Be honest with yourself first
Only you know how much it matters to you.
For some people, sharing a vegan life is essential. For others, what matters is respect: a partner who understands their choices and doesn't make them feel awkward about them. Both are completely fair.
Questions worth asking yourself
- Would I be comfortable with non-vegan food in a shared kitchen?
- How would I feel about eating out together, or meals with their family?
- If we had children one day, how would we bring them up?
- Would I hope they'd change, and is that fair to them?
Conversations to have early on
- What it means to you. Explain why you're vegan, calmly and without pressure.
- What you each need day to day. Cooking, shopping and eating out are easier when you've talked about them.
- Where you might compromise, and where you won't. Being clear now saves hurt later.
Respect works both ways
A good partner respects your values, and you'll want to respect theirs too. If either of you is hoping to change the other, it's worth being honest about it sooner rather than later.
Not sure how to bring it up? Read talking about being vegan early on.