The way you dress, groom, walk and overall act reflects who you are to people. Maybe you are having a hard time making new friends or putting yourself out there in the social scene in a cool way. Just read this and change your life into a much better and funnier one.
Steps
1
Be hygienic. People like to be near people who are clean and that smell good. So brush your teeth twice a day, take a shower everyday or as many times as it's healthy in the climate of where you live, and always use deodorant and a cologne or perfume.
2
Bring joy to your dressing style. What type of message are you sending to people through the way you dress? You like wearing plain clothes, larger clothes or plain colors? Well, try to dress more joyful, then. People are more drawn to people that look like they have joy in their lives. You do not have to change completely, but try to improve a few things.
Brighter colors. Instead of going for pales, beiges, dark or grayish tones, go for baby blues, pastel greens, pinks or any color that transmits happiness.
Get updated in fashion. Make a research on the internet, Google about what types of shoes, jeans, shirts and accessories are fashionable right now. There are thousands of websites and blogs out there that can help you.
Do not try too hard. You do not have to wear everything that they say it's fashionable, but do take note of what would look better for your body type, skin color and personal taste. People look much cooler when they dress in style yet look like it's effortless.
3
Get a more flattering look. Go on Google and search for what types of haircuts and hairstyles are in right now for your face shape and go for what suits better your personal taste. Once again, you must not look like you've been trying too hard. A subtle look is the best. If you want to wear makeup, you can go on YouTube and search for makeup tutorials.
4
Improve your attitude. Do not slouch! It's not only bad for your back, but it's also bad for how people perceive you. Stand up straight, swing your arms a little as you walk and always look people at their face and make eye contact. This shows people you aren't afraid of life and they will instantly respect you much more.
5
Speak to someone new everyday. Go up to someone you do not know or that you barely talk, and ask anything. "What time is it? I want to know if the time on my cell phone/watch is right", for example. Then, you can smile and say thanks. You can also take the chance to pay a compliment on the person, like "By the way, that shirt looks cool on you". Try doing it to a different person everyday... people will feel more familiar to you when they see you next time after this, which can lead to more interaction and then friendships.
6
Go to different places. Get out of the house, simple as that. Get dressed your best, put on your improved attitude and go take a walk and eat something nice at the mall, or take a walk somewhere that's crowded. In these places you can practice speaking to new people, like asking them about anything. It's a great way to show people how cool you are and also practice your communication skills.
7
Read and learn about the news in as many areas possibles. Read about celebrities news and also politics news, learn what's happening in the world and in entertainment. The more you know about popular culture, the more subjects you will have and more things you will have to ask people in order to strike a conversation.
From all we see in movies and magazines, most girls think they have a firm idea of what it means to be hot. Pouting your lips or wearing a sexy dress can factor into the equation, but they're only part of a bigger picture. If you have a boyfriend and want to dazzle him with your sex appeal, you should think about the way you feel and act as much as the way you look. Even if your boyfriend already adores you, you'll still likely blow his socks off if you go that extra mile.
1
Keeping Your Body Healthy
1
Get enough sleep. While it sounds like the least glamorous advice possible, getting sufficient sleep is an important part of looking beautiful. While it's recommended you should get at least 7 hours a night, many try to slip by with far less than that. If you want to look and act your best, make sure to get enough rest.[1] Your skin will dry and age faster if you don't.
It's also a good idea to try to fall asleep at the same time each night. Try to be awake for as much daylight as possible.
Your mood and energy will also be affected by the amount that you sleep. It should come as obvious that you won't be acting with the same charm if you're trying to fight off sleep.
2
Maintain good hygiene. If you want to look your best, it should be a no-brainer that you'll want to keep up with the absolute basics. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, bathing or showering regularly, trimming toe and fingernails, and brushing your hair are just some of the things you should be keeping an eye on regularly.[2] Even without any type of cosmetics, you can look very beautiful so long as you look healthy and well-maintained.
3
Moisturize your skin.[3] Moisturizing your skin is an important part of keeping it looking vibrant and youthful throughout the years. Although wrinkles on their own aren't necessarily a bad thing, signs of aging may have an impact on your confidence.
It may be a good idea to buy a specific moisturizer for your eyes as well. Eye moisturizers use a more delicate material to adjust for the gentle skin around eyes.
