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Original poster

Why do people always think I'm a vegetarian?

53 replies

rubydoobydoo · 12/05/2023 00:10

This is something I have had all my life! I shall start by saying I decided I was a vegetarian when I was 10 years old, and this lasted for about a year - however during this phase I also decided that McDonald's cheeseburgers and my mum's stew and dumplings were exempt! I eventually realised I wasn't actually vegetarian so just carried on eating all things as normal (to my mum's relief 😅)

The people who assume I am a vegetarian now are people who didn't even know me then - however it has been happening for the last 20 years - mainly at work but not exclusively! I eat meat at work regularly, never really discuss food or dietary requirements with anyone, and I think I eat pretty normally - but it still happens! To the extent that I've started to wonder, is there something particularly vegetarian-looking about me? Or acting?

I ordered the nut roast at a work Christmas meal a few years ago, but that's just because I fancied it! And when I got there it had ran out and I just told them it's ok I'm not actually a vegetarian- I'll just have the turkey.

What would make you assume someone is a vegetarian it they've never told you that they are? I have even been asked if I'm a vegan twice in the last year!

OP posts:
RomeoMcFlourish · 12/05/2023 00:25

People often assume a friend of mine is vegetarian/vegan. I’ve always thought it’s because she has quite a hippy sense of style, and is what I’d describe as an ‘earth mother’. Most of the people she is friendly with and goes to festivals and events with are vegetarian/vegan so it does seem to go hand in hand with that scene.

However, you might not be like that at all, in which case I have no idea!

SmoothSeasDoNotMakeGoodSailors · 12/05/2023 00:28

People think I am vegetarian too! It's very strange. I was in my teens but not really in contact with anyone from back then so it's not as if anyone would remember that. They're also really surprised to find out I smoke (sorry) - I obviously don't stink of cigarettes for some reason.

drawingmaps · 12/05/2023 00:36

People often think I'm vegetarian. No idea why. Ironically I stopped eating meat last year and it hasn't happened since.

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MrsAvocet · 12/05/2023 01:17

I have experienced this too. I like a lot of meat free meals and I often choose them but I am not vegetarian, nor have I ever been so. But often people assume I don't eat meat at all because they once saw me order lentil loaf.
Likewise, my DS is allergic to eggs and dairy and lots of people think that means he is only allowed vegan food. Recently he ordered a vegan dessert in a restaurant, and the waitress seemed quite put out and queried his choice. Apparently he couldn't "need" the vegan option because he had had steak for his main course. 🙄

Luredbyapomegranate · 12/05/2023 01:19

When I was vegetarian (for 17 years) people were always amazed that I was.

I dunno why that was either…

pickd · 12/05/2023 01:20

Meanwhile I've been vegetarian now for 30 years but people always assume I eat meat and act shocked when I remind them I'm veggie. Are we in a weird body swap movie story maybe?

pogostickplastique · 12/05/2023 01:55

I wonder if it's body shape related. I've been on and of (more on than off) veggie for 20 years. People are always surprised. I think it's because I'm a bit chubby 😂 I think some people associate veggies and vegans with being slim and healthy (or under nourished according to the meat worshippers 😂) weird though.

PerryMenno · 12/05/2023 02:13

pogostickplastique · 12/05/2023 01:55

I wonder if it's body shape related. I've been on and of (more on than off) veggie for 20 years. People are always surprised. I think it's because I'm a bit chubby 😂 I think some people associate veggies and vegans with being slim and healthy (or under nourished according to the meat worshippers 😂) weird though.

That could be it, people are always surprised to hear I don't eat meat (no, I am not bleating about it, I tend to only mention it if asked specifically for dietary needs). I am what could be described as a strapping lass Grin and not especially pale.

starfishmummy · 12/05/2023 02:42

I remember being on a work related course and was told by the same person on different days that I looked vegetarian and that I looked like a social worker! I think they were just trying to be insulting

BarbaraofSeville · 12/05/2023 04:08

I get that too. If you ever eat a meal without meat in it, it is noticed and you're labelled as 'vegetarian' even if you're not and have never mentioned it.

I once had the same from a colleague I was working away with because he couldn't get his head around me eating spinach and ricotta cannelloni for dinner (one of my favourite meals, I tend to always order it when I see it) and then bacon for breakfast.

A lot of people think that only vegetarians would choose a meal without meat because it's special weirdy food only attractive to vegetarians, rather than normal food that everyone wants to eat.

