he truly means to you. Everyone has faults, and your food choices don’t make you better than anyone else. Many nonvegan partners are happy to eat plant-based meals at home and then order whatever they like when they’re at work, at school, or on the road. Other partners may want to cook meat or dairy foods at home, but will most likely be willing to use separate cookware. (Chapter 8 provides more information about living with omnivores.)
Occasionally, the love of your life will totally rebel and put up a fuss about not being able to eat meat at home. Perhaps the person picks fights on a regular basis about your choice to avoid animal foods. He may even sabotage your efforts. These actions show that your carnivorous partner is truly scared of change underneath it all. Being clear with each other about what this change means for each individual is important. Share your concerns about your health and that of your partner. Be honest about your commitment to this style of living. If you find that your best efforts are hampered by the other person, it may be time to evaluate the core shared values of the relationship.
If you’ve been dating a nonvegan and decide to take the next big step and get married or move in together, have a conversation about what will be acceptable in your shared home. Do you not want any meat or dairy in the home? Will the vegan allow the nonvegan’s favorite leather easy chair to move in as well? Will your children be raised vegan? Cover as many areas of living together as you can think of before you make the move. Get it all out in the open as early as possible to build an honest, stress-free life together.
Carrying Your Vegan Lifestyle to the Workplace
Working 9 to 5 can be stressful enough without the added intricacies of vegan politics. So be sure to leave them at home unless someone specifically asks you for your opinions or for reasons why you eat a certain way. Creating a professional atmosphere at work, in most settings, means staying clear of conversations that revolve around politics, religion, and the reasons why you shouldn’t eat animal products.
What if you’re really adamant about not wearing leather shoes and accessories, but your office has matching leather chairs for everyone? You can consider talking with your employer about your beliefs, concerns, and preferences. You may have access