Just Let Me Eat in Peace!

I never realized that making the choice to move towards a more vegetarian diet would put me in such an awkward position. Right now, I am what is called a pescetarian. Basically, I am a vegetarian who eats fish sometimes. I'm comfortable where I am, and unsure if I am going to transition to a fully vegetarian diet.

Right now though, I feel like I am just opening myself up to comments and criticisms on both sides. J is pretty good about respecting my diet choice, but he does make comments every now and then about me giving up meat. And, I know that when I go back home, I will get the same comments that I got in high-school. It seems that many of the people in my life feel like there is something wrong with me for not eating meat.

On the other hand, though, I feel judged by people who are vegetarian or vegan. After all, I am not a full vegetarian, so I guess I'm not cool enough to be in their club. Yes, that's juvenile, but the judgmental mentality isn't exactly a mature one.

This morning I was posting on a vegetarian message board (a board that was set up for vegans, vegetarians, semi-vegetarians, and people interested in possibly becoming vegetarian) One of the posters made a comment that she couldn't understand how someone who eats fish can consider themselves vegetarian.

For all I know, the comment wasn't directed to me. Or maybe it was. Doesn't matter. I just didn't understand why she felt the need to make the comment at all. I guess I just don't see why anyone on either side of the fence feels the need to make judgments about the other side. And I don't like being in a position where, no matter who I talk to, I am left feeling like there is something wrong with me, like I'm somehow not good enough for not eating red meat. Not good enough for still eating fish. Not good enough for drinking milk.

I found this: Vegetarian Lifestyle, and I liked a lot of what he had to say. Some of the comments that stood out to me were....

"Ultimately, what life style and dietary approach you adopt is really up to you. Being vegetarian does not make you a saint nor is consuming meat going to make you a bad person."

"No need to be judgmental of others: Simply be yourself. Being judgmental about people who do not embrace your values, dietary approaches, or lifestyle, is unnecessary and not constructive."

"Be true to yourself and people will respect you for it. Standing up for what you believe to be right and drawing a line for what you think is acceptable for you is a must! There are plenty of people who will appreciate you for it as well."