I decided I would be willing to date a non-vegan since despite the conveniences and shared ethics of other vegans, it can be hard to find them in general, and maybe I could influence people positively, though probably without any expectation for them to go vegan (but still hoping society will move toward it one day anyway).

But online questions asking people (non-vegans) if they would date a vegan really shocked and surprised me when most of the answers were no, mostly for reasons of inconvenience and a fear of being pulled into veganism. This leaves me feeling like finding other vegans may be my only option after all. Is this somewhat accurate?

    • MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      81·
      11 months ago

      Veganism is not just a diet. Plant based is yeah. Vegan, no. It’s an overall morality thing that includes a diet.

    • AwkwardLookMonkeyPuppet@lemmy.worldEnglish
      6·
      11 months ago

      Veganism is never just a dietary decision, it’s always an ethical decision. Vegetarians, or pescatarians often make the choice just for health benefits, but veganism is a lifestyle. Veganism extends to your decisions about all products, including things like shoes, handbags, down comforters, etc… I know vegans who definitely don’t make veganism their one defining characteristic, but it’s still a big part of who they are and how they choose to live their lives.

    • Robustic@monyet.ccOPEnglish
      105·
      11 months ago

      To be fair, it’s a lifestyle/philosophy that extends beyond diet into other purchases as well. But if I’m not trying to make them vegan, I don’t see what the problem is? Aside from potential inconvenience of me not partaking in some of the same things as they might typically, though there are alternatives…

      • EatYouWell@lemmy.worldEnglish
        129·
        11 months ago

        It doesn’t matter. People who make one aspect of themselves their entire identity are insufferable to anyone who isn’t doing the same thing.

        And that’s not just for veganism either.

        • Robustic@monyet.ccOPEnglish
          43·
          11 months ago

          Would the sole action of me buying different products to them/non-animal derived alternatives qualify as making something my entire identity? Just trying to get a feel of what the specific issue might be.

          • FMT99@lemmy.worldEnglish
            173·
            11 months ago

            The issue is that even if you manage to completely prevent yourself from expressing it, you say that you’d hope they’ll change their perspective to yours. A “positive influence”. Hidden agendas no matter how well intentioned don’t make for a solid relationship usually.

            If your partner was secretly hoping you’d give up on veganism because they thought this was an inferior lifestyle, how would you feel?