The Vegetarian In A Meat Eating World How To Survive Socially

A vegetarian diet may seem like it is full of unending restrictions. While the restrictions really are very simple, not eating meat will often separate you from a crowd. While everyone else enjoys a barbecue where the main event is the hamburgers and hotdogs, you will have to try to subsist on fruit salad and potato chips. During many social events you have to pick and choose and go home hungry unless you brought your own plate. You don’t want to appear picky or ungrateful, so what are your options? Read on to find out how to graciously present your self as a vegetarian in potentially awkward social situations.

Eat Before You Go
Let’s stick to the scenario of the barbecue cookout. Maybe it’s a company picnic or a church get together. It may even be a family reunion. The important part is that there will be no vegetarian entrees served. The hosts are not aware of the possibility that someone would not be delighted to eat a greasy and burnt hot dog. In order to fully enjoy the company while not sharing a meal with them, make sure you are not hungry during the event. By eating before you go you will not be distracted by missing a meal. In many group settings no one will notice if you do not grab a plate because everyone is eating at different times as they come and go. In a more intimate setting, not eating will not be the polite option.

The RSVP
The best time to alert your host to your vegetarian preferences and needs will be before the actual event takes place. When you are invited for a ham dinner, do not hesitate to accept simply based on the menu. When you say yes, just tell your future host that you would love his company at a meal. Inform him that you will not however be able to eat the meat with him. If you let him know ahead of time that a few meatless sides will be much appreciated you will be happily accommodated. Don’t be surprised if when you arrive for the meal that there are more vegetarian options than you could conceivably eat at one sitting. Don’t be afraid of offending someone by telling them about your special diet. As long as you are polite in your requests and refusals, you will enjoy a comfortable social event.

Eating a vegetarian diet in a meat eating world can sometimes cause complications. The existence of vegetarians rarely crosses some people’s minds. They are not attempting to be rude, but are only unaware. If you can politely present yourself as a vegetarian you will be welcomed and served graciously also. Once you are at an event without vegetarian options it may seem impolite to inform the crowd that you are unable to eat what has been offered. In that case, all you need to do is offer an apology for not accepting the hospitality offered to you. You may be instantly offered something else to eat. In the worse case you will have educated your host about the need to provide eating options for vegetarians at the next party.