So, I’ve finally taken my head out of the sand; I’m going vegan.
I have friends who made the switch years ago, but was always put-off by the preachiness of [many] vegans I’ve met (sorry, but I’m being honest). That, and the fact I love meat so much, and don’t really like too many vegetables – and especially not Tofu!
I’m in my 40’s, have a wife who will never go vegan, and loves to cook. I’m not saying she’ll turn violent…but I know there’ll be resistance.
We also have a five-year-old daughter, who I don’t want to force anything on. She has started asking questions about killing animals, but I’ll let her curiosity run its natural course.
So, not only do I have a lifetime of habits to kick, but I won’t be living in an ideally supportive environment.
Here’s my plan
I probably should bite the bullet, and go for it, today.
But the festive season is just around the corner, and my wife, who does shift work (and doesn’t always spend the whole of Christmas Day at home), will get to cook a lovely, traditional (in England at least) meal of Turkey – with all the trimmings. She loves to cook Christmas dinner, and I don’t want to rain on her parade.
So, I’m planning to see out Christmas as a carnivore – my last hurrah, and turn vegan on New Year’s Day. A resolution I’ll actually stick to, for once!
And where I need your help
I’ve not broke the news to my wife yet (not the problem).
As a family, sitting down for an evening meal at the dining table is an important part of our day. We’ve done so since we lived together, but also instilled this as a “norm” for our daughter from day one.
Now I’m going to upset the apple-cart – and sitting down together for a meal is important to me.
Forgetting how much harder it’ll make it for me to give up meat, with my wife and daughter eating it in front of me.
I’m hoping somebody can tell me how they’ve approached a similar problem when first becoming vegan, but their partner/child(ren) did not.
Any advice would be welcome.