I have been a vegetarian for the past five and a half years of my life. I have spent that time responding to countless questions and looks meat eaters have sent my direction. The only thing I've been doing longer? Watching Gilmore Girls.
My love for them began back in the mid-2000s when I stumbled upon their show. Since then my life has been filled with reruns and late nights. I feel as by now they know me just as well as I know them. With that being said, who better than these lovely women to portray my life on the daily as a vegetarian?
Here are the top 10 situations I face as a vegetarian and the responses I have to them.
1. That initial look people give me when they find out that I am a vegetarian
That gasp is only to be followed by an, "Are you really?"
My simple response:
I give that one word answer because I know there are going to be more questions to come.
2. When they ask, "So you only eat salads?" and they are being serious. My response . . .
Sometimes I just don't know.
My Second Response:
When I make it through the list of foods I can eat. Pastas, eggs, breads, anything not containing meat . . .
You can't forget pie!
3. When they mention how unhealthy it is to not eat meat
Oh, really? Maybe you should read up on your nutrition facts.
4. When someone knows what a vegetarian is without me having to explain it to them and they don't ask me any weird questions about my lifestyle
Seriously though, these individuals are the real MVP's.
5. That look everyone gives me at the table when they are eating meat in front of me
Don't give me that look, I'm totally fine with it! Believe it or not, I've seen a burger or two in my day. I don't expect everyone to become a vegetarian when they are around me.
6. When I am eating and someone shoves meat at my face
I have made the decision to be a vegetarian for a reason I consider to be very important and sentimental. With that being said, please do not shove a piece of meat at my face. I do not consider that gesture to be "funny."
7. When I go somewhere and there are absolutely no vegetarian options
Do they really have to add bacon to EVERYTHING? Even the ice cream shakes?
8. When my friend offers to order the veggie pizza so that we can share
I love you. I love you. I love you.