How To Be Polite/Ofel

[Guest guest]

This was beautiful! Exactly what I was looking to find. I knew some of the

long-time veggies knew how to approach it, but I guess it does become second

nature to most after awhile.

I just needed some examples of how to not be " in your face " .

Thanks,

Cassie

 

ofelia santos <ofelia_santos326 wrote:

Hi! Been busy. The topic is very interesting and is truly a concern to us

vegetarians. Definitely difficult for new ones, but for me and some of us who

have been vegetarians for quite a while, some of the following have worked:

1. I tell people honestly with a smile, " Thank you. But sorry I can't take

take that. It has been mixed with the meat dishes. And I really don't take

meat. "

2. I take the offered plate of food if I am forced to accept it just to be

polite. I put it in front of me and continue conversing with the people on the

table. I keep the plate of food on the table without touching it.

3. When some people notice I don't touch the food on the plate and ask why

not when it's vegetarian (and I know very well that it has been mixed with meat,

as in a grill, etc.), I say " I ate so I am just feeling myself if I am still

hungry. Please give me time. "

4. I accept the plate of food offered, put it in front of me on the table,

wait for a few minutes, excuse myself so I can go to the restroom (CR), then go

to another table. Sometimes I come back, get my plate, excuse myself, go to

another set of friends with my plate, then offer the plate to another person

without explanations but simply asking " Wanna try some? "

5. When some friends notice what I do, they become my allies and explain to

others that " She's vegetarian and she can't eat anything that's been mixed with

meat, etc or has been cooked in meat oils .. "

6. When some still ask me why I can't and if I really don't, I reply " I am

usually strict but sometimes when I happen to eat foods that contain what I

usually don't eat (like garlic, onions, etc.) I get allergies. " Or, " My immune

system is a little low this time, I have to be a little careful. "

7. When others persist asking why, then they are truly interested in knowing

why. Usually these are the ones who don't pass judgment but are really

interested in knowing more. This also becomes a really interesting time for

exchanging ideas on food, nutrition and a lecture (Ha!Ha! so be prepared if you

want to do this!) on why I am vegetarian. This polarizes people so some people

stay and some people don't.

This is when my choice of being vegetarian becomes an advocacy. When time is

short and I don't want to be a pest in a party or gathering, I just tell those

interested that I will invite them to a veggie party when there's one so that

they can have a taste of the tasty vegetarian foods that I and my veggie friends

can offer.

8. I find some time to be alone with the one who had the good will of

offering/preparing for me vegetarian food. I thank the person. I invite her for

a lunch some time, and make friends.

Hope this helps.

Ofel