Everybody has strong opinions about the things they do in life. What is your opinion of spending a day at the beach? Ask that question to a wide selection of people and you will get a wide selection of answers. Some people see the beach as a fantastic fun filled action place in the sun. Some see it as relaxing. Some see it as a place to exercise. Some see it as an irritating place with lots of noisy people. Some people think of it as sandy, cold, and dirty.
Most people have very limited opinions about things they have never done. At best their opinions tend to be things they have heard other people say. When they express opinions in these situations you can feel the uncertainty in their voice. They go into a mode where they listen to other people’s ideas and, because they do not have experiences to draw on, they try and learn from the person that is talking.
When you are new to the vegan lifestyle, you will hear many people voicing their opinions about things you have no experience of. Unfortunately, many of the people you are exposed to will have little experience either, although some will be extremely forceful in their arguments.
We suggest you don’t take anyone’s opinions as gospel. Identify the questions that come into your mind. Then go and do your own research. Make your own decisions and form your own opinions. Keep everything simple and keep a diary of your thinking. What you think and what you do is your private business and there are no absolute rules that you need to learn from others.
There are many vegans that do not tell other people they are vegan purely so they do not need to enter discussions about their believes with other people. In a restaurant it is very easy to order a dish that does not contain animal produce without actually using the word vegan. At home you can prepare food for others without emphasising that it is specifically vegan friendly. And when invited to friends it is easy discuss your dietary requirements without mentioning the word vegan.