Is it difficult for a vegetarian to date a non vegetarian?

Question

I've just recently became a lact-ovo vegetarian (no meats except dairy products and eggs) for health reasons, and I LOVE it! I have a lot of energy, never get bloated anymore, and a great digestive system. I am currently single, in college, and currently not dating, but not for long. I've heard that it is hard for vegetarians to date non vegetarians because of the different eating habits. So I wanted to obtain a few vegetarian testimonials on this topic. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO ABOUT ME CHANGING BACK TO EATING MEAT JUST TO GET A DATE. I LOVE IT AND WILL NEVER GO BACK TO EATING MEAT! Please remember that when you respond. Just wanted to obtain insight for when I do start dating again.

Answer 1

Not if you respect each others decisions.

Answer 2

My boyfriend is a vegetarian and I try to be when I'm with him but he does not get upset when I decide not to be. For him, it's a moral thing. But I honestly like how vegetarian things taste. Tell her that this could be a time to experiment and try new things together. Show her what great vegetarian food there is out there! Tell her she can eat meat whenever she likes (if that's okay with you, and I'm assuming it is) but you prefer being a vegetarian and you genuinely feel better when you do. Explain that it's healthier too and you want both of you to have long lives together? I think compromising is a big part of being in a relationship. She has to understand that you want to be a vegetarian. In turn though, you should be willing to try some foods if she really likes them and wants to share food with you. Have vegetarian lunch and breakfast but one meat dish at dinner perhaps? This is a very tough situation, and I'm not used to it. But it's all about finding a way to compromise, finding the perfect balance. You shouldn't lose her because of something as silly as diet, however not being able to compromise on both of your behalves might come up later in your lives and cause more problems.

Answer 3

I think that if you're a vegetarian for heath reasons vs. ethical reasons, you will have an easier time adapting to a relationship with an onmivore and vice versa. If you were concenred about the "ethical" side, there may be more conflict, because there won't be as much flexibility as far as your feeling when meat is in the house, animal rights, etc.



That sounds simplistic, but I think its a valid reality. A lot of what we can accept in relationships comes from having basic similar core values; if you value "meat is murder" and your partner feels that cows are here so that steaks may inhabit the Earth, then there will be a lot more problems than if you just feel that meat is an unnecessary choice.



I've always been a "casual" vegetarian, meaning I go through long periods where I don't eat meat. (I don't label myself that way - just the easiest way to quickly explain). When I met my partner, he ate meat, literally, seven days a week, and the only vegetables he ate were baby carrots and plain salad. My diet has remained pretty much the same through many years, and I'm pleased to say, without my coaxing, he now happily eats pretty much anything I make, including tofu and broccoli. It comes down to exactly what the wonderful posts above say: I don't push him, and he doesn't push me.



Now, I'm considering making a consious decision NOT to eat meat or similar any more, and I know that my partner will support me. I will support him if he feels he would like to continue to eat meat, which he's already expressed. I don't agree, but I have to agree. Besides, I know I have the upper hand because I'm the one that cooks dinner ;).



Every person has a right to decide what they will use to fuel their body. Every person deserves to decide what they feel is ethical, tasty, healthy, and right for THEM.



That being said, in any case: you will never change a person to be what you prefer, or what they aren't, or change what they deeply believe in - nor should you try. People do change - but rarely because someone else tried to change them.



If you can accept this, then you should have no problems. Some of your partners might still have issues, but believe me, vegetarianism will be the least of the wonderful topics that there will be to overcome, deal with, and stand by in the exciting world of college dating ;).

Answer 4

Not sure how fortyonelady got that thumbs down. That's the truth: if you both respect each other's decisions, then there will be no problems.



I've been with a guy for a while now, over 2 years, and when we met I was an omnivore. I became a vegan overnight after reading it could help with a medical condition I developed in the Marine Corps. I told him what I was doing and why, and let him know that it wouldn't affect my cooking (I cooked dinner for us). We both ate healthily and our meals already included a lot of vegan-friendly foods (rice, beans, pasta, vegetables, and fruits) with some meat thrown in. If it was a pot-style dish (chili, marinara, etc.), I would cook it, separate it, and add meat to one of the dishes for him. He never would think about even becoming a vegetarian, but I do notice he's asking for less meat/cheese than he used to. After I got into the vegan thing, I was using a huge variety of foods and that sh*t tastes really good...the meat/cheese tends to make it overpowering and heavy, he notices.