4
Get regular exercise. Regular exercise tightens up your skin and is an essential part of keeping your body in healthy order. Cardio exercise like running will help put you in a great mood throughout the rest of the day. Don't be afraid of working some muscle training into your workouts as well. Some women feel against it because they think it's too masculine. Muscle training is a great way to get fit for both genders however, and you'll look all the better once you commit to a regimen.
2
Dressing Up Your Body
1
Make your hands and feet glamorous.[4] Manicures and pedicures are a great trick to take you from glamorous to casual. They feel great, and your boyfriend will notice the difference in the way you look and feel. It's a good idea to make the hands and feet match if you use nail polish. After all, you want to make yourself a consistent, impressive visual package.
You can moisturize and manicure your hands at home if your budget's a concern. It can take some time to perfect your skills, but saves lots of money in the long run.
2
Wear red or black.[5] A sexy black or fire-engine red are colours that have sex appeal virtually built into them when worn by a woman who knows what she wants. The kind of wardrobe you're wearing shouldn't be completely different from what you're comfortable with, but aiming for suggestive colours can say something on its own.
3
Slip into form-fitting or revealing clothes. A great deal of sex appeal has to do with what someone is wearing. What you wear in particular will have a lot to do with your personal sense of style. As a general rule however, you should try to find clothing that showcases the natural shape of your body. It's not the clothes your boyfriend's interested in; it's what's underneath that counts.
You don't need to dress so provocatively to get a reaction out of someone. Something casual can usually do the trick. It's how you wear it that counts.
4
Try a new hairstyle. Nothing changes the frame of someone's face like new hair. A new hairstyle has the ability to transform someone's look. Certain hairstyles fit different types of head better than others, but you r best bet is to pick a style that suits your personality and personal tastes. Look at some of the latest trends in hair.[6] Although you shouldn't try to follow fashion unless it matches your own aesthetic, it can be a helpful refresher if you're not sure how you want to reinvent your look. Ask a hairdresser for her advice if you're stumped.
As a general rule, you want your hair to compliment the shape of your face. If your face is boxy, you may want a wavier hairstyle to even it out. On the other hand, if your hair is round, a short cute style can add height to your face.[7]
If you're trying to look hot for your boyfriend specifically, it might help to ask him his advice. While you're not doing this purely for him, a second opinion always helps.
5
Try out a sexy scent. Perfumes and fragrances are a healthy bonus if you want to be really hot. Smell is an underrated way to arouse someone's senses. Although your boyfriend is probably already very attracted to your natural smell, a perfume can attract his scent closer to you. There are lots of different perfumes available, and many of them can be quite expensive.[8] You should go to a makeup counter at a department store or beauty shop and try out a few scents before settling on one in particular.
Perfumes can be tricky, especially if you're wearing them to attract a man. Keep in mind that men and women interpret smells differently. A smell you love might turn him off. If there's any doubt, you should ask him beforehand.
6
Get adventurous with eye makeup. Eye makeup is arguably the most important cosmetic trick you can do to transform the way someone sees you. Your boyfriend is going to be looking into your eyes most of the time the two of you are spending time together, so it makes sense to capitalize on this opportunity.[9] Try using a bold mascara and an eyeshadow that blends in with your natural skintone. Trying a new makeup look will have your boyfriend looking at you in a new light.
More colourful eyeshadows can make a playful touch. They're not recommended for casual days or nights out, but they can be fun when done once in a while.
Slightly smudged black eyeliner is a great sexy look.[10]
White eyeliner underneath the eyelid can make you look more awake and intense.
7
Emphasize your lips. Lip gloss and lipstick are such common things to use as part of someone's makeup wardrobe that they're easy to take for granted. However, just as with the eyes, you can recreate the look of your face through choosing a different type or style of lipstick. Try using a bolder shade of lipstick than the one you currently use. A lip pencil around the perimeter of your lips can highlight them and attract attention. Remember, lips are one of the most sensual parts of the face and body, and if you want to look as hot as possible, it wouldn't make sense not to give your lips some extra love.
If you want to make your lips look bigger, you can draw lipstick over an area that's just slightly bigger than your lips themselves. This will plump up the look of your lips. Be careful not to go overboard however, as this will make you look very silly.
