@Sybe wrote:
As long as it doesn't harm me or anyone else, I don't mind that much what people call themselves. 😃
Ditto. I would never chastise people for what they choose not to eat or choose to call themselves. Live and let live is my motto.
However, if you've ever been in a large group situation at a restaurant where you are literally the only person who is happy to pick something from the menu, it can be a bit painful. I really feel bad for the restaurant or catering staff. I have experienced this many times on press trips. While I know some of the other people have genuine intolerances (often severe), it just seems odd to me that in a group of, let's say ten people, nine can't find anything on the menu that they can eat. Funny how this was NOT the case 20, or even 10, yeas ago.
I am constantly making fun of my 13-year-old niece for her food fussiness. I mean, how ridiculous is it to say "I don't like sauces,"? What do you think that is on your pasta. "Oh, pasta sauces don't count." What about soy sauce then? You seem to be all over that. "Erm... well soy sauce is the exception." And how is it that you can't eat dairy, but it's okay if it's ice cream? You get the gist. I really hope she grows out of this. She wasn't fussy when she was younger.
Honestly, it seems to have become a trend to be a fussy eater. It's like some people don't want to be left out when everyone else at the table is being difficult.
Of course, I have gone a bit off topic. I have respect for people who choose to be vegan due to their convictions (I personally do not eat veal or foie gras) and it's great that there is much more choice for them these days. I was a vegetarian for five years in my youth and, back then, the choices were limited. You were lucky if you got a bean burger or a nut roast! Being a vegan was near impossible.
I also think the 'real' vegans don't normally make a song and dance about it because, unlike the 'fake' vegans, they are not doing it for attention.