Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 Hello- My daughter is 3 and now starting to really understand why we don't eat meat. She is, however, having a hard time understanding why others do. I know Thanksgiving is going to be tricky because we are getting together with mostly meat-eating family. She is more than likely going to say something. How do you respond without offending the meat eating guests? I would love to give my honest response but it would cause a major riff at the dinner table. I am not looking forward to Thanksgiving because sitting at a table with a once alive but now dead bird in front of me is not my idea of a good time. I became a vegetarian 17 years ago on Thanksgiving day. As the years go by, I become more and more passionate about my beliefs and it's hard to be " nice " about it. Chris in Hanover,PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 In a message dated 11/20/2004 11:37:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, tripleoxer8 writes: > As the years go by, I become more and more passionate about my > beliefs and it's hard to be " nice " about it. > > Dear Chris, I think the golden rule applies here. You are choosing to accept an invitation and be someone's guest, therefore the burden is on you not to upset your hosts. If you would not want meat-eaters to come into your home and comment on your choices in a way that made you uncomfortable, you should extend the same courtesy. Prep your daughter in advance as to what to expect and tell her how you expect her to behave. If she asks questions that cannot politely be answered at the time, tell her calmly that you will answer her questions at home because it's not an appropriate time to talk about it. I read " Living Amongst Meat-Eaters " a very good book by Carol Adams about peaceful co-existence with omnivores. One rule I think is priceless: do not discuss vegetarianism while eating at a table with meat-eaters! It leads to arguments, anger, and discomfort more often than not. I do know what you mean by not enjoying the meal with the cooked turkey on the table, and I am sorry for you for that. Thankfully, I am the family's holiday meal maker and so I don't have to deal with it. I've already told everybody there will be no turkey this year, and nobody is too bent out of shape about it. (It's our first vegetarian T'giving.) I am making an UnTurkey and tons of wonderful dishes, so I don't think anybody will miss anything. I can't wait to make this gorgeous vegetable tart! Good luck... Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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