I’m sure many vegans would agree that it’s hard enough practising the lifestyle successfully without all the added complications that seem to arise in everyday life – mainly from people not understanding exactly how or why you’re choosing to abstain from anything that contains animal products. Here are just a few of the most annoying things that vegans have to deal with:
1. Fashion.
It’s a sad fact that a huge amount of fashion designers still use real fur in their designs and even if they don’t then issues can still arise from the use of leather, wool and silk. Luckily there are fashion designers like Stella McCartney who make it their mission to remain cruelty-free in everything they do and consequently make it easier for vegans to navigate the world of fashion.
Image source: pinimg.com
2. Kitchen issues.
If you’re a vegan living with non-vegans you will be very familiar with the constant anxiety that someone might use one of your special pans to cook some meat. Our advice here is choose your housemates carefully because some people just don’t get it.
Image source: guim.co.uk
3. Random non-vegans trying to talk to you about being a vegan all the time.
Ok yes, to some it might seem like a good topic of conversation to speak to a vegan about “being vegan” but what these people might not understand is that this is what happens ALL the time. FYI, vegans are able to speak about other things going on in the world… Current affairs? Politics? You name it.
Image source: projectconquest.org
4. Although when you find another vegan who really gets it, that’s something to hold on to.
Having said this, if you’re a practising vegan and you stumble upon your vegan soulmate – somehow who just ‘gets you’ – then hold on to this person forever.
Image source: msecnd.net
5. People not taking you seriously.
For some reason people think it’s quite ok to openly view vegans as some sort of practical joke. Well, it ain’t no picnic buddy but we’re doing what we’re doing for the right reasons so I suggest you keep your snide comments to yourself.
Image source: menshealth.com
6. People asking you questions about why you’re a vegan ALL the time.
Another annoying aspect that crops up from time to time is people constantly questioning why you’re doing what you’re doing. Don’t you miss meat? Don’t you miss the smell of bacon? Well, the answer to these questions is no but do I find you annoying? Yes, absolutely.
Image source: amazonaws.com
7. Then others who think that you know everything about being a vegan so question constantly about everything even mildly related.
On the other side of the problem you have people who are so genuinely interested that they think that you are a walking encyclopaedia able to answer every vegan-related query that has ever existed in the world. Don’t people get that this is a work in process in a world that is vastly non-vegan?
Image source: wordpress.com
8. Having only one choice on the menu – if that!
Image source: pinimg.com
9. The awkwardness if someone mistakenly cooks you something that you can’t eat.
This really is one of the most awkward things in the world because what are you supposed to do if your well-meaning friend or family member thinks they’ve cooked you a delicious vegan-friendly meal only they’ve forgotten about the mayonnaise or something that seems insignificant but could actually make you vomit on the spot? There is no easy way out of this so maybe you should be the one to host in future…
Image source: skim.gs
10. Trying to explain being a vegan when you’re in a foreign country.
Good luck with this one! Not only will some restaurants not literally understand you but even if they do some will also make it quite obvious that they think you’re crazy. The best you can do is research vegan terms in a phrasebook and stick to your guns!
Image source: dailymail.co.uk
