I've been a vegetarian/vegan for about 12 years now, for mixed reasons. I'm comfortable and satisfied with this part of my life, but certain circumstances make me feel really awkward and distressed. When I attend the dinner parties or get-togethers of relative strangers who are unaware of my preferences, I am inevitably faced with the uneasy task of denying any meat-laden dish I'm offered. I feel so rude and fear I come off as arrogant or too high-maintenance...I typically end up feeling singled-out and not in a good way. I don't want a big deal made on my account, and I really mean no disrespect, but I never know how to politely decline from eating their meals (sometimes I feel so bad I just give up and take the plate, but since I don't actually eat the food I bet that's even more rude). Is there such way to civilly refuse a meat dish without feeling so guilty and apologetic about my own life choices? Thanks, Elenya
PS, I love your advice and I think there should be many more asylums like this!