I'm the only pescetarian in my family and a lot of times when I mention being unable to eat a food they say "well it's not MY fault you're a vegetarian." Meat is a big part of our diet and culture so I kind of understand but I still find it really offensive when they say these things. What should I do? - from, onlyseafood
Hi sweetie,
I completely understand where you are coming from. I have been vegetarian/vegan for around 6 years, and every single person in both sides of my family are meat eaters. Thankfully my mums side of the family have been 100% supportive, but me and my brother recently became in contact with my dad, who is a huge meat eater, and whenever i see him and have food with him he always makes fun of me for what i eat, so i can understand how awful this can make you feel.
I would say the first thing to do is remind yourself why you are pescetarian. Whether its for animal rights or for health reasons, or saving the planet, stick to your morals and dont let anyone tell you that what you are doing is wrong. When I tell people I'm vegan I've had people argue until they're blue that what I am doing is wrong, and they disregard any of my reasons and they tell me that my facts are stupid. You just have to remember that most of the time these people are ignorant, and are brainwashed by what the government want them to believe about what theyre eating, and if they cannot accept that you want to do something to better animals, yourself or the earth then they are not worth your time in arguing about it.
Maybe ask if you could do your own shop? Since I was 12/13 I would do my own shop each week, my mum would give me £10-£20 a week depending on how much she could afford and that was enough to get vegetarian/vegan food that i needed. You could also ask if you can cook your own food, this way you know 100% whats in it, and both can be extremely helpful, in helping to avoid questions and comments that make you feel uncomfortable.
Another thing you could try is talking to them. Explain your reasons for being pescetarian to them, ask them to please understand that this is your choice and whilst it is not culturally acceptable, it is something that you want to do and something you feel passionate about. If they wont allow you to cook for yourself then maybe ask if you could have vegetarian dishes as a family maybe once a week and you could help cook and prepare the food then? You can also ask if you could maybe eat more fish or seafood as a family, that way they wont be able to make comments in regards to you eating something different to them.
I hope things work out well for you lovely,
Lots of love,
Libby xo