3
Acting Hot
1
Develop confidence. Confidence is key to being sexy. Even if your boyfriend already knows you well, having confidence will allow you to express yourself in exciting ways. If confidence is something you feel you struggle with, you should put some time aside to work on this part of yourself.[11] Take control of your thoughts, and don't let any negative feelings get in the way of being self-assured.
Making a list of things you like about yourself can be a great help.
2
Overcome your shyness.[12] If you're on the shy side, it can be difficult to overcome the feelings of insecurity that go along with social anxiety. Don't let yourself get too worked up over anything. Remember that you're worth being thought of as hot. If you're able to get outside your head and focus purely on your surroundings, your brain won't have the chance to trip you up.
3
Flirt with him. If the two of you have already been in a relationship for some time, it's quite possible that flirting has stopped being a regular part of your interactions. Reintroducing some of this playful teasing into the mix can do wonders for the relationship. Light touching on the waist, hands or shoulder can go far. Smiling at and complimenting him will show a revitalized interest.[13]
Teasing has its place even in long-term relationships. If he has a cute eccentricity, make a light jab at it. Just make sure he's not insecure about whatever you're poking fun at.
4
Text him throughout the day. If you're planning on meeting up later in the day or evening, it's a good idea to get him excited to see him by texting him. You can text him something suggestive or simply sweet. Something as simple as "I'm missing you a ton right now" will make sure he's thinking of you at that very moment.[14] Every guy likes to be complimented, and a text message is an easy way to tell your boyfriend how you feel.
Emoticons like the 'wink face' can do a lot to suggest emotion if the two of you are far apart.
5
Take him somewhere unexpected. Boyfriends are used to being the ones who make the date plans. It's really hot for a girl to take a guy out on an adventure. He'll be surprised and swept off his feet. Even if the date is to some place he's been before, the spontaneous experience will be exciting for the both of you, and it will definitely have an effect on how attracted he is towards you.
Tips
Being hot isn't the final word on what a guy thinks of you. If he's already in a relationship with you, your boyfriend obviously sees great things about you already. Chances are you're already doing things he thinks are really hot.
Think about some actresses or celebrities you think have a lot of sex appeal. Some of them may not be the best looking, but they have a confidence and aura that convinces everyone they're more than worth desiring. If you want, you can model some of your behaviour after a chosen role model or two.
Warnings
Don't get too fixated on what your boyfriend thinks of you. That is the first seed of insecurity, and insecurity isn't hot at all.
Don't feel bad if your boyfriend doesn't notice the extra effort you've put into being hot for him. On some level, he does notice. Some guys are just shy to bring it up if they think a girl's doing something feminine for them.
It's not hot at all if you're giving your affections out to everyone. Your boyfriend will feel special if he knows your charms are reserved specifically for him.
Being in a relationship can be an exciting, wonderful feeling. You may feel a strong connection with someone that you care about and who cares about you. Sometimes, though, feelings of jealousy or insecurity can pop up and begin creating problems in the relationship. You may find yourself questioning your partner, making accusations, and acting possessively without meaning to. You can be less possessive of your partner. All you need to do is calm yourself in the moment, build trust in your relationship, and prevent possessive behavior in the future.
1
Calming Yourself in the Moment
1
Take a timeout. When you feel yourself becoming too possessive of your partner, taking a time out to evaluate yourself is a good idea.[1] A little break gives you the chance to think about what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what effect it might have on your relationship.
For example, if you are at a restaurant with your partner and notice that you are beginning to feel possessive because the server is smiling at you all, excuse yourself for a moment.
Take a mental timeout if you can’t leave the immediate area. Take three slow, deep breaths and during that time focus only on your breathing.
Use the time to ask yourself why this situation is making you feel possessive. For instance, ask yourself, “Am I feeling jealous? Insecure? Why am I feeling so possessive?”
2
Express yourself appropriately. It’s okay to feel a little jealous or insecure some times. It’s also okay to express to your partner that you’re feeling this way as long as you do so in the right way.[2] You can be less possessive of your partner if talk to them and express any feelings of jealousy or insecurity you may be feeling in a calm, mature way.
Tell your partner how you are feeling and what you think is making you feel that way.
Let your partner know what they can do to help you overcome your feelings.
