Though I’ve only recently reconverted to veganism, I have been a vegetarian for 10 years and was previously vegan for close to two years during my freshman and sophomore years of college. I know very few other vegans in the real world, and I have never had the luxury of dating another vegan. In fact, I’ve never even dated a vegetarian. Every boyfriend I’ve ever had, including my current boyfriend, have been omnivores. While some vegans refuse to date anyone who doesn’t follow the vegan lifestyle, I try to be open minded of my partner’s dietary choices, even if I don’t agree with them. I’ve had boyfriends who are fully supportive of my decision to eliminate all animal products from my diet, and I’ve had boyfriends who think I’m crazy for eating my toast dry and driving 20 miles to purchase vegan-friendly makeup. I’ve found that my lifestyle can literally tear a relationship apart, and I’ve also found that it can bring a relationship closer together. If you are an omnivore dating a vegan, it is essential you follow these basic do’s and don’ts to ensure your relationship doesn’t fall apart as the result of your differences in diet and lifestyle.
DO Research Veganism
While its likely your vegan significant other will try to educate you about why they are vegan, it is essential you do your own research to fully educate yourself. Research how animals are treated in factory farms and slaughter houses. Research the health benefits of the vegan lifestyle. Research the environmental benefits of converting to veganism. Even if you have no intentions of becoming vegan yourself, it is important you understand where your partner’s passion for the lifestyle comes from. If you are well-educated in the history and benefits of veganism, you will be able to better appreciate the dedication your significant other has to the vegan lifestyle.
DON’T Criticize Your Partner’s Dietary Choices
Veganism stems from deep-rooted beliefs regarding the treatment of both animals and the planet. The omnivorous diet stems from thinking meat, cheese and eggs taste good. As a non-vegan, you have to accept that your diet is not supported by dedication or passion for the food you put into your body. Don’t ever criticize your partner for their decision to lead a cruelty-free life. You do not believe in your diet with unwavering conviction as your partner does. Your partner has health studies proving the vegan diet is healthier than an omnivorous diet on their side. Never try to make your partner feel bad about their decision to be vegan, as failure to support something they believe so strongly in is bound to tear your relationship apart.
DO Be Open to Trying Vegan Foods
As stated above, the omnivorous diet has no philosophical support behind it. You don’t eat meat and dairy because you think it’s the right thing to do, you eat it because you want to. Since your diet requires no dedication, there is no reason to refuse to try vegan foods your partner prepares or dine at a vegan restaurant. You aren’t breaking your diet or sacrificing your morals and beliefs in trying hummus and pita bread. Even if you do not convert to veganism, trying vegan foods will show your partner that you are supportive of their lifestyle and respect their beliefs.
DON’T Try to Make Your Partner Eat Non-Vegan Foods
I’ve had boyfriends try to make me taste bites of their non-vegan dinner or sneak non-vegan ingredients into food they’ve prepared for me. I took this to mean they had no respect for my decision to eliminate these ingredients from my diet, and in turn this showed they had little-to-no respect for me. If your partner wanted to eat cheesy mashed potatoes, they wouldn’t be vegan. Think of veganism as a bit of a religion. You wouldn’t force a Muslim to attend Mass and you wouldn’t ask a Jew to replace their Star of David with a Cross. Don’t put your partner into a position where they feel forced to break their values and morals.