I have been a vegan for nearly four years
By Jon Busdeker on Apr. 05, 2007
Dear Emily: I have been a vegan for nearly four years, yet every time I go home to visit my dad, my step-mom insists on cooking steak or some kind of meat dish. I keep politely telling her I don’t eat certain foods, but she never fails to serve them. I’ve concluded that she just doesn’t care, or she just can’t remember. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t want to visit anymore.
- Mad Over Meals
Dear Mad Over Meals: It is possible that your step-mom does remember and does care, but chooses to cater to others in the house instead of you. When you are a guest in someone’s home, you shouldn’t make demands on what to eat. If she and your father like meat, or whatever else you refrain from, then they are entitled to eat it.
Sure, a good host wants to make their guests feel welcome, but to a certain extent. Preparing vegan dishes may seem too challenging to your step-mom.
So don’t assume the worst about her, just work around the problem. Call ahead and ask if she would mind if you brought and prepared your own food. Maybe once she sees how simple it is to provide the right kinds of food for you, she’ll make an effort next time to better accommodate you.
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