Judgments of a Vegetarian Lifestyle

Summary

The text discusses personal experiences and reactions to a vegetarian lifestyle from the perspective of the author, who encounters a range of unsolicited opinions and comments about their dietary choice.

Abstract

The author shares anecdotes about the responses they receive as a vegetarian, from the positive reception of a veggie sub by a sandwich maker to comments from family members about the economic benefits of their diet. The text highlights the unsolicited nature of these opinions, ranging from declarations of potential conversion to vegetarianism by others to backhanded compliments about meatless dishes. Despite these reactions, the author clarifies that they are not actively promoting vegetarianism but simply living according to their personal choices. The narrative concludes with a rhetorical question, playfully asking if the reader has been persuaded to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.

Opinions

The sandwich maker at Publix expresses a positive opinion about the veggie sub, suggesting they might consider a vegetarian diet.
The author's family member views vegetarianism as a fortunate circumstance rather than a deliberate choice, indicating a possible misunderstanding of the motivations behind vegetarianism.
People often comment on the author's vegetarian meals, either approvingly or as a justification for their own consumption of meat.
The author does not intend to persuade others to become vegetarians, emphasizing that their lifestyle is a personal choice.
The author uses humor and a light-hearted tone to address the various reactions to their vegetarianism, suggesting a non-confrontational approach to dietary differences.

Judgments of a Vegetarian Lifestyle

I was at Publix ordering a veggie sub.

“This veggie sub doesn’t sound half bad. I might actually eat something like that,” the employee who made my sandwich declared.

“Thanks, I think?” I laughed.

“Meat has gone up so much [in price] lately. You’re lucky you’re a vegetarian,” a family member said.

“It isn’t so much luck as it is, you know, a personal choice,” I replied.

I could totally be a vegetarian.

People proclaim, unprompted. Choices are picked apart if they are different. New recipes I cook can be “hey, not bad for not having meat!” or “ugh, this is why I won’t give up meat.”

You might think from the above reactions, I’m trying to convince my friends and family and random Publix employees to become vegetarians. But I’m just trying to cook, eat, and live.

Have I sold you on vegetarianism yet?