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annoyed...
Started
by AnimalLovr
on November 4, 2010
I'm very annoyed with my friends and family...and by some people who are not so much either but are always there to try to bring me down. Everytime my diet or lifestyle is brought up, it seems like immediately there is someone around to poke fun of me or the things I say. If I defend myself, I can't take a joke or am over sensitive or emotional. Just wondering how others deal with it. Sometimes I just want to point out how much healthier, thinner and happier I am over these cynics but I know that is the worst thing to do!
Sometimes there is just no winning. I don't bring up my eating habits or diet, others feel they need to comment on it, so when I mention their habit of eating puss filled dairy products, they get very upset. That is a good time for everyone to stop deciding what everyone else should eat. You don't even have to point out that you did not start the conversation about diet and eating habits. It always seems open for discussion until you point out what they are putting in their bodies. It works for me, but I don't like to do it, because it really does make people mad. No one understands that their comments can also upset you.
Let it roll off your back! You know what you are doing is right for you, and that should be enough. People poke fun or put you down because they sense you have a feeling of superiority. I have found that keeping a relatively low profile and remaining unjudgemental towards others works best in most situations. This is leading by example. If someone is interested in what you are doing they will ask, and you can discuss it more in depth. Just because you have seen the light doesn't mean that others are ready or able to.
I can tell you that most of my friends have been curious and if they have any negative things to say they are considerate enough to keep it to themselves There are people that I make a point of not sharing with because I will never hear the end of it. The discussion would go round and round and I would feel like I have to defend myself. Some people will never understand.
You're leading a healthy kind life and should be so proud of it!
Well said Cheryl, I couldn't agree with you more:)
AnimalLovr, when one of my inlaws discovered I went vegan a number of years ago, he went off the deep end. I hadn't shared the information because I knew he would not handle it well (he is an avid hunter, carries a gun constantly, and equates vegetarianism with terrorism). Anyway, after being berated for half an hour and staying silent, I finally just said, "You know, I find it ironic that I'm the one being asked to defend my diet."
For some reason, that made him realize how agressive and intolerant he was being. We never talked about it again, and he now reports liking my veggie chili.
I sympathize! Often, I find that people can assume that by making the vegan choice for you, that somehow you are judging what they choose to eat. I have had many people get defensive about their diets when I have said nothing to them at all. I hear all about the greatness of dairy and lean protein through meat and "you aren't going to get enough protein" and blah blah blah. Truth be told, when you change your diet, many people might just begin to wonder about5 their own, and frankly, most people would rather not know! It's sad, but true. I usually just keep my mouth shut, ignore them when I get the mooing as they eat their food (most likely you will get that one, always a load of fun, that one!). If anyone is interested, great, let them know all about it. But, otherwise, I would let your actions do the talking. Good luck and hang in there, I have found that most people eventually will give you a little respect after they realize its not just a fad. Although you will forever hear, "I could never give up cheese, what do you eat?"
isn't it kinda creepy when you really think about it? its like they are freaking out because you will no longer drink the kool aid......my thought is that those who are the most adamant about attacking your diet are the ones who really know on some level that something is wrong with what they are doing and that freaks them out. I always loved the little animated video on gotpus.com regarding the meatrix (as opposed to the matrix) - take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOfficialMeatrix
I agree with you, it is annoying. But have no noticed how ever since going vegan, even when something is annoying, it seems to bother you less then when you used to get annoyed? Everytime I find myself in that situation, I just think to my self, the reason they feel the need to agrevate me is because of all that animal stress they are carrying around and I'm so glad I'm not that miserable anymore.
Ahh...this is why I love this site. I know coming here I will hear back from people who feel how I feel. I'm sure I have made the mistake more than once of being pretentious about my diet (only because I want to share my knowledge...this diet change literally changed my life) But more often then not...it comes with out precedent a picture of a dead cat (not funny...ever) or a song on my facebook page about how turkeys aren't for living, they are for eating. seriously not funny, and so rude. I guess I could never intentionally be that mean to someone. Anyway, I really appreciate the advice and I guess I'll just have to learn to deal with UNkind people :)
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