“Have No Intention Of Becoming Vegan”: Woman Taken Aback After Date Calls Her Out

To eat or not to eat meat when you’re in the company of a vegan—that is the question.

It’s one this Redditor has been mulling over after a third date with a guy she described as “funny, brilliant, and intelligent” didn’t quite go as planned. During the meal, he casually mentioned he was vegan, which she took in stride. But when it came time to order, the woman didn’t think twice about getting a burger.

Days later, though, the man sent her a text calling her choice “disrespectful.” Now, she’s wondering whether she may have been out of line.

On a date with a vegan man, the woman ordered a meat burger without hesitation

A woman with a meat burger and a man reading the menu at an outdoor restaurant table, highlighting a dietary difference on a date.

Image credits: Image by Freepik (not the actual photo)

Now, she’s questioning whether she may have been out of line

Text about a woman eating meat during a date with a vegan, wondering if it's tactless.

Text conversation describes a date where one orders a burger, highlighting differences in dietary choices.

Text about ordering food preferences on a vegan date, addressing personal dietary choices confidently.

Text conversation about tactlessness after woman orders meat burger on date with vegan.

Text excerpt expressing confusion about perceived disrespect on a date with a vegan eating partner.

Text discussing reactions to a woman ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Woman sitting on a gray couch, reflecting, wearing a cream sweater with fairy lights in the background.

Image credits: Image by Freepik (not the actual photo)

"Text message clarifying a vegan did not ask woman to become vegetarian.

Text about a woman eating meat in front of a vegan date, with considerations on meal choices and implications.

Image credits: Responsible-Fig3868

Vegans are nearly four times more likely than meat eaters to go on a date with someone who follows a different diet

People adopt veganism for a variety of reasons—be it health, ethics, environmental concerns, or simply all of the above. For some, these values are so important that they prefer their partners to share their lifestyle. However, with most of the world still consuming animal products, many vegans choose not to narrow their dating pool and are open to mixed-diet relationships.

In fact, research from Myvegan shows that vegans are nearly four times more likely than meat eaters to have gone on a date with someone who follows a different diet (33.9% vs. 13.6%). They’re also almost three times as likely to have been in a relationship with someone whose diet doesn’t align with theirs (38.7% vs. 10.3%).

But does that make ordering something as bold as a burger in front of a vegan appropriate, especially when you’re just getting to know each other? Bored Panda asked Scottish vegan influencer Sophia, known as @vegansoph on Instagram and TikTok, to weigh in.

Image credits: rawpixel.com / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Sophia, who has a non-vegan partner, doesn’t believe eating meat around vegans is inherently bad manners. “I guess it’s similar to one friend ordering a low-calorie salad because they’re on a weight-loss diet, and the other ordering a cheeseburger and fries,” she says. “It might seem a bit senseless, but I don’t think it’s rude.”

Being vegan for five years hasn’t stopped Sophia from comfortably dining with meat eaters. “Unless I want to spend the duration of the meal talking about veganism, I won’t bring it up,” she notes.

“That said, in the context of the first few dates, where you’re trying to put your best foot forward, it would have been a thoughtful gesture to order something vegan as a sign of respect,” she adds. “However, if the man expected both people to eat vegan, he should have made that clear from the start to avoid any awkwardness.”

Plenty of readers defended the woman

Text critique of a woman labeled "tactless" on a date for ordering a meat burger with a vegan.

Comment discussing a woman's choice to order a meat burger on a date with a vegan, labeling the act as "tactless.

Text from Reddit discussing vegan dietary preferences and tact in social situations.

Comment discussing dating dynamics between a meat-eater and a vegan.

Online comment about a woman eating a meat burger on a date with a vegan, being called tactless.

Text exchange discussing a woman being labeled tactless for ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Text comment about a woman labeled tactless for ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Reddit comment discussing a date where a woman orders a meat burger with a vegan, labeled as tactless.

Reddit comment discussing the topic of a woman ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Text from a Reddit user discussing a woman's choice to order a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Text discussing ordering meat burger on a date with a vegan, labeled as tactless behavior.

Reddit comment defending a woman who ordered a meat burger on a date with a vegan, emphasizing it's not rude.

Text conversation about a woman eating a meat burger on a date with a vegan, labeled tactless.

Comment discussing a woman being criticized for ordering a meat burger while on a date with a vegan.

Comment discussing reactions to eating meat burgers around vegans.

Others, however, thought her choice was inconsiderate

Comment discussing eating a cheeseburger on a date with a vegan, labeled as tactless.

Comment discussing etiquette of ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan, highlighting tactlessness.

Text post discussing a woman ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan, labeled as tactless.

Reddit comment discussing a woman's choice to eat a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Text debate on tactless behavior, focusing on a woman ordering a meat burger on a date with a vegan.

Reddit comment discussing opinions on meal expectations during a date involving a woman's burger choice with a vegan.

Comment discussing ethics of eating meat on a date with a vegan.

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