How do you share your passions without disrespecting others?

Question

I have been doing my research and this is new to me, so I do not want to be overzealous or judge mental but I was appalled after watching videos and doing the research of the negative effects that eating meat had on our planet. I always said I would respect the choices of others, but recently I have had a hard time doing that. I am feeling
Like I am being obsessive and self righteous refusing to buy dairy products for my significant other. Does anyone have any suggestions or guidance to how I can properly utilize and channel this passion? I don’t want to just shun it. And disregard it. I feel like my heart is in the right pace.

londonerabroad · Answer

I was fortunate enough to meet some young vegan activists at a demonstration outside the Brazilian embassy against the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. I became good friends with them (my vegan family) and joined them on many actions such as vigils for animals on their way to slaughter outside slaughterhouses, cubes of truth and other outreach events. I also joined the local vegan society and befriended other vegans on social media such as Facebook. I am still active in promoting vganism and animal rights but nowadays it's mostly keyboard campaigning.

NectarinePie · Answer

I think it's important to remember that veganism isn't for everyone and if they are to be vegan someday, acting righteous is a great way to deter them from being veg-curious and open-minded about the lifestyle. It is not a religion (at least imo) and not the only right way to live. Let people be humans and give them credit if they do something even occasionally like go meatless on Monday. They are doing what's right for them in this moment and doing their best to respect animals. You cannot insert your values into the lives of others just because they make clear sense to you. Would you want someone else to push their values into you? Most people can't stand that attitude. Don't be that vegan. Be loving and set an example. Let people change at their own pace.

poivron · Answer

Melanie Joy has some really good books and videos on this topic.  I learned a lot from them.  Her book "Beyond Beliefs" is specifically about relationships between vegans and nonvegans.

I think you have every right not to buy animal products with your money.  But putting pressure on your partner to go vegan is likely to annoy them and have the opposite effect.  Instead, you could tell them that veganism is really important to you and that you need their support and understanding.  Even if they don't go vegan, you need to be able to share your feelings and experiences with them.  Those are reasonable things to expect from a partner or close friend, and the person is less likely to feel like they're being pressured and controlled.  And that, in turn, will make it more lîkely that they will eventually make the decision to go vegan.

HollyShellard · Answer

Hey MariaAlexis,

Firstly, you've made an incredible decision to go plant-based and for that we as a community are grateful, the animals are grateful, the environment is grateful and your body will be grateful!

Secondly, yes, it is really hard trying to live in this world knowing the horrors that occur everyday and being unable to stop them. This is a really crucial time to give yourself some self love, and if needed get yourself a counsellor. Clare Mann wrote a book called Vystopia which is on this very topic, seeing the world suddenly through the vegan lens and seeing all those people that you know and love suddenly doing dastardly things that you can no longer dream of taking part in. It's a tough time, and I'm here, virtually, supporting you through it. 

The way I see things is that everyone comes to veganism from a different angle and has different skills and attributes that they can bring to the table. For example, I use my skills in baking to supply my local cafe with amazing vegan treats to prove that vegan food really isn't that bad after all. I've managed to convince more than a handful of real carnies to give veganism a go, even for just one day, through the power of cheesecake! 

Further to this, I've studied nutrition and now have my bachelors degree and am able to practice online as a clinical nutritionist, guiding people towards a more healthful diet, which is, of course, plant-based!  I'm using my skills and talents to promote veganism through evidence, through conversations, through research, through good food and ultimately, through love. 

I hope that you can spend some time thinking about what your skills and talents are, and how you can use them to your vegan advantage. 

From my experience, focusing on the positives of this way of life, has been the most effective way of encouraging change in other people. No-one wants to hear that they have to cut something out of their life, but if you tell them they can try something tasty, or they can be more like a celebrity athlete simply by eating more beans, well then, they're much more inclined to listen.

I hope you've found this helpful, and you have my full support on this exciting journey!

Holly

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