I agree whole-heartedly w/ Prudie on this one. I was a vegetarian for a while and still restrict my diet to avoid meats that were raised unethically. When I started restricting my diet, I told myself I would never become one of those annoying, proselytizers who gross everyone out at dinner.

But just by choosing to restrict my diet, I inevitably attracted attention. People would ask why, and I would tell them, with apologies in advance for grossing them out. I found the light touch and leading by example worked much better than any lecture.

Ditto with zbird.

If she really would like to endorse the "no meat" issue with her friends in a non-confrontational manner, then the vegetarian-friend should insist on places that don't serve meat. This way it would allow her to share her vegetarianism with friends and avoid the need to lecture.

I haven't found that imposing your beliefs on anyone has worked - whether it be foor ... or anything else.

I am a vegetarian and find it much more likely to get questioned and lectured by others, including doctors, that the diet is too restricted. After 40 years, 3 healthy children and running many miles per week, I think that point of view is very much off the mark. I volunteer my reasons for eating this way only if asked. I find it rude for people to question my motives.

FWIW, I've observed vegetarians on the receiving end of everything from snide comments to dirty looks to having meat snuck into their food from overzealous carnivores. My sister-in-law has been a vegetarian for years, and she has yet to lecture anyone on the virtues of going meatless. I don't think there's anything wrong with asking questions, but both sides are prone to going overboard. This time the LW's friend was wrong.

< "...I agree whole-heartedly w/Prudie on this one. I was a vegetarian for a while and still restrict my diet to avoid meats that were raised unethically. When I started restricting my diet, I told myself I would never become one of those annoying, proselytizers who gross everyone out at dinner...." >

I wouldn't discuss this at a dinner gathering either, but since this is a blog, I have wonder why you would describe any meat as ethical. Because it's labeled "Certified Humane and Handled"? Or "free-range"?

These labels are marketing tools. If you're interested in knowing more about it, check http://www.humanemyth.org