Dating as a vegan: How to set your boundaries for a happy and healthy relationship

Ready to settle down but battling between your heart and your morals? Learn how to navigate the dating scene as a vegan with ease as we share our top tips on setting boundaries to help your relationship flourish and thrive

Dating as a vegan can be a minefield. When your morals dictate how you live your life, it can be difficult to find a partner whose ethics align with your own.

Plus, navigating through the stigma and general repetitive questions about your food choice can be tiresome when dating non-vegans.

Sadly, fate doesn’t always bring two people together with the same morals, ethics and eating habits. So, whether you’ve fallen for a vegetarian or a carnivorous person all hope is not lost –  any relationship can work if communication is there and healthy boundaries are set that allow you both to look past this area of opposite lifestyles.

As someone who has been in a relationship with someone who has the opposite dietary habits, I’m here to share some of my top tips for setting boundaries to make your vegan dating and relationships happy and healthy.

Vegan dating statistics

Research has suggested that only a small part of the vegan community (8.7%) would never date a non-vegan, highlighting the importance of shared values.

Nevertheless, 55% of respondents say that dating a non-vegan partner depends on a variety of factors, indicating a willingness to be understanding and flexible. Some people in the community believe they would be amenable to a one-night stand or having a fling with a meat-eater, but they wouldn’t choose to commit to them long-term.

And the tolerant ones? According to the survey, 36% of vegans would be open to dating someone who didn’t adhere to their diet. Yes, there are instances when love or even lust can overcome dietary restrictions!

If you are part of the 36% where love conquers all, then here are some ways you can navigate through the challenges of dating as a vegan in a non-vegan world…

1. Be upfront and transparent

It’s important that before you move on to the next stages of dating, you are upfront and honest about your morals and values. This might include why you have chosen this lifestyle, and it is not something that someone who eats meat or dairy can change.

This transparency sets the tone for open communication and allows your potential love interest to understand your choices and decide whether they can get behind them or move on.

If your commitment to veganism is rooted in ethical, environmental, or health reasons, sharing these insights can give them a better understanding of themselves and establish mutual respect when it comes to dating rituals.

2. Choosing vegan-friendly venues

I think it’s fair to say that if you are a vegan in a relationship, it will be your responsibility, for the most part, to find vegan-friendly places to wine and dine.

Nowadays, more places are catering to the vegan scene, so this makes dating a lot easier. This will ensure that both of you can get the most out of a venue and prevent any awkwardness or arguments.

If the person you are dating isn’t strict on having meat in their diet, it will make it easier for them to be open-minded about visiting 100% vegan eateries. If not, you can always ask and see how it goes, which will help you understand what you want from a partner and how open they are.

If you’d feel more comfortable, maybe you could plan a non-food related date first just to see how you get on. Maybe you throw on comfy loungewear sets and head out for a walk, or meet for a coffee.

3. Educate without preaching

While it’s essential to express your values, avoid coming across as preachy. A spirited debate about the ethics of eating meat is perhaps best left until you’re more comfortable with each other.

Instead of lecturing, share information about veganism in a positive and informative manner or just wait till they have a question.

Offer to cook a delicious vegan meal or explore vegan recipes together; this is a healthy and natural way to introduce someone into your world  – and if they are having none of it, then on to the next!

This approach fosters a collaborative spirit and creates opportunities for shared experiences.

4. Be open-minded

While maintaining your vegan values is crucial, it’s also important to be open-minded and understanding. Not everyone may share your lifestyle, and that’s okay.

Respectful conversations about differences can deepen connections and create an environment where both partners feel valued and understood.

It’s really important to share the same amount of understanding as you would expect to receive; this will allow you to create a trusting and loving relationship that looks beyond dietary restrictions.

5. Be respectful

When setting your boundaries, you need to ensure you’re communicating with a respectful tone and motivation. Establishing boundaries is an essential part of any healthy relationship.

Communicate clearly what is and isn’t acceptable regarding your vegan lifestyle. Whether it’s discussing dietary choices, shared spaces, or even non-vegan gifts, approach these conversations with respect and a willingness to find common ground.

It’s better to get the conversation out of the way early on. Here, you can see if they are good at listening but also if they are thoughtful of other people’s feelings, which is crucial for any kind of relationship.

6. Celebrate milestones together

Acknowledge and celebrate milestones in your vegan journey together, whether they are a pescetarian, vegetarian or carnivore.

There are little things you can do to recognise each other’s efforts. Whether it’s your vegan anniversary or achieving a personal goal, involving your partner in these celebrations fosters a sense of shared commitment and support.

7. Navigate social situations

In social settings or gatherings, where food choices might be limited, prepare in advance. Communicate with your date about potential challenges and suggest alternatives, such as eating beforehand or bringing a dish to share.

This ensures that your dietary choices don’t overshadow the enjoyment of the event and are still respected at the same time.

Final thoughts

Dating as a vegan requires a balance between expressing your values and maintaining an open-minded approach, especially if you are one of the 36% who want to look beyond the dietary requirements and ethics.

There will always be things you have in common – and that doesn’t have to be food. Establishing what is important to you is a step in the right direction, whether it be fitness or fashion.

By setting clear boundaries, communicating openly, and engaging in activities that celebrate your lifestyle, you can build strong connections that respect and embrace your commitment to veganism and potential new love interests.

Remember, finding someone who understands and appreciates your values is the foundation for a fulfilling and lasting relationship and if they are respectful of your lifestyle and basic boundaries, there will be someone who can meet those needs.

Never settle for less when it comes to dating. There are many suitors and as long as you’re putting out positive and open energy, you will attract someone good for you, whether they are vegan or not.

Planning a romantic night for two? Impress your partner with these indulgent vegan Valentine’s recipes. 

Featured photo © oneinchpunch via Adobe Stock