Today, my roommate and I were casually chatting when she mentioned to me that she would be cooking meat tonight. Her reasons were thoughtful; she didn't want to disturb me and thought giving me a fair warning would be favorable. And for that, I respect her. But, did her telling me about her dinner plans provide an opportunity to talk to her about eating meat?
Taylor, this roommate, is a smart girl. She is an Environmental Studies major, has been a vegetarian in the past, and is savvy enough that she is receptive to new ideas. At times we'll joke about how "hippie" or "open-minded" we are due to the fact that we live in a cooperative house. Ultimately, she is a fantastic candidate of someone who would change their diet.
But when is it appropriate to bring this discussion up? I am more hesitant to discuss these matters with people I live with because I would detest tension in the house due to my beliefs and dietary choices.
For example, once I arrived home today my roommate, Adrian, was baking something. I kindly asked him what he was making, and he responded "Cookies. . . Sorry, there is butter in them. . ." Me asking automatically made him feel uncomfortable that he used dairy. I immediately joked about it, telling him that I could sense how uncomfortable he was and that I wouldn't get angry over his cookies (This doesn't sound like a joke, but I assure you, it was a livelier situation than my writing proves). Then my other roommate asked how the CARE meeting went, I described it in minor detail, leaving out the fact that an omnivore attended which proved to be slightly awkward.
When I look back on these situations, and many like these, I wonder if I am closing down the conversation by not digging into my thoughts more by questioning my roommates, or if they already sense where I am coming from and perhaps do not want to get into these conversations. Finding the right time, place, and people to discuss eating animals with can be difficult, especially when they are the ones that live with you. I have a fear of upsetting others, and I do not want to jeopardize my living situation by being known as the preachy vegan. Simultaneously, I find this personal notion problematic when I think of how uncomfortable animals are in comparison to my lavish life.
I think that I will try and push myself more to graciously conduct these talks in a kind manner. It seems like the compassionate thing to do.
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