Dating a Non-Vegan

As convenient as it would be, the person you're dating isn't always going to make the same lifestyle choices you do. And that's okay. That old phrase opposites attract isn't just a cliché. Being with someone who has a different a perspective can help you solidify and better understand your own life choices.

Besides, being with a carbon copy of yourself would be boring.

But still, being vegan isn't just about what you choose to eat. It affects almost everything you purchase, from toothpaste to makeup, and when you share a household or meals with someone who isn't vegan, it can be challenging.

How do you decide what to make for dinner or where to go out to eat? Maybe your partner doesn't understand why your spending more on a certain cleaning product or soap because it's vegan. What if you go to their family or friend's house for dinner, and they don't understand your choice to live a life free of animal cruelty?

Obviously, good communication, like with almost anything in a relationship, is important. Explain to the person your dating why you're vegan. Tell them what being vegan means to you. Maybe even write out some of the main ingredients and products that you avoid. Share a book or movie that inspired you. And take it on yourself to talk to their parents or friends. Don't make your partner do it for you.

Establishing rules can be good too. If you refuse to cook or purchase meat, let them know that you're happy to prepare a vegan meal, and they can add their own dairy or meat later. When you're grocery shopping, keep the meat and dairy products separate, so they can purchase them on their own. If you plan to make more expensive purchases that are vegan-friendly, foot the extra bill yourself, so you aren't forcing the expense on the other person.

When it comes to eating out, trade off choices, and choose restaurants with flexible menus that can accommodate you both. Or just eat at home more, so you can make meals that are easily adapted to vegan or non-vegan alternatives.

And keep in mind, even if your partner could never picture themselves going fully vegan, by being with you they'll probably start making vegan-friendly choices by default. Just one more way you're helping lessen cruelty toward animals.