Real confession: anxious about my values

I find my values and philosophy creating obstacles in my social life, as well as general hindrances when travelling. Its impact causes me grief, I feel lonely at times, with less social opportunity. I really appreciate new people who make an effort to cater to my values. But I will avoid social outings sometimes so I don't have to explain myself. There are many times I want to quit my values to fit in, but then find some strength to keep in line. I'm generally happy, good standing financially and physically, but my vegan lifestyle can get in the way. P.s. "find other people like you" doesn't work if there are none in a small town or an area where there are none. Or if they are simply significantly different in culture (think music, lifestyle etc, vegans aren't all the same, I like hockey and capitalism).

2 Comments

Post a Comment

troll or real post?

Sep 22, 2018 at 1:37pm

I can't decide if this is a genuine post, or whether it's a troll trying to get a rise out of people (both pro- and anti-vegan). In case it's real, here is my opinion:

I am Jewish, vegetarian, and have some serious food allergies (the kind that lead to anaphylaxis). All of these things have a significant effect on what I eat. I don't make a big deal of it. I don't judge what or how others choose to eat. If I'm invited to someone's home for dinner, I ask if I can bring a dish in addition to a bottle of wine. If I am going to a restaurant, I check out the menu online ahead of time, and if there isn't anything I can have, I just eat first and have a drink and nibble some bread while people have their meals.

Being social is such an important part of being human. If you choose to ostracize yourself over your beliefs, that's kind of a sad option.

Options

Sep 22, 2018 at 7:57pm

There are always options. I am neither vegan nor vegetarian, but I have friends that are. Some of them are so insistent that everything has to be exactly the way they want it that they refuse to join in any event where everyone isn’t either vegan or vegetarian. So fine, they’re not coming. The reality is that we live in a complicated world and that means that we can either learn to adapt, or opt out completely. Adapting would require that you tell your hosts that you follow a specific diet but that you will bring your own main and would love to come to enjoy the company. If you can’t handle that, then I suggest that you’re going to need to get used to being alone a lot.

Join the Discussion

What's your name?