Fellow Vegans/Vegetarians: My husband still eats meat--how to deal?

Question

I have been vegan for almost a year now, and I have never pushed veganism on my husband. I only talk about being vegan if he asks (which he often does). As a result of all of his questions, he is now fully aware of what goes on behind the scenes of the meat and dairy industry. Even with this knowledge, he still chooses to eat meat. At first it didn’t bother me as much, but now it is really starting to get to me. I asked him about it last week, and he just shrugged and said “meat tastes good.” I don’t understand how he can be so cruel, selfish, and insensitive!

Has anyone else been through anything similar? Please help! I am started to resent him because of the fact that he is causing animals to suffer just because they “taste good!” I have been cooking delicious vegan meals but he still seems to want a chicken leg to go with it every time…..ugh….

Please do not respond to this question if you are just going to tell me something like “we need meat” or “I’m a carnivore”…..thank you.

Answer 1

I am married to a vegetarian and have been trying to be one for 3 years now...but, I still on occasions eat meat. I don't eat meat just because it tastes good. Personally, I feel physically better when I consume animal protein. My body functions better, and usually meat  has fewer calories for the amount of protein that my body demands than a vegetarian substitute. I know because I have been trying for 3 years to find a meat-less alternative that makes my body feel as healthy.
  Really, I think it comes down to blood type. I have O negative blood, and according to blood type diet books and websites, O blood is caveman blood that requires an ungodly amount of protein. In the blood type diet book, "Eat right for your type" it is suggested that O blood types eat meat for just about every meal. When I followed this plan to the letter, I felt better than I ever have in my life! Now, not so much!
   When your husband says that meat tastes good, maybe he really means that it makes him feel good. We all know how men can be!! They don't often listen to what their bodies are really telling them. Or if they are, they may be hard pressed to communicate it!
  I understand where you are coming from. This has been an issues for my husband and I, and while I feel heart sick at killing animals, I sadly can't find a better way to be healthy. I have found that my diet now is mainly composed of carbs and veggies...but mostly carbs, and I sincerely worry about becoming diabetic.
There is no easy solution, but I recommend you check out "Eat right for your type." It may explain why he really isn't able to give up meat on a more satisfying level than it tasting good!

Answer 2

Hello,
I think I understand your frustration. When I got married I had been a vegetarian for about 12 years. My husband eat meat and that time it did bother me but I could live with this problem. It was easier for me because my husband didn't cook meat when I was at home and he hardly ate any meat when we were together. Sometimes he was buying a frozen fish and warmed up in the oven, only products which didn't smell too much.
Anyway, after few years of marriage my believes in the righteness of vegetarianism became stronger and I really suffered knowing that my husband ate meat. Fortunately during that time he watched a film about canibals who kept human meat in the fridge and he noticed that human meat looked exactly the same as animal meat. I think it disgusted him so much that until this day he doesn't eat meat or fish.

Maybe one day something will trigger your husband to stop eating meat.

Answer 3

I am having a similar problem and I don't know how to deal either. My husband doesn't like any vegetable though so it is hard to replace. Organic and Kosher animals are slaughtered in the same slaughterhouses as conventional factory-farmed animals. Maybe you could make an arrangement where he only eats meat outside of the home like at work for lunch and at restaurants. And then at home only have vegan meals. Good luck.

Answer 4

you need to ask yourself a simple question, Did you marry for love or for vegi's, chicken or food?  i can't even imagine why people take these petty things and make a big deal out of it. does your husband love you? Do you love him? How long have you been married for and does it still feel the same as you felt in when you first met?  did you know he eat meat when you decided to marry him; flip the side and what if condition for his love demands you start eating meet? i think you are going to lose a good man over chicken and that would be shame. grow up, either love him for what he is or get a life; i can't imagine you are messing up your life over nonesense. if i was your husband i would leave you for being stupid.

Answer 5

I understand where you are coming from.  It is very upsetting to be with someone who claims to love animals and at the same time choose to eat meat when the other meatless foods are available and just as tasty (to him).
We are having a big party this weekend with all our friends and he got a whole s**t load of pork and I will have to watch everyone eating it tomorrow and it just kills me.   All I can think about is the horrible suffering these poor pigs went through.

Answer 6

No one would be answering this question the same way if you said  you are faithful beleiver in god and your husband does not believe and its causing a rift.  This would be considered a great dissonace to harmony in a marriage.  Married people dont have to believe the exact same thing in the exact same way but there has to be some understanding and respect for ones views to procede to a healthy conclusion.  

And when kids come into the mix its a whole other story  what will they learn how will you teach them and whos belifs witl take the lead.  because they cant have it both ways  they eaither will believe it is wrong to kill and eat the slaughter or they will not.  

I am married to a stubborn carnivore who wont even hear what i have to say.  He accepts im vegan and will raise my kids vegan,  but i realize this is a problem for both our relationship and for our children  I wounder too how it needs to be resolved.  because i know it has to have an answer.