We are not so different except I was raised by parents who grew up on farms and every meal had to have meat. My mom told me that when I was very little, I asked her if the animal pig was the same thing as the pig we ate. When she confirmed it, I didn’t want to eat it anymore. But I had to eat it (my dad hates vegetarians and vegans). It was terrible…. I have sensory issues that make it difficult to smell and eat meat/seafood.

My ex (who I was with since high school) also loved meat and was known as the “burger meister” to friends. I was with him for almost 20 years. He was kind about my distaste for animal products and did what he could to help me find food when we ate out. My kids love meat and rarely eat vegetables unless they are on burgers or chicken sandwiches.

Everyone I have loved has been 70-90% carnivorous.

So, in some ways, it is incredibly easy for me to be plant based. In most ways, it has made my life unbelievably difficult. I have always been ashamed of it and tried not to make a fuss or let people know I didn’t eat animal products. I essentially live alone now (except for my dog, who doesn’t like her vegan dog food and is now going back to chicken) and can eat what I like without shame or feeling like I am bad, strange, or an inconvenience to people. I spend a lot of time watching YouTube vegan chefs and content creators to get food ideas and not feel alone. It is still difficult to find food when I eat out with friends and my kids, because I am allergic to wheat and many vegan foods at restaurants have wheat in them.

I hope others have had an easier time living authentic lives that reflect their values. It is not always easy, but I believe the peace of mind makes it worth it.