Ask A Nice Vegan
How to Say “No Thanks” to Meat Without Hurt Feelings
Declining beef without starting beef
Ask A Nice Vegan is a weekly advice column by Summer Anne Burton, a nice vegan who is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine you are reading right now. She can answer questions about any topic that you could use a nice vegan’s advice on, be it food, animals, etiquette, philosophy, gifts, dating, family, weddings, parties, or friendships. Email your questions to advice@tenderlymag.com!
Dear Nice Vegan,
My almost-in-laws (we’re engaged) are meat people — like, hard-branded, charcoal grill, fish on the line, heads mounted on the wall, type Texans. They’re super nice, they just love eating meat. Bless ‘em!
BUT, I’m a vegetarian (would love to be vegan but cheese!) — how do I best say “no thank you” when constantly offered “catch of the day” at family functions? I’m worried that they’re going to think I’m rude, or even worse, that I’m judging them for the way they’ve always eaten and how they enjoy family gatherings.
Signed,
Annie “I will not get my” Gunn
Hey Annie,
As a Texan myself, I know and love many families just like your spouse-to-be’s. And for…
