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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not invite the teetotal vegan?

529 replies

CyanSnake · 21/07/2020 15:20

I know the title sounds horrible; but I’m not sure how else to phrase it? Also sorry for basically giving my life story but I don’t want to dripfeed.

Every so often I host dinner parties and games evenings for my groups of friends. We normally also use these to raise a bit of money for local charities. Call it twee if you want, but I normally have some sort of theme, for example at new year I threw one that was Italian - with homemade pasta etc.

There is a small group of 6-8 whom I invite although most often not, not all attend due to work and other commitments. Most of these friends have no dietary requirements apart from one who is a teetotal vegan. Now, this normally isn’t an issue as soft drink is always an option and I normally make a vegan version of dishes that I need to. Last time I hosted; just before lockdown, I challenged myself and cooked everything vegan. We also made the night alcohol free and made virgin cocktails etc...

Now; to get to the point. I’ve been dabbling in old recipes from the form of cury, which is a medieval cookbook - it’s been sort of my lockdown hobby. And, I’d like to host (appropriately socially distanced and in the garden!) a sort of medieval banquet themed dinner. The problem is veganism didn’t really exist then; and frankly I know it’s harsh but I just can’t be bothered to create vegan versions of each course. This is compounded by the fact that this friend is a bit flaky and sometimes backs out at the last minute citing “headache” or a “cold”. I know I could just invite her and explain that there might not be a lot of food she can eat, but if I do I’ll feel utterly compelled to either faff about trying to make stuff vegan or ill feel guilty all night and it’ll be ruined anyway...

So; would you invite her and try to adapt; or not invite her and cite the guidelines on number of people you can have in the garden?

YABU - Invite the vegan friend
YANBU - Don’t invite the vegan friend.

I feel awful just asking!

OP posts:
PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 09:28

I think she was talking to me @Leanandmean31, wanna get drunk and make something of it 😉

Streamingbannersofdawn · 24/07/2020 09:29

I used to drink a lot. Now I don't drink at all. Going out has been way more fun since I stopped drinking. But I have also found that drunk people (not having had a couple but drunk) don't make masses of sense and think they are funny and riveting...its more than enough to keep me sober anyway.

Its funny though that people assume non drinkers are boring...loads of things I go to are just naturally alcohol free, coffee with friends, going out for dinner where most people are driving, middle of the day lunches. Its never boring.

Leanandmean31 · 24/07/2020 09:30

I think she was talking to me @Leanandmean31, wanna get drunk and make something of it

😂
Let’s do it!

PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 09:32

I love a drink but definitely weighing in on the side of it being small minded and boring to think only drinkers have fun, I often enjoy an evening with friends alcohol free and love the next morning, just wish I had the willpower to do it more often 😂

HermioneMakepeace · 24/07/2020 09:34

I would welcome a vegan in with open arms. A teetotaller, however, I am afraid that I would be less than enthusiastic to host them.

I know, I'm terrible Grin.

GlottalStrop · 24/07/2020 09:42

Since I stopped drinking a couple of friends couldn't wrap their heads around me still loving to dance. They 'needed' a few drinks (or other drugs) to let go. I find that a bit sad . But then one said she couldn't have sex sober either so who knows?

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 24/07/2020 09:45

@HermioneMakepeace

I would welcome a vegan in with open arms. A teetotaller, however, I am afraid that I would be less than enthusiastic to host them.

I know, I'm terrible Grin.

Can you explain why?

I am teetotal. I am happy with a coke because I don’t particularly like the taste of any alcohol and I don’t enjoy the way it makes me feel. I don’t care at all if others drink as long as they don’t become aggressive or anything. I’m happy to laugh along with jokes and go to places where other people are likely to be drunk. It works well for my DH and my family and friends because I’m always the designated driver.

Leanandmean31 · 24/07/2020 09:56

I would welcome a vegan in with open arms. A teetotaller, however, I am afraid that I would be less than enthusiastic to host them.

Is it the fact that they choose not to drink that bothers you? I mean I’m guessing you wouldn’t turn away a friend who was driving or was pregnant (or maybe you would). Why does what they choose to put in their bodies matter so much to you? Would you make an exception if eg they were teetotal for health reasons or because they’d grown up with an alcoholic parent?

GlottalStrop · 24/07/2020 10:01

Or if they'd started to become dependent so took positive action and stopped. Is that the stigma?

Mittens030869 · 24/07/2020 10:13

Personally I don't take much notice of what other people are drinking at a social event. (Unless they were actually drunk.) If I was hosting, I would provide both alcoholic and soft drinks.

IntermittentParps · 24/07/2020 11:37

What's funny about not wanting to host someone who doesn't drink?

Loyaultemelie · 24/07/2020 13:43

I'm a veggie almost vegan due to severe allergies and as the name suggests Medieval is my thing. Most Christmases/Yule I do a version of a banquet and there's so many dishes are already suitable or easily adapted with very little bother. Mushroom pasties. Parsnip pie. Pottage. Garlic and Cheese torte (vegan cheese). Carrot pudding (was authentically made with almond milk). Frumenty. Roast Parsnip and root vegetable bake. As a main a vegan haggis wellington works quite well and can be easily made using a bought haggis to save time (the non veggies also ate plenty of this although there was plenty of meat on offer too)
Any of these would be quite acceptable as part of the meal for everyone else. I will add though I'm never offended to be asked to bring my own dish or drink (not tee total but not all wines etc are veggie so can make me ill) and always bring something to contribute for others so I'm not an awkward guest!

PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 15:19

It’s just odd @IntermittentParps, how does it affect you?

IntermittentParps · 24/07/2020 15:23

You mean not drinking is 'odd, PablosHoney? I just don't get why Confused and I don't get why Hermione finds it funny to say she doesn't want to host a teetotaller.

PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 15:25

Sorry I read you post to be wondering what was odd about not wanting to host a teetotal

IntermittentParps · 24/07/2020 15:27

That IS what I meant. I don't know why the poster says 'A teetotaller, however, I am afraid that I would be less than enthusiastic to host them.' and then laughs.

PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 15:29

We are at cross purposes, I took it to mean you too would have a problem hosting a teetotal.

IntermittentParps · 24/07/2020 15:47

No! I'm a teetotaller too. I guess I should have said 'Why do you think it's funny not to want to host someone who doesn't drink?'

Smile
Sometimeswinning · 24/07/2020 18:21

@PablosHoney my comment wasnt even aimed at you. I'm confused what you were answering to? I have no issue with non drinkers, especially the designated drivers.

Sometimeswinning · 24/07/2020 18:25

@Leanandmean31 yes it was a genuine question. I manage to go out with friends. 1 a non drinker and we enjoy ourselves. No violence or dramatics involved.

Leanandmean31 · 24/07/2020 19:05

@Sometimeswinning then I don’t understand why you posted that comment/question. 🤷‍♀️

Sometimeswinning · 24/07/2020 21:06

@Leanandmean31 for the same reason you did I suppose 🤷‍♀️

PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 21:37

You responded to my comment that drunk people were often dull as fuck asking for examples and if I was sure it wasn’t just me that was boring 😂😂 can’t you remember, we’re ya pissed 😝

PablosHoney · 24/07/2020 21:38

You even copied my comment into yours..

RealBecca · 24/07/2020 21:43

Can't believe you'd feel worse for asking her to bring something than for excluding her. Glad you aren't my friend.

I hope you don't ever get excluded from something and wonder what you did to upset someone because you couldn't possibly be upfront.