I don't think he's evil, and he doesn't think I'm a stupid hippie. Yeah, works out just fine.

Answer 5

I've been a veggie for almost 8 years now and I've never dated another veggie. I don't think that should be a priority for me. However, sometimes the people I date feel compelled to cut back on how much meat they eat and that is fine by me, but I try not to pressure them to do so. Basically, if you respect each other's ideas and habits, what and how you eat won't even be an issue.

Answer 6

I am a vegetarian and my husband isnt, and we never had a problem! Almost every restaurant offers vegetarian selections and my husband never even noticed that I didnt eat meat until like a month down the line LOL. The only thing that makes it hard is if you are extremely disgusted by watching someone eat meat...the only thing that makes me sick is watching someone eat really fatty red meat, it makes me gag...or someone who is really uneducated on vegetarianism and nitpicks about what you eat...but I dated a lot before I was married 3 years ago and I have been a veggie for 13 years...and only did I ever have a problem with one person. so dont worry about it, they probably wont even notice

Answer 7

It depends on the person.



My husband and I are both vegetarians but he had a very different eating style from me when we were dating.



I have had this talk with my sister, a meat-eater married to a meat-eater. I asked her what sort of foods she gave up when she got married.



Vegetarian or not, it is hard to find someone with a similar eating style and habits. You will inevitably accommodate each other one way or another. Perhaps your partner will stop eating meat. I stopped eating cream sauces and corn products because my husband thinks they are gross.

Answer 8

For me, it's been alright. Basically you have to be open minded to your lover and they have to return it.



I've not really had problems with it, I never care what they eat. They will always eat something vegetarian, it's a part of their diet. It's easier for the meateater mostly.



But when you flip it to their perspective, sometimes it's annoying for them. You can't eat their signature dish they are so proud of cooking, can't really eat together at the steak house. My boyfriend has felt a little sad about the small amount of options available in a restaurant from time to time. He jokes about it, but it's all in good taste.



Overall, if both parties are flexible without crossing what they feel is right... it's all good!

Answer 9

If you're doing it for health reasons, I don't see how it would be a problem. For someone doing it for moral reasons, it could be a problem if you weren't respecting each other's eating habits.



Some people can't stand the thought of their partner being a "graveyard". If that's not an issue for you and they aren't going to harass you for being vegetarian (and you're not going to harass them for eating meat), then it's fine.

Answer 10

I guess it just depends on how you feel about meat eaters. If it offends you to date one it might be hard. On the other hand, there are some vegans out there who feel that eggs and dairy are evil too. It may be hard for you to date one of those folks too. Good luck dating!

Answer 11

Nah, i'm a vegan, and to be honest, i've never dated anyone who didn't eat meat

I've been with my boyfriend for 2 years and it's never once been a problem, i just always make sure he brushes his teeth before he see's me..

Eating together isn't even a big deal, i'm happy for him to eat his own meat dishes, and he's more than happy to eat my vegan dishes :)



It really shouldn't affect that part of your life lol

Answer 12

nope. i am vegetarian and i don't care about people who eat meat. nothing will hapen. other people may think you are "weird" for not eating meat, but you feel healthier. also, just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you don't eat veggies, fruits, nuts, etc. being a vegetarian does not change your brain.

Answer 13

it's actually pretty simple, there has not been one restaurant that i've went to where a lact-ovo vegetarian and an absolute carnivore(my boyfriend) can both eat and be happy. just don't bug him and he won't bug you.

Answer 14

My bf eats meats and its not hard at all .

I buy him his meat when i grocery shop , but i dont cook it or eat it obviously

He makes his own meat if he wants it

Otherwise he eats my vegetarian dishes

simple.

Answer 15

Nah. Not unless your constantly shoving your beliefs or they are doing the same to you. Really, you just need to respect eachothers eating habits.

Answer 16

I have been happily married to a non-veg for 5 years. As long as he/she respects your preference, you won't have too many issues.

Answer 17

No, actually it saves money!! You can eat the salad that comes with his meal.

Answer 18

Only if the vegetarian is a bigot.



It would be pretty hypocritical too considering most veg's want respect and fair treatment from regular people, but then when you say things like "ewww i'd never date a meat eater".... WELL, What do you expect?!

Answer 19

Only if the NON veghead eats you.

Answer 20

If you are constantly annoying people then yes. If you respect people as much as animals, then no.

Answer 21

as long as there is respect for each other its fine :]