There is a joke out there that goes, “How do you know if there is a vegan at the party? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.”
We all chuckle because it seems like we all know that one vegan who is very vocal about their lifestyle. It’s hard not to sometimes. There are so many benefits, from health to energy to saving and preserving the environment. But that one particular type of vegan can sometimes cross the line. They can become pushy and loud and demeaning and frankly no fun at all.
Don’t worry though, you don’t have to choose between being the pushy vegan and the quiet vegan. There are a few things that you can do (or not do) to help promote this lifestyle in the best possible way.
1.) The biggest way that you can not become the annoying vegan at the next get together is to not attack others who do not follow this lifestyle. Everyone has their own path and journey and by telling someone that they are wrong or a bad person because of the way they eat is not going to make any new vegans. Do you like it when someone gets in your face about your choices? Of course not! Don’t do that to others. Respect the fact that they are adults and can make their own decisions.
2.) Instead of monopolizing every conversation and turning it into a vegan lecture, let others ask you first. Then you can list all of the amazing benefits you’ve experienced since you’ve made the switch. You can also share some of the struggles that you might have faced when you decided to change. Maybe you have had a few slip ups or struggled to give something up. By sharing those stories and how you moved past them helps others to see that you are just like them. There is sometimes this perception that all vegans are perfect and never struggle with any temptation. That’s not true at all! By showing others that you are human like the rest of them you have a better chance of helping them change as well.
3.) Another common misconception is that the only things vegans eat is bland and boring tofu. We all know that is so far from the truth. Show that to others and offer to bring a vegan dish to your next gathering. Better yet, host a vegan dinner night and make some of your favorite vegan dishes. Try a build your own taco night and let everyone customize their tacos with toppings like guacamole, salsa, and cashew sour cream. Or make a few vegan desserts and have a few friends over for a wine and dessert night. There are so many delicious meals out there that are crowd-pleasing and completely vegan. Food is a great way to bring others around to the vegan lifestyle!
The biggest thing to keep in mind is to try and not alienate anyone by shoving your ideals in other’s faces. As a vegan you know how great this lifestyle is and the best way to share is to be open and gracious. Lead by example and showcase all the amazing benefits in your life. And if that doesn’t work vegan chocolate is always a good idea!
Great post! I have to say, though, that I’ve never actually met ‘that annoying, pushy vegan’. Even when I myself was merely a vegetarian. I’m starting to think that The Annoying Vegan is just a stereotype made up by the guilt-ridden mind of The Pushy Carnivore – the one that will constantly question your lifestyle choices and present you with charming dilemmas such as, ‘but if you were on a desert island with only chickens’.
I swear that the Annoying Vegan lives mostly on internet comment sections. It’s a lot more fun to wait for the questions and bring the desserts!
I don’t consider myself an “annoying” vegan. I am vegan because I have developed life-threatening allergies to animal products. If I don’t ask if it is vegan, I could be eating food that could potentially kill me……….why is it telling people you’re vegan considered annoying, but telling someone you can’t eat something because you are allergic to seafood/nuts/gluten OK? Now THAT’S annoying 🙂
Cathy, that’s not actually what this article is referring too.