30 Days of Vegan (Day 3), and Social Eating

Day 3 has come and gone.

But I can't say today didn't have its difficulties; mostly because I had forgotten about "date night." Just a week or so ago, my husband and I had discussed resurrecting "date night," which we had gotten away from when I had been working overnights. But, just a few days after that conversation, I decided to go vegan.

So when I got home today, dear hubby was expecting to go out to eat for our date. Unfortunately, in this area, vegan options are pretty slim pickings.. and none of them sounded especially appetizing to me. And honestly, I feel like I need to train my 'vegan' self at home, before I go exploring restaurants.

This, undoubtedly, turned into a fight. Initially, I was being made to feel guilty. Stated as, "Well, you chose to go vegan right after we said we'd do date nights again." As if I'd actually decided to go vegan, just to punish him.. or just to get out of date night.

After explaining how ridiculous that was, and how I was doing something.. because I believed it was the "right thing to do" .. he returned to his usual supportive self. And we ended up making dinner together, catching up on old tv shows, and just relaxing. Honestly, that sounds better than a 30 minute meal at a restaurant, any day.

I don't mention this fight to make my husband look bad. He's not. He's obviously supportive enough that he's going vegetarian for 30 days, in a show of solidarity. But the truth is, going full vegan isn't easy. It makes social eating very hard.

I think everyone contemplating this lifestyle really needs to understand that.

Going out to eat, cook-outs, wedding receptions, and holiday gatherings... will never be the same for you. And some friends and relatives will begrudge you that. They will see you as difficult, picky, and possibly snobbish.

That's why this isn't something you do to fit in, or belong to some special 'club.' You have to do this, because you believe in it.. You believe it's healthier, sustainable, and compassionate. Anything less, and you won't make it.

I certainly don't say this to deter you. I say it, hopefully, to prepare you.. and to show you that it can be done.

And remember, if you'd like to donate to the Walk for Animals (a fundraiser for Farm Sanctuary), please visit my fundraising page HERE.