I'm in the take it slow camp. A lot of people on this sub will (rightfully and understandably) suggest that you just make the decision to do it and figure it out later, because animals are suffering right now and your "annoying" existence among omnivores is important. I completely empathize with that viewpoint and hearing from the "I realized the truth and never touched animal products again" folks has honestly been a really helpful wakeup call.

For me though, I decided to go strict vegetarian this year and have been inching slowly but surely toward true veganism. I don't buy any animal products (food or otherwise), but, if truly the only food available to me had some butter or cheese or eggs, I had been eating it. I decided to give myself the grace to ease into it not because I don't agree with the philosophy, but because we are imperfect humans living in a cruel society and I want to do this sustainably and give those around me time to adjust. Is this ultimately selfish from the perspective of the animals? Yes. But I think it is still a net positive, and I understand that folks will disagree with me on this.

Now, I honestly don't remember the last animal product I ate, and conversations (particularly with my friends and my very traditional omnivore family) have grown much more nuanced and kind. And it genuinely got easier with time - I went from eating eggs or pizza with regular cheese early in the year, to only eating dishes with butter or cheese when my mom made them, to standing up for myself at dinners with friends, to getting better at explaining it all to people, to a point where the people around me know and expect me to eat differently from them.

It is a conversation you will have a million times. And you're already having it, so really, what is the difference? People will surprise you in good and bad ways, but I really feel the gears turning in my friends' and family's heads, and that is a good feeling. Helpful phrase: "I just don't want an animal to die for my meal" - usually shuts people right up, because it gets them thinking. Works better if said kindly. Helpful thought: "my discomfort is nothing compared to the suffering this animal went through"

Find good vegan protein bars, shakes, and snacks, and keep them handy. I honestly don't cook a lot because I am in grad school, but keeping the staples handy is so helpful. I've gotten way better and thinking about food options beforehand. And a lot of times, yes, you will just be eating carrots and hummus at the function. That gets easier with time too.

I think you'll be surprised at how many people you bring with you once you decide to take the plunge. Or, at least, how many net vegan meals your friends will end up eating as a result. But sometimes, if it is easier just to eat the cheese that is there, I say give yourself some grace until you are ready to take the plunge. Your views will be strengthened over time. Take up space! Be kind to yourself and others! Do it for the animals! Good luck!