Try saying something like, “I’m feeling kind of possessive right now. It’s silly, but I think I’m jealous of the attention you’re getting.”
3
Apologize when you need to. There may be times that you do something that shows how possessive you are before you can stop yourself. If this happens then you need to apologize to your partner and anyone else involved in the situation.
For example, if you are rude to a salesclerk because you felt possessive when they greeted your partner, then you should apologize to the salesclerk and our partner.
When you are apologizing to someone else, you might say, “I’m sorry for the way I just behaved. It was uncalled for and won’t happen again.”
When you need to apologize to your partner you can start with, “I need to apologize for the way I acted. I was feeling too possessive. It’s no excuse, but it’s what happened.”
2
Building Trust in Your Relationship
1
Address relationship issues. In some cases, you may feel possessive because things have happened in the relationship that make you question the relationship’s stability. If this is the case, you should address the issues with your partner. This way you can resolve the issues, you will know where your relationship stands, and you can start being less possessive of your partner.
Tell your partner you’d like to talk about some of the issues you all have been having in the relationship. You might say, “Can we talk about the problems we’ve been having lately?”
Have an open and honest conversation about the things that have been bothering you.
Remember that resolving some issues, such as past betrayal, may take more than one conversation and a bit of time to resolve.
2
Trust your partner. One of the keys to a successful relationship is trust.[3] You have to trust that your partner cares about you and is honest with you, just as they trust the same things about you. Part of the problem with being too possessive is that it sends your partner the message that you don’t trust them. Be less possessive with your partner by having faith in their feelings and their actions.
Trust your partner when they say they are going somewhere or doing something. You don’t need to check up on them to see if they are being faithful.
Believe what your partner tells you. Unless you know for a fact that your partner is dishonest, you should trust what they say.
Have faith in your partner’s feelings for you. Trust that your partner cares about you as much as they say they do.
3
Respect your partner. One issue with being possessive of your partner is that it may cause you to act in ways that are disrespectful to your partner, yourself, or others. You may say or do things that are humiliating, patronizing, or hurtful. You can be less possessive of your partner and build a stronger relationship if you make an effort to show them the respect they deserve.[4]
Talk respectfully to and about your partner. Don’t yell or scream at them or intentionally say things to make them feel bad.
Respect your partner’s privacy. Avoid going through your partner’s things or reading your partner’s texts and messages without permission.
4
Talk with your partner. Once you realize and admit to yourself that you need to be less possessive of your partner then you should talk to your partner about what has been going on. Talking about it with your partner can help you stop acting on your jealous and possessive thoughts.[5]
Tell your partner that you realize that you have been acting possessively lately. For instance, you might say, “Can we talk? I know I’ve been acting pretty possessive lately.”
Explain to your partner how you have been feeling and why you are feeling that way. You could try saying, “I’ve been feeling jealous because of some past relationship issues I have.”
Listen to your partner, as well. This should be a conversation between the two of you.
3
Preventing Possessive Behavior in the Future
1
Be honest with yourself. Recognizing that you might be too possessive with your partner is one of the first steps in becoming less possessive.[6] You’ve also got to be honest with yourself about why you are feeling and acting this way. Being honest with yourself will allow you to address whatever issues you have that are making you be so possessive of your partner.
Ask yourself if you are so possessive because of something from your past. For example, did your ex-partner from a previous relationship leave you for someone else?
Determine if there is something your partner is doing that makes you feel possessive. For instance, does your partner flirt a lot with others?
Be honest about any self-esteem or self-confidence issues you are having. For example, do you feel unattractive or like your partner is too good to be with you?
2
Have confidence in yourself. Sometimes you may act possessively because you feel insecure. You may feel that you don’t deserve your partner. If you think you might be acting possessive because of personal insecurities or self-doubt, build your self-confidence so that you can be less possessive of your partner.[7]
Keep a journal or make a list of all the great qualities about you. List everything from your great eyes to your sense of humor to your love of anime.
Use positive self-talk. For example, look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I’m a great catch and Kelsey is lucky to have me, just like I’m lucky to have Kelsey.”
Write it down when your partner gives you a compliment or does something to show you that they care.
