I’ve been “vegan” for two years now, and veg for almost 5. I am usually very strict with myself, but for some reason, when I’m with my boyfriend and his family, at his house, I am more likely to compromise myself and have a “taste” of cheese. It’s rarely ever anything else (NEVER meat!! Just dairy, or bread products that must have egg in them). I read labels and won’t eat anything with animal products, lactose, anything like that. I guess it’s just harder when the thing I miss the most since I went vegan is cheese, and my boyfriend is a cheese FIEND (I might add, so was I in my ovo-lacto veg days and before that).

I’m doing my darndest this year by making sure there is hummus on the coffee table next to the cheese platter, so I can enjoy some crackers before dinner, too. I’m also bringing my own food so I don’t “give in” and do things like have some mashed potatoes even though I know there’s butter and milk in them (not that I did exactly that last year or anything).

My boyfriend’s mother is so understanding about my veggieness and tries to find recipes I can enjoy (as she is an AMAZING cook), but being the only non-omnivore present attracts attention, scrutiny, and pressure. I vow to hold my own this year and stand up firmly for my beliefs!