Not going to apologize for my personal food choices

[Food Lady]

I just had a woman in cafe ask how a particular type of sandwich is. I'm vegetarian and they all have meat, so I said "I've only had the vegetarian one and we don't have that anymore." She didn't get it, so I repeated. . It's like in this state they can't conceiv that someone doesn't eat animals. Anyway, her demeanor changed slightly and she ordered a hot dog. I think she said no drink but I had to clarify because rude regular sucktomer interrupted me, plus the menu screen disappeared, so I had to put it in again. I explained that but I guess my confused look offended her because her demeanor got more irritated and she was trying to get my name off my tag. I got her food and wished her a good day, which was met with a perfunctory thanks.

*When Rude Regular interrupted me I looked annoyed and answered her query with one word, so maybe this appeared rude. And then Rude Regular reached clear over and behind to grab a cup before I rang her up, while I was being first lady's order. So maybe first lady was wtf at RR. But if so, why was she looking for my nametag? I feel like I just tick people off without trying.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

It's like in this state they can't conceiv that someone doesn't eat animals.

Well, duh!

[mjr]

It's like in this state they can't conceiv that someone doesn't eat animals.

You shouldn't have to apologize for what you choose to eat, I agree.

However...

I think this partially falls under "a few ruining it for the rest".

Let me explain. Some vegetarians/vegans have a "holier than thou" attitude that most people don't like (think the "milk/meat is murder" people). Those of us who aren't vegetarians usually ask for the same courtesy as far as our food choices that vegetarians do. We carnivores don't want to be "preached to" any more than vegetarians/vegans do.

I can only guess that she figured you were one of those "holier than thou" or "I'm better than you" vegetarians.

Some people are vegetarian because of religious beliefs. Some do it for health reasons. Others do it for other moral reasons.

Me? I'm usually fine with vegetarians (see: "holier than thou" above). In fact, several months back I made a risotto for a work function. Usually I use chicken stock in it, but I knew a few of my co-workers were vegetarians, so I used a vegetable stock instead.

[Food Lady]

That might have been the case. My other guess is that people expect me to tell them what they want to hear. I don't. I tell the truth, even in "small" things.

[Android Kaeli]

I'm with mjr, don't really give much of a flying fig about who eats what and when so long as I don't get five minute guilt-trip lecture about what *I* eat. So I wouldn't be offended if I got your response, I'd just shrug it off -- because, you know, not everyone is of the same mold. Life would get rather boring.

[mathnerd]

I am a very picky eater. One line I found helpful when I was waiting tables and people asked now a dish I didn't like was, "that one is really popular and we get s lot of compliments on it", or something to they effect. Of course, that's if the dish was popular. Is say something in the opposite vein if it wasn't. It allowed me to tell the truth without getting into my personal opinions or eating habits and worked really well.

[Monterey Jack]

Let me explain. Some vegetarians/vegans have a "holier than thou" attitude that most people don't like (think the "milk/meat is murder" people).

And yet eating plants, which are alive, isn't.

[mjr]

One line I found helpful when I was waiting tables and people asked now a dish I didn't like was, "that one is really popular and we get s lot of compliments on it", or something to they effect.

Though in that case, I'd also think something like, "I'm sorry, I haven't tried that dish." might work. Although then they might ask you, "Well, what have you tried??"

[mjr]

And yet eating plants, which are alive, isn't.

Well, I think technically with some plants you're eating a different part of the plant. Like with bananas, you're not eating the banana plant. You're eating the berry (yes, Bananas are technically berries) that the plant produces.

But yeah, I get your point.

But then again, if they didn't eat plants or animals...they wouldn't be able to eat anything, because even stuff like tofu and rice cakes are made from plants. And rocks and dirt aren't edible.

[Food Lady]

Though in that case, I'd also think something like, "I'm sorry, I haven't tried that dish." might work. Although then they might ask you, "Well, what have you tried??"

And then I'd have to list a scant 5% of the menu.

[Miss Maple Leaf]

And yet eating plants, which are alive, isn't.

"I'm a Level 5 vegan. I don't eat anything that casts a shadow."

Sorry, you just reminded me of that Simpsons quote and I had to share.

[Jay 2K Winger]

"I'm a Level 5 vegan. I don't eat anything that casts a shadow."

Sorry, you just reminded me of that Simpsons quote and I had to share.

Maybe if you knew the science, I'd listen to what you're saying.

[dalesys]

"I'm a Level 5 vegan. I don't eat anything that casts a shadow."

And you haven't eaten since the last lunar eclipse took away all your choices...

[Boomslang]

Some vegetarians/vegans have a "holier than thou" attitude that most people don't like (think the "milk/meat is murder" people). Those of us who aren't vegetarians usually ask for the same courtesy as far as our food choices that vegetarians do. We carnivores don't want to be "preached to" any more than vegetarians/vegans do.

I used to be a vegetarian, and got terribly sick. Turns out my health problems require me to eat red meat occasionally. No lie. But very few believe me.

[dalesys]

... health problems require me to eat red meat occasionally. No lie. But very few believe me.

So bite them.