3
Take care of yourself. It’s a lot easier to get jealous and start acting possessively when you are tired, stressed, hungry, or just don’t feel well.[8] You just don’t have the mental or physical energy to combat jealous thoughts and possessive behavior. You can be less possessive of your partner if you take the time to make sure you are taking care of your health.
Eat balanced meals and healthy snacks to make sure that your body is getting the nutrients and energy you need.
Get regular physical activity. This can help reduce your stress level overall which will help you stay calm when you start feeling jealous and possessive.
Try to get 6 – 8 hours of sleep each night. Set up a regular bedtime routine so that you can get the rest you need.
4
Seek professional help. When possessiveness becomes extreme, you end up hurting your relationship and causing your partner (and yourself) emotional, mental, or even physical pain. If your partner or others says you need to be less possessive, take it as a warning and consider seeking professional help.
A counselor or therapist can help you determine why you are so possessive and help you become less possessive of your partner.[9]
If you are involved in a religious community, you can talk to your religious leader about what is going on. You might say, “Could we speak later about some problems I’m having in my relationship? I feel I’, being too possessive.”
A marriage, family, or relationship counselor can help you and your partner address any relationship issues that you all are having, as well.
Tips
Trust your partner. They chose to be in a relationship with you, not anyone else.
Warnings
Being too possessive may make your partner feel as though you don’t trust them and this may cause problems in the relationship.
Don’t let your possessive get out of control. Make sure you are not becoming abusive to your partner or creating problems with other people.
The decision to adopt vegan or vegetarian dietary habits or lifestyle may cause unnecessary drama with family and friends. "How will you get enough protein?!" they may protest. Then there are the ones that might say, "I like my meat n' potatoes," implying that you should be content with that fare as well. There will be the ones who rib you, whether they pass you the roast beef at dinner with a sly smile and an offer to serve you a slice or something else. Of course, the most important––and challenging––ones will be the ones with whom you live and the ones you love.
1
Teasers and Loved Ones
1
Ignore the teasers. The ones who tease you are generally nothing to worry about, because they are often the ones who feel comfortable around you and care about you a great deal. At times you may become irritated at them because you feel they are getting on your back, but is important not to lash out at them. If you must make it known that they are getting on your nerves, make sure to do so so that they understand what you are doing is important to you and without becoming defensive. Ways in which to convey this might include:
Saying, "I know that you are teasing me, but it is making me uncomfortable. Could you please stop, at least for a while? Having this diet (or lifestyle) is as important to me as (include something that they really like or care about) is to you, and I would appreciate it if you respected that as I try to respect (their thing)."
Letting it slide for the time being. This is more effective and appropriate if you don't see each other often.
2
Eat well and reassure people. Close family members, close friends, and intimate partners may become concerned that you will become less healthy by adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet, or that it will somehow impact your mood in a negative way. It is up to you to make sure you are well informed enough to keep yourself well-nourished, sufficiently fed so as not to get angry or spooky, and explain the basic reasons for what you are doing. Also remember that although you may have a new passion for food, your loved ones will most likely not and may be frightened, bored, or put off by constant talk of what you intend to put in your stomach.
Nutritional information: Track how much protein you're getting. Often there are foods that must be combined in order for the amino acids to be absorbed as protein (for example, rice, beans, and corn). Also, if you are a woman, you must ensure that you have sufficient iron intake.
Make sure you know the studies that support a vegan lifestyle, not just testimonials or the articles interpreting or citing the studies. Also know the ones that don't support it.
You may have to take supplements, and you may have to backtrack to eating as a vegetarian or an omnivore. Do not be intimidated by the ones who say, "See, I told you so," but don't attack them either.
3
Don't push your choices onto them. Unless the loved ones are willing to try a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, it will be rude and counterproductive (health goes down due to stress) to force them to eat vegan or vegetarian with you at every meal. Find ways to live comfortably with each other.
You cook a vegetarian dinner. Once you're served, they can add meat to it.
They eat meat at work during lunch, and eat vegan or vegetarian meals at home sometimes.
During meals, one meat dish is prepared, along with some vegetarian dishes, and people can choose what to put on their plates.
2
Explaining Your Lifestyle
You may find that you need to explain things often, especially to curious acquaintances and strangers.
1
Explain briefly. Some people that you have just met may wonder how you could have given up bacon/steak. These people usually seem to accept a shrug and a short explanation of how you did it. If they are interested, they may ask for an explanation of your reasoning for why you became vegan or vegetarian or what your diet or lifestyle entails. Tell them what you are comfortable telling them.
