I became a vegetarian in fourth grade. Yes, fourth grade. It all started when I found out some details about how animals are slaughtered. I am a huge animal lover so this was incredibly disturbing to me. I thought to myself, “I could probably do that. Not eat meat anymore”. However, my parents were the ones who fed me so I knew I had to run it by them first. They both were so supportive. They tried to accommodate to me as much as possible. My mom always made sure there was something for me to eat (and still does of course). Ever since then, I have not eaten meat. It’s not something I am extremely passionate about. I love animals and I am really happy I do not eat them, but I do not go walking around telling others what to eat.

It has also been a great way to discipline myself. I have reached the point where I do not really crave meat. The only time I ever crave it is when my dad barbeques. I desperately want to have a pork steak on my plate instead of a veggie burger, but I suck it up and try not to breath through my nose to avoid smelling the delicious food on my family members plates.

It does not bother me when people eat meat in front of me. I mean my entire family eats meat. I love it when people ask me, “Do you care if I eat this in front of you?” I cannot help but laugh. It is a very thoughtful question but if they knew my family, they would know how many times my brothers have waved meat in my face and how little I have been fazed.

I will admit I am very nervous to tell people I am a vegetarian. They usually ask why I tell them I love animals. I do not mean that if you eat meat, you don’t love animals. I simply mean that is my reasoning behind it. I cannot tell you how many times people have said to me, “Well I love animals too. Do I not love animals because I eat meat?” Nope. Not what I said. I do not want to offend anyone.

I do not want people thinking I want accommodations. I have become accustomed to eating sides. I really do not mind. I just want to let them know so I do not offend them when I do not eat meat at their house. My family is crazy supportive when it comes to accommodations. My uncles always have something vegetarian for me at holidays. They never forget to grill a veggie burger for me on the Fourth of July, or make pasta con broccoli on Christmas when the rest of the family has lasagna. I have an amazing family.

I also do not like telling people I am a vegetarian because sometimes people think I am some kind of hard-core vegetarian that wears shirts that say, “Meat is murder”. I think some people assume I want everyone to stop eating meat and that I will judge them if they do. Again, my whole family eats meat. I am in no way like this.

My all time favorite response is “If you do not eat meat then what do you eat?” My answer, “Everything except meat”.

So please next time someone tells you they are a vegetarian, do not ask them what they eat, do not roll your eyes and assume they are judging you, do not think they are trying to be passive aggressive because you only served meat at dinner, do not assume they want everyone to go meatless, and be kind. I really don’t mind people asking me questions. I like it. Like I said, it has become a lifestyle. It is a part of me. It is a habit, a great way to practice discipline, and I do not have to worry about accidentally eating meat on Fridays during Lent. I do not think I will ever eat meat again, but if I do, you can bet I will invite everyone I know over my house for some of my dad’s barbecue.