To think that the question 'why are you a vegetarian' is exceptionally rude

[Partypartyrings]

I've had twenty-five years of it and I'm hacked off with it.

I don't give one flying shit what you eat, so why is what I eat so interesting?

Being a vegetarian is not something exotic, surely you've heard/met one before, don't bloody ask me, use your imagination.

And no, I don't fucking miss bacon, in fact it makes me heave.

And no, what I choose to eat is not some sort of judgement on what you eat so stop being so defensive about it.

Develop some manners- it is rude to question/comment on what somebody is eating.

Grr. There. Public service announcement over.

Because in this country, meat eating is the norm. Not saying that's right or wrong- it just is.

I don't think I've ever asked a vegetarian "why". Although I have gone a bit at people who say they are vegetarians but still eat fish, though!

People are showing an interest in something that isn't the norm, people have many different reasons for being vegetarian so it will obviously be a conversation point.

Stop being so sensitive.

I have a new question OP. Does being vegetarian make you over sensitive?

Do you think that asking questions implies a criticism of your choices rather than interest in your views?

Or are they putting their questions in a critical way?

eg god, why don't you eat meat, that's a bit weird?

or pulling faces when they ask you.

yes, I am frothing.

Sorry if I've offended anyone.

But please think about prying into someone's personal diet choices next time- it's really nobody's business but mine.

Wow, defensive!

I normally ask people about their eating choices. I think it's really interesting. Some people just aren't bothered by meat, some against the idea killing animals, some against farming, some for religion.

I've never had anyone get pissy about it!

I love meat, but I also love eating vegetarian.

Better than asking 'When's the last time you had a bit of meat inside you?'.

But please think about prying into someone's personal diet choices next time- it's really nobody's business but mine.

What the fuck?

I think, I would probably have asked you about being veggie and had a nasty snarky reply from you and that would be that...! Do people often go on a second meal out with you???

Oh do get over yourself

Some vegetarians don't think its possible that meat eaters may have considered the ethics of what they eat and have come to different conclusions. People can be daft about it on all sides.

I like a good froth on a Monday morning.

I don't necessarily think it's rude to ask, but it's a question that could be asked in a rude way.

People ask all sorts of rude questions a lot worse than that.

Yes I think you need to get over yourself. Funny though I have a few vegetarian friends and they are impossible about it - you can't mention it or they get really annoyed. What is it that gets them so worked up?

((Hands op a grip))

The question itself is neutral, surely it's how it's asked that gives it potential to be rude?

Maybe some of the people who ask are just making small talk? Others may have a genuine interest in getting to know you better. Who knows?

But if it annoys you so much why don't you come up with a stock reply that closes the topic down?

of course you are being unreasonable!

it's just a question after all - it's not like people are asking you something intensely personal is it?
or is it

Over sensitive much!

I think what most people mean when they ask why is the reason behind it. Political, financial, moral, health. And I know vegetarians of all of those backgrounds. Same as a few of my vegetarian friends ask me why I eat meat on and off.

I highly doubt anyone is going, "Eugh, why are you a vegetarian?!", and being critical. They're curious.

And most of my veggie friends love telling everyone me about why they chose to stop eating meat, come to think of it...

Thankfully, DP still cooks a mean steak

YABU and a tad over sensitive.

There's lots of different reasons for being veggie; intensive farming, equality, flesh, allergies etc etc...its just being interested and making conversation. I never minded anyone asking me

I find evangelical , frothing vegetarians deeply annoying op, guess it works both ways

Having had loads of mickey taking and questioning about being veggie, the outrage when I recently ate a piece of meat at a group meal out was hilarious. The very same people who'd been teasing me about eating alfalfa sprouts and claiming that humans were designed to eat meat were literally shouting "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" across the table.

(PS the meat wasn't all that, don't think I'll be ordering it again)

I get a bit annoyed when people ask me why I'm (usually) veggie because it's inevitably at meal times when someone is eating something meaty or fishy and if I tell the truth it makes me feel like I'm being a bit sanctimonious. Of course I would like everyone to think more about what meat and dairy products they eat and the impact that has but while they're tucking into a roast chicken probably isn't the right time...

Perhaps you should have a list of permitted questions to give to anyone you meet to stop them inadvertently upsetting you!

I don't think of personal food choices as a private or sensitive topic. It wouldn't occur to me that someone would think I was prying. I talk about food with my friends and acquaintances a lot!

I think you have to realise that most people don't think of it as prying so have no intention of causing you offence, of course there are always exceptions, but on the whole I'd say you need to cut people some slack.

Get a grip sweetheart. I think you are in danger of disappearing up your own lentil laden woo hoo. Quite a few veggies I know like to tell everyone about it some people even use it as a kind of passive aggressive moral high ground.

YABsooooooooooU - it is not exceptionally rude you are exceptionally over sensitive.

But please think about prying into someone's personal diet choices next time- it's really nobody's business but mine

I have a few friends who like the question and like to dicuss their choice. How does someone know you would be offended?