Be careful of talking about it too much. Their curiosity may be a way to invite a conversation, and conversation is never as fun when one subject is discussed too much.
2
Keep your explanation casual and without judgment. People are more likely to respond badly if they feel that you're attacking their omnivore lifestyle. Make it clear that this was your personal choice, and you don't hold their diet against them.
"I researched vegetarian lifestyle and found that it really fit me and my beliefs."
"I was having some health issues and my doctor recommended going vegan."
3
Learn to deal with the rude people. These are the strangers who are overly familiar, family and friends who go too far, and and so forth. Standard procedures apply:
Ignore them.
Laugh it off with a "Well, everyone's different."
If they are persistent, stand up for yourself. Always be respectful when doing this, and never assume anything about them or be judgmental. Judgement, although tempting, invites full-blown fighting and hurt feelings. As important as food is, it is not worth it to make people feel bad about themselves.
3
Eating With Your Family and Friends
1
Get creative about how to prepare common meals. Make a pot of chili with everything except the meat, then divide it in half and the meat-eater can add their meat while the vegetarian/vegan adds something else, or eats it as is. This can be done with many soups, sauces, and "one-pot meals".
2
Find suitable food when eating out. When choosing a restaurant, your meat-eating family and friends may become overly concerned that "we can't eat there" because they think there will be nothing for you at a particular place. Show them you're a good sport once in a while by telling them you can find something anywhere. Every place has salads, pastas, and side dishes in some forms, and you can ask the waitress to do whatever you need once you're inside. Even if that meal wasn't fantastic, smile and say it was fine afterwards if asked, and decide in your own mind if you'll skip that place next time or go there again.
3
Eat out with others easily by becoming familiar with common substitutions. Most Chinese restaurants can make any meat dish with tofu instead. A Mexican cook can replace meat with beans for you. Some things are not always on the menu, for example, ask if a place has veggie burgers, then choose any style of burger and have it made as a veggie burger, or have it chopped and put over a fantastic salad that normally has chicken on it.
4
Stay calm. When at a restaurant, undoubtedly the meat eaters who care about you will start telling you what you can eat (eg: "ooh, look! You can have a baked potato!"). This can be annoying, but rather than point out that you are not 3 years old and you can read a menu for yourself, just say, "Thanks, I got it". If you're close enough to joke with them, point out something they can eat, too, and maybe they'll get the hint that you are capable of choosing your own food.
5
Invite your friends or family out to eat once in a while, or cook for them at home. Open their palates to food from other cultures by giving them a vegetarian/vegan meal that is delicious and filling, and leaves them smiling. They'll soon stop asking, "What do you eat?" if you give them great examples. Maybe they'll start to enjoy a Meatless Monday where you're the chef. They'll appreciate your knowledge more, and start to respect you and your decision.
Tips
Be conscientious and respectful.
Compromise.
Be well informed.
If you are just now adopting one of these diets or lifestyles, remember that it is a big change, and may confuse the people you know.
It is helpful to know that there are many different types of vegetarians and vegans: pollo-vegetarians (eat chicken but no fish), pescetarians (eat fish), ovo-vegetarians (eat eggs), lacto vegetarians (eat dairy products), conscientious vegetarians or 'flexitarians' (eat vegetarian in daily lives but may also eat meat at important events if there is nothing else, or occasionally eat something they consider a treat like venison), 'starchitarians' (thou knowest who thou art, thee who eats of pasta and candy all day), and vegans (no animal products at all, sometimes including honey). There are also vegetarian diets that are regulated by religion, and as such may allow certain animals to be eaten or not eaten along with some types of plants. (For example, early Catholics and other Christian denominations could eat puffins, dolphins and capybara during Lent because they were considered fish; strict Jains do not eat root vegetables because the harvesting process kills the plant.)
If you're a vegan and dating or married to a non-vegan (also known as an omnivore, or omni), the balance can be tough. You may be frustrated about your partner’s choice to eat meat and use animal by-products. However, in order to have a successful relationship with them, both partners need to come to an understanding and learn to tolerate each other’s differences. Be open to your partner’s different lifestyle and ask them to be open in return.
