Becoming a vegetarian means changing the way you think about food; it also means having to deal with the way others think about it. Since most people know what being a vegetarian means, you can be sure that you will encounter some who are curious about your choice not to eat certain food.

Every now and then, you might meet up with someone who just doesn't understand or see the point in what you're doing. Here are some of the questions I've been confronted with during my seven years (and counting!) of being an ovo-lacto vegetarian and my answers. Feel free to adopt some as your own, should you ever need to defend your decision.

Q: Why did you become a vegetarian?
A: Insert your own reasons here, obviously, but if you're tired of answering this question, think short and sweet. Sometimes a good, "Because I wanted to," works wonders.

Q: So is it all right if I eat meat in front of you?
A: Sure, it is! Every vegetarian and vegan is different, though. Some people who don't eat certain animal products find the smell or sight of that food unpleasant. If you answer honestly, your friends will probably appreciate it.

Q: Are you going to try and convince me I should become a vegetarian now?
A: Uh, no. Becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a personal choice. Of course, most vegetarians love to answer questions about their lifestyle for people who are curious and want to know more, but we are not recruiters.

Q: Isn't eating meat important for your health?
A: Meat contains several important nutrients, like protein, vitamin B12 and iron, but we can get these elements from other food. Being a vegetarian can actually be healthier than eating meat because vegetarians consume less fat and cholesterol than meat-eaters. (Just be sure not to replace all your meat with cheese!)

Q: If you don't want to eat real meat, then why do you want to eat stuff engineered to look and taste like meat?
A: A lot of people ask this question. Being a vegetarian is not about depriving yourself of the foods and flavors you love. The vast majority of vegetarians grew up eating burgers and chicken fingers, just like everyone else.

Becoming a vegetarian doesn't mean that your tastes change; the food you grew up with will always be comforting. Fake meat is only a way of trying not to deprive myself of flavors I love, while still sticking to my morals.