When you get accused of having an attitude – Part 1

[image error]Excerpt, A Veggie’s Dating Diaries…

 

Today is one of those days when I know I shouldn’t have even left the house. Correction, I shouldn’t have left the house to go on a date with a stranger who insisted we go to a steakhouse. In my defence, I didn’t realise that until after reading the menu and then it started raining. Basically it was like a hurricane outside. I’m just saying we couldn’t leave after that point. I know, excuses. Never mind. I did find a started I could have and simultaneously pretend I’m on a fashionable diet of pumpkin, watercress and mint.

My date ordered the steak apologetically and after faking a smile I decided to stare at the wine bottle, which does look quite impressive.

‘So you don’t eat meat at all?’ he casually asks while placing the napkin on his lap. I follow suit in order to appear somewhat knowledgeable of dinner protocol.

‘No, never,’ I say thinking the conversation is over.

‘Have you ever eaten meat?’ he continues, clearly keen on nudging my life choices out of me.

‘Yes, I used to eat it every day.’

This isn’t going great. I’m sensing this conversation will soon go into preach territory if he pushes any further. And here I thought I would just have enjoyable dinner and a drink and make my merry way home after.

‘So don’t you miss the taste of it?’ he asks again.

I look at him for a moment before I answer and consider my options.

‘No, not at all. I don’t like the taste of it anymore.’

At this moment the waiter delivers the food and places the steak my date ordered in front of me. I politely correct him and eye my peanuts. I’m aware I might be getting ever so slightly agitated at this evening’s proceedings. Never mind. There’s always dessert.

‘But how do you get your protein?’

I purse my lips pretending I’m battling with my pumpkin, then the knife slips out of my reach and falls on the floor with a thud. I forgot to mention I’m kind of clumsy as well.

‘Yes, you don’t need meat for protein.’

‘Of course you do.’

He’s more adamant now and I look at the somewhat neglected knife on the floor. I suppose I should pick it up. Thankfully, the waiter walks back and gives me a new one.

I fumble with the fork messing the beautiful display of vegetables on my plate somewhat anticipating that slipping out of my hand as well. I manage to splash some oil on my newly washed and beautifully ironed white shirt and my date laughs. It’s got to be the protein talk.

‘Actually not. All you need is a combination of the amino acids that make it up. That’s how animals get it. Simples.’

Ok, too late now. I’m already preaching. I’m thinking of that Meerkat advert on TV and realise I’m way too distracted now. Slightly agitated I realise I won’t be ordering a dessert if he keeps talking about my vitamin intake insufficiency.

‘I don’t think I’d ever be able to do that. I like my meat.’

Now I’m consciously doing an eye-roll. I try to close my eyes for a moment and go back to my happy place ignoring the urge to pour our a torrent of counter-arguments that will be to no avail. Even worse, I sense this wouldn’t be the greatest time to show him documentaries about animal cruelty on Youtube. Happy place it is. I’m already thinking about my breakfast tomorrow, apple jam and vegan butter with croissants. Also, I’ve recently discovered brilliant hazelnut cupcakes I suddenly feel an urge to splash out on. The more the merrier.

Distant mumbling interrupts my thoughts and slowly reminds me I’m in fact in a public place with someone who is requiring my attention.

‘So do you eat fish?’ he starts again and I feel I’m no longer present.

I look at my phone, then at my date, then at the phone again and realise it’s taxi time.

Dating as a vegetarian is a difficult endeavour.

 

To be continued…