Controversial topic veganism: How to Mindfully Talk About a Vegan Lifestyle with Friends and Family

Tired of the contentious topic of veganism and want to know the best way to communicate with family and friends when the topic comes up? Then you've come to the right place! Talking about your decision to follow a plant-based diet or a vegan lifestyle can be quite emotional and exhausting!

Especially if you have to justify your actions and are met with incomprehension, rejection or even ridicule from family and friends. So what's the best way to communicate to avoid an impending argument? And how can you convince others of veganism in everyday conversations instead?

In this article, I would like to give you the most important tips and advice for successfully communicating your vegan lifestyle to your family and friends. By the way, it doesn't matter whether you've been vegan for a week or a decade - and whether you're shy or particularly keen to debate. Let's go!

You can find a brief overview here in advance:

1. Dangers
2. Communication types
3. The right communication
4. Closing words

Dangers: Why is veganism such an explosive topic of controversy in the first place?

We've all read headlines like "Vegan bride invites meat-eating family out!". But why is the vegan lifestyle a controversial topic in the first place?

Those who are not vegan feel in the presence of Veganer:innen usually quite annoyed. First of all, because your own diet is questioned. And vice versa it is no different. Meat eaters and also vegetarians usually say again and again the same annoying sentences that vegans then have to listen to repeatedly. For example, "You don't know what you're missing!" or "Lettuce makes your biceps shrink!". This also questions the diet and lifestyle in reverse.

So the topic of conversation is already pretty explosive by nature. In most cases, however, people are even forced to talk about the subject. Especially at the dinner table with family and friends, where the topic of veganism can rarely be completely avoided. This urge usually charges the atmosphere even further and, from experience, opens up a heated exchange of arguments.

Communication types: How do vegans talk about their lifestyle?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for how to talk to family and best friends about the "popular" controversial topic of veganism. Whether the argument escalates or whether it can be smoothly sidestepped depends on certain factors. Above all, which Personality and communication type one is oneself.

I would like to introduce them to you first before we move on to the most effective way to tell your trusted circle that you are vegan. Classify yourself so that you can benefit from the most ideal solution for you.

Type 1: agreeable, shy, peace-keeping

If you are not bothered by other people consuming meat or other animal products at the table, if you have just become vegan, if you are not so keen on defending the decision to go vegan or if you are more of a shy, argument-avoiding character, you should classify yourself as this personality type.

Type 2: unpleasant, protective, peace-keeping

But perhaps you are not afraid to have a factual discussion and stand up for animal rights in a calm tone. If you are equipped with a thick skin and have your emotions under control, you are more likely to be this type of communicator.

Type 3: unpleasant, uncompromising, principled

You know you can't just sit there when someone is eating animal body parts right in front of you? Do dead animals on your plate upset you emotionally, so that you will definitely get into an argument with family and friends if you go out to eat together and are asked about the subject? Then you belong to this third personality type when it comes to veganism.

Notice: Animal rights activist Joey Armstrong introduced me to the video embedded here inspired me to make this little written "survival guide" on the subject. The classification of communication types comes from him, I just found it extremely fitting.

Best-case scenario: How do you have a factual and effective conversation with family and friends about veganism?

So now the discussion about the controversial core topic is open - and you're vegan and right in the middle of it. It's often a pretty annoying situation, I know! But basically, there is still a suitable approach for each of the personality types mentioned to skillfully master the controversial topic of veganism in personal conversations.

Have you assigned yourself to a personality type? Then here's the best advice for talking to others about your decision to go vegan or convincing others to do so.

Type 1: Do you count yourself among the tolerant, shy, peace-keeping vegans?

Then it is advisable to talk about your vegan meal as discreetly as possible when you are approached. Phrases like "I didn't want to eat animals anymore because I feel sorry for what happens to them" or "I have the Documentation Dominion about the treatment of animals" are short and effective and can avoid an argument. However, it is then also important to change the topic of conversation again relatively quickly.

You don't feel so confident in a vegan discussion or simply want to avoid it? Then it is usually highly recommended, that you let the food speak for you. Cook an extremely tasty vegan dish that will really impress everyone. This will open the door to a plant-based diet for many people.

Important: Accusatory sentences, as well as all your Reasons to be vegando not belong at the table! Break it down to the core aspect of "animals" and, if possible, break the topic down into one sentence instead.

Type 2: Do you count yourself among the unpleasant, protective, peace-keeping vegans?

Then as a basis is advisable to family and friends with a truly unbeatable meal and a polite one at that, well-founded statement for your decision that makes the connection between meat, eggs, cheese and other animal-based foods and the animals themselves clear.

If you encounter counter-interest, you can ask questions that go deeper into the topic. For example, how the other person Cruelty to animals stands. And even then, if you perceive a certain defensiveness, you can still tell about it from the first person perspectivehow you came to the decision. So you can master the contentious issue of veganism and the Help animalswithout suddenly changing the mood at the table 😉.

But remember where you come from in every conversation! Finally, it is always advisable to find suitable books or vegan documentaries that have convinced you personally. This way, the person you are talking to won't feel under pressure and can make up your own mind about the corresponding recommendation.

Type 3: Do you count yourself among the unpleasant, uncompromising, principled vegans?

Then it is highly recommended that you tell your family and friends that you feel extremely uncomfortable sitting at a table where animals are being eaten. That way, everyone can be prepared and no arguments will break out. Maybe there are even purely plant-based dishes for everyone - or maybe you simply joins in after the meal. Real friends respect that.

Do you consider yourself to be one of these communication types? Then you can also simply Cook for family and friends yourself or avoid eating together with non-vegans. Instead, you can switch to other joint activities so as not to burden friendships and relationships with this emotional issue.

The controversial issue of veganism: a balancing act for animals

Yes, veganism is a controversial topic - but conversations about it don't have to end in arguments. When you talk about your decision, speak from your perspective and help others to understand and empathize with the suffering of animals. After all, it's a massive injustice - and a role that none of us would want to be in.

But you don't have to talk about it either! Especially not if the other person (whether family member, friend or stranger) is completely closed off and just drains your energy. In such cases, it is always advisable to change the topic of conversation. But you can also recognize real friendships by the fact that they don't stick to this Discussion topic break. 😉

I hope that I have been able to give you some valuable tips to make communication about veganism in your personal environment more pleasant, more effective and less stressful. Do you have any questions or suggestions? Is veganism also a contentious issue in your family or circle of friends? Then please let me know how you deal with it in the comments.

Stay animal-friendly,

PS: Do you want to do more for the animals? Then read the linked article, how to become an animal rights activist. There you will learn techniques and approaches that will also help you in everyday conversations.