Oh my. I think I have finally found a word for what I am. I am a flexitarian. A person, who about 95% of the time is vegetarian (or in my case pescatarian) but to avoid putting unnecessary burden on other people, whilst retaining moral and ethical values, we do occasionally eat meat – particularly when it is local, organic, free range or in any way traceable (e.g. happy animals).
I think this is how people used to eat back in the day when meat was a luxury. My personal journey of ethical living is ongoing but I like the idea of not having a label, or having one that isn’t too dogmatic and a little bit flexible…
So next time I put down vegetarian on a wedding invitation and the bride says 'i didnt know you were a vegetarian' knowing that i had lamb chops at her house recently we don't cue an awkward conversation about what i do and dont eat that makes me feel a bit like the worlds fussiest person, when all that i am is someone who doesnt eat meat....very often.
Interesting post. I too am a pescetarian, though nearly verged uncomfortably into flextarian territory one night at a friend's house. I was impromutly invited to a dinner party and sat at the table watching her serve up chicken curry.
Oops, I thought, has she forgotten I'm a vegetarian? She plunked the curry down in front of me, I said nothing and for one minute, thought 'well will I just eat it?'. Twelve years of vegetarianism out the window for the sake of politeness? I didn't in the end, but came very close.
I can understand what you mean about eating it if it is well cooked etc. I sympathise!
Posted by: Eater's Regret | 22 August 2008 at 06:05 PM
Thank you! Its nice to have some empathy - I think this type of ethos is getting more and more common :)
cq
Posted by: condimentqueen | 25 August 2008 at 06:26 PM