Merrow · 12/05/2023 04:21

Yes I've had it because I bring a packed lunch in and that tends to be vegetarian, and I make things like wholegrain salad! Had quite a few people shocked at the Christmas lunch.

HeddaGarbled · 12/05/2023 05:05

Ha! I think ordering the nut roast may have had something to do with it.

RosettaTheGardenFairy · 12/05/2023 06:16

I only know 3 vegetarians/vegans, but they are all slim, wear very minimal make-up if any and have un-coloured hair. They also tend to have quite 'loose' skin on their face (cheeks) and neck; they always look older than they are. Does this sound like you?

ringsaglitter · 12/05/2023 06:23

starfishmummy · 12/05/2023 02:42

I remember being on a work related course and was told by the same person on different days that I looked vegetarian and that I looked like a social worker! I think they were just trying to be insulting

Vegetarian can be healthy, and a social worker is a good job. They probably were tring to insult, but they weren't good at it lol

WordtoYoMumma · 12/05/2023 06:26

RosettaTheGardenFairy · 12/05/2023 06:16

I only know 3 vegetarians/vegans, but they are all slim, wear very minimal make-up if any and have un-coloured hair. They also tend to have quite 'loose' skin on their face (cheeks) and neck; they always look older than they are. Does this sound like you?

I've had people assume I'm veggie / vegan and I am the opposite of this!

Someone once said I looked like a vegan cos "they're all a bit weird". Thanks. I had pink hair at the time so maybe that was it?

Original poster
rubydoobydoo · 12/05/2023 21:36

It's been happening long before the nut roast incident! At work we wear a uniform so it's not how I dress- although outside of work I do sometime lean towards slightly hippy/goth so that could be it I suppose?

I've always been quite pale - but I do wear make up and colour my hair, usually black but it's currently dark purple. I don't have loose skin and have only recently stopped getting IDed aged 44!

Another colleague actually IS a vegetarian but she has to keep reminding people and they're shocked every time!

I DID just have veggie burgers for tea, I think the bean ones from Morrisons are really tasty - but there's only me in the house at the moment so only me and the cats were witness to this!

OP posts:
BlameItOnTheGoose · 12/05/2023 21:40

I will confess that I have made assumptions about people being vegetarians. For example, in my mind, an Australian is quite likely to be veggie. Similarly, someone who is very slim. I know these are stupid assumptions with no basis. But the point is that people have various preconceptions which probably explains it.

Fudgewomble · 12/05/2023 21:44

My sister is slim and dresses like a hippy (for want of a better description) and has a pierced nose. When she orders a bacon sandwich that throws everyone who’s assumed she’s vege / vegan. Happens ALL the time.

CadburyDream · 12/05/2023 21:45

I only eat chicken and my mum insists on calling me a vegetarian

Original poster
rubydoobydoo · 12/05/2023 21:47

Oo I DO have a pierced nose! Maybe that's it!

OP posts:
StayGoldenPonyGirl · 12/05/2023 21:59

People are surprised I'm vegetarian; I think it's because I am of a 'robust' physique and rather ruddy 😂

I also don't talk about it unless asked directly...it's other people who won't stfu about it when they find out. Recently a colleague interrogated me for having veggie sausages when we went for breakfast. Why have imitation meat if you don't like meat...firstly I like the taste of meat (just like he does), secondly sausages are not a natural, exclusive meat shape. Wonder if he thought there were runs for free range sausages?!

PromisingMiddleagedWoman · 12/05/2023 21:59

I think a lot of people do have unconscious biases of what a vegetarian or vegan look like.

I used to know a couple where the wife was very slim and petite while her husband was quite tall and a bit overweight. He was a vegan and she was a meat eater. So many times in restaurants the waiter would automatically give her the vegan meal and her husband the meat one.

ActDottie · 12/05/2023 22:10

I work with someone just like you who’s is a meat eater but everyone assumes she is veggie, I think it’s her style as she’s quite edgy and keen on environmental stuff.

I am veggie :) but no one assumes I am so I must not give off the same vibes.

RicherThanYews · 12/05/2023 22:14

I've never assumed someone was vegetarian but I did assume someone was married because they looked married! Don't ask me how the heck someone looks married. She is happily with her partner of 20 years though, careers, house, kids etc 😊 I also assumed someone was called Johnathon because he looked like one ... he wasn't.

RicherThanYews · 12/05/2023 22:16

@StayGoldenPonyGirl he would be flummoxed by Glamorganshire sausages then! I hate the argument about vegetarians being banned from liking meat substitutes.