Mounds of hotdogs. Grills chock full of steaks and burgers. Platters filled with chicken. Legs. Drumsticks. Breasts. Gizzards. Intestines and Feet too?
Backyard BBQs to Vegetarians is like what summer is to polar bears. It’s just a place that they don’t want to ever be at. Why would a person who has specifically eliminated meat from their diet want to attend any event where consumption of meat is the entire point of the event? Vegans and vegetarians usually choose to go meat and dairy free for various reasons. For some it may have been awareness of the animal cruelty that goes on in the meat and dairy industries. For others, the reason might have been knowledge of the dangers of consumption of animal products. For some it’s the taste and for others it could be the smell that’s intolerable. The fact is that there are different reasons why vegans become vegans and vegetarians become vegetarians.
It shouldn’t be a surprise if your vegan friend or family member is not at your next dinner. You should actually see it as a blessing that they didn’t attend because the bold ones may take the opportunity to school you about why you shouldn’t be eating that bbq chicken leg. Also, since the choices at your average BBQ will more than likely include meat or dairy, they will not enjoy themselves because they can’t eat anything. Then there are the onlookers who’ll question the non-eating friend at the bbq and ask, “Hey, why aren’t you eating anything?” Some don’t want to have to go through a long and exhausting conversation about why they aren’t eating. They’re not trying to stop you from eating your nice juicy steak so don’t try to stop them from living their meat-free life!
If you’re thinking about inviting your friend to the next summer BBQ, stop and think about that first. Make sure that you will be providing meat and dairy free options that are not just vegetables. Tons of people have this wrong idea that vegetarians and vegans only consume vegetables! It’s pretty laughable.
Maybe try asking them to bring some meat free dishes. If at any time your vegan or vegetarian friend went out of their way to make you your favorite dish, which involves meat or dairy, you better know that they must sincerely love you!
If they don’t show up or choose not to attend your barbecue, you shouldn’t take it personal. BBQs and meat eating events just aren’t their thing!
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