Part 1
Interacting with Your Partner
1
Avoid being judgmental. The number one key to staying in a healthy relationship when you’re a vegan dating (or married to) a non-vegan, aka omnivore (or omni), is to avoid being judgmental of your partner. Most relationships can’t sustain the constant criticism of one partner toward another.[1]
Make your commitment to veganism about you, not them. Don’t give them the “stink eye” during meals, nag them to agree with your food choices, or criticize what they eat.[2]
2
Be understanding of your partner’s food choices. Along with not being judgmental, you should remain open-minded and understanding of your partner’s choice to remain omnivorous. Showing compassion instead of saying “I told you so” when your partner gets food poisoning from undercooked meat, or offering to cook meat for their meal, shows that you are willing to work with your partner.
3
Be thankful that your partner is accepting of your lifestyle choice. If you are in a relationship with a non-vegan, this means that your partner is most likely open to your lifestyle choice. Be thankful that your partner likes you more than what you eat or what products you don’t use. Express this thankfulness so that they know you feel it.
Do things like give them cards with heartfelt sentiments of thanks, cook them an omnivore meal, or offer to go to a restaurant they like but you don’t like.
4
Avoid trying to pressure or change your partner. Just like in any relationship, pressuring your partner to change isn’t a great idea. It expresses your displeasure with who they are, which makes them want to get away from you rather than stick around. Don’t nag them to eat like you do.
Some even suggest that the best way to recruit a romantic partner to becoming a vegan is to live by example only and not try to convert your partner at all.[3]
5
Agree to disagree. Enjoying your partner is an important part of any relationship. One way to do that when you are in relationship with someone who has chosen a different lifestyle is to agree to disagree. When differences of opinion arise at meal time or when purchasing cleaning products or furniture, laugh about your differences and choose something that you can both live with.[4]
6
Focus on the things you have in common. Another key to living happily with someone who doesn’t believe in the vegan philosophy is to focus on what you do have in common. You probably both like white potatoes, watching TV together, and working out at the gym. Look for activities that are neutral (neither vegan nor non-vegan) and do those more often than either vegan or non-vegan ones.
Part 2
Explaining Your Lifestyle
1
Explain how you are different from a vegetarian. At first, your partner, like many people, might mistake you for a vegetarian. Explain this difference so that they know what foods and products you don’t like so that there are no hurt feelings or miscommunications down the road. Tell them that vegetarians limit their diets to merely lack of meat (including fish and poultry), but vegans go beyond this.[5]
2
Outline the products you avoid. Explain how vegans are vegetarians but they have a lot of additions. Vegans avoid animal food by-products like eggs, honey, and dairy like butter, yogurt, ghee, and cheese. They also avoid material and cleaning products that have involved animals.[6]
Vegans avoid materials like leather, fur, silk, and wool, as well as cosmetics, soaps, and other cleaning products. They stick to buying cruelty-free products.
3
Explain why you chose to become vegan. To help your non-vegan partner understand your lifestyle choice, you need to offer an explanation. It is much easier to accept the differences of others when you understand their reason behind it. You may have chosen to be vegan for environmental reasons, or to improve your health. Whatever your reason, make sure your partner clearly understands it.[7]
People also choose to become vegan because of ethical reasons. Vegans might choose to avoid dairy like cheese and butter because they feel it supports the meat industry.
4
Stay humble. Keep a humble and open demeanor whenever you encounter a vegan choice, such as when eating or purchasing items for the home. Avoiding a pretentious attitude is important for staying in your relationship with a non-vegan.
Also try to compromise on items when you can. Always maintaining your vegan standard can get exhausting for your non-vegan partner.
5
Expect to encounter resistance. Even though both partners in a vegan and non-vegan relationship should try to be open to the other’s lifestyle, sometimes your partner may try to recruit you to become an omnivore. Your partner may also question your beliefs and even criticize you sometimes. Knowing that this might happen can keep you from getting bitter.
Explain to your partner that this hurts you just as much as when you constantly nag them about their lifestyle.
Part 3
Eating with Your Partner
1
Explain your sources of protein. Many people question the vegan avoidance of meat because meat is such a common source of protein. Your partner may not understand how you can get enough protein in your diet, so explain to them that it’s actually easy to get enough protein if you eat a lot of different healthful food.
Vegan sources of protein include legumes, tofu, soy milk, nuts, leaf greens, whole wheat, and much more.[8]
2
Explain your commitment to a varied diet. Your partner may also question your health because your diet limits you to foods without meat or meat by-products. Explain to them that vegans can actually get the full spectrum of nutrients through a varied diet. Explain your commitment to a varied diet that contains vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds.[9]
3
Be ok with eating different meals. When you live with or date an omnivore, you are going to eat very differently. This means that you will have to eat completely different meals both at home and when you go out. Since sharing meals provides emotional connection, you should be prepared to feel a little less of this connection since you can’t enjoy some meals together.[10]
4
Find restaurants that cater to both your diets. When you go out to eat, don’t make one person’s lifestyle dictate the choice of restaurant. Try to find restaurants that cater to both your lifestyles by considering what you could order from the menus at different places. Some cities actually have vegan restaurants, and omnivores can enjoy these restaurants just like you can enjoy omnivore restaurants.[11]
5
Find recipes that accommodate both of you. Look for recipes that can become a staple for both diets. You might often have to cook different meals, but having a list of recipes that you can quickly choose from prevents frustration at dinnertime.
For example, you can make vegan versions of your partner’s meat-based meals, such as veggie burgers thrown on the grill alongside beef burgers.
6
Find foods that you can enjoy together. At home, it is a good thing to find recipes that contain flavors and foods that you can both enjoy. Being able to cook a meal together means that you get to share it together, which promotes emotional connection.[12]
For example, many omnivores enjoy potatoes and whole grains such as whole wheat bread, as well as nuts and leafy green salads.
7
Wash your own dishes. Vegans do not usually enjoy touching meat, so putting your hands into a sink full of greasy water from meat residue is repulsive. Keep the peace in your house by having each person wash their own dishes.
Tips
Be prepared for a little light teasing about your lifestyle from your partner. Your partner should not insult or make fun of you, but light teasing is a way for your partner to diffuse the tension that differing food lifestyles can create.
Be prepared to watch your partner eat meat in front of you. If you are going to be in a relationship with an omnivore, you have to be open to their choices just like you are asking them to be open to yours.
Warnings
If your partner continuously makes fun of you or insults you for being vegan, you may want to re-think the relationship. It is not healthy to remain in relationships that are constantly stressful like this.
1Be hygienic. People like to be near people who are clean and that smell good. So brush your teeth twice a day, take a shower everyday or as many times as it's healthy in the climate of where you live, and always use deodorant and a cologne or perfume.
2Bring joy to your dressing style. What type of message are you sending to people through the way you dress? You like wearing plain clothes, larger clothes or plain colors? Well, try to dress more joyful, then. People are more drawn to people that look like they have joy in their lives. You do not have to change completely, but try to improve a few things.
3Get a more flattering look. Go on Google and search for what types of haircuts and hairstyles are in right now for your face shape and go for what suits better your personal taste. Once again, you must not look like you've been trying too hard. A subtle look is the best. If you want to wear makeup, you can go on YouTube and search for makeup tutorials.
4Improve your attitude. Do not slouch! It's not only bad for your back, but it's also bad for how people perceive you. Stand up straight, swing your arms a little as you walk and always look people at their face and make eye contact. This shows people you aren't afraid of life and they will instantly respect you much more.
5Speak to someone new everyday. Go up to someone you do not know or that you barely talk, and ask anything. "What time is it? I want to know if the time on my cell phone/watch is right", for example. Then, you can smile and say thanks. You can also take the chance to pay a compliment on the person, like "By the way, that shirt looks cool on you". Try doing it to a different person everyday... people will feel more familiar to you when they see you next time after this, which can lead to more interaction and then friendships.
6Go to different places. Get out of the house, simple as that. Get dressed your best, put on your improved attitude and go take a walk and eat something nice at the mall, or take a walk somewhere that's crowded. In these places you can practice speaking to new people, like asking them about anything. It's a great way to show people how cool you are and also practice your communication skills.
7Read and learn about the news in as many areas possibles. Read about celebrities news and also politics news, learn what's happening in the world and in entertainment. The more you know about popular culture, the more subjects you will have and more things you will have to ask people in order to strike a conversation.
