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I didnt wanted to sound rude, but I politely asked her that I may leave as she brought her food and I sat on another table right next to her but with some little distance. Well its my new job and I am getting to know people but thing is here in UK most people dont really understand how it feels for an Indian who is a strict vegetarian and cannot see blood and flesh on his or her dinning table. I hope she didnt take it as an offence?
I am feeling that I might have done something wrong? I hardly find any vegetarians here in office and I am kind of eating alone my home food every day at break and I want to eat alone not with someone who brings flesh on table..... but I am afraid what if someone finds me and wants to join in? How can I politely avoid that? I really dont want to hurt anyones feelings and dont really want to get into food choices argument. Really.

I understand what you mean. I think we, as human beings, are losing the ability to consider and, therefore, accommodate others. I wouldn't have a problem with you speaking with me about it. I would probably even be happy to refrain from meat-eating in that situation. Its not like there aren't alternative foodstuffs, such as egg, cheese, etc and I would be perfectly entitled to eat whatever I liked in my own private time. So its not really a hardship........

I don't think its appropriate to make demands on others but I do feel its the onus of all of us to realise we have to share the planet (and the office, etc) with others. Its usually ME, ME, ME these days. You don't say whether she had a problem with you mentioning it, so perhaps you are worrying unduly??

Good answer.. perhaps you could have your food seperately (if you don't wish to impose ur views and put her in a difficult situation) and then join for a cup of tea and a chat afterwards... bit lonely though... is the fact that other people something which simply disgusts you? or is it that in principle you disagree..

I understand your predicament.I used once a knife from a turkish fellow who raised hell because I cut my meat with it.He threw the knife in the trashcan since I defiled it with my pork.I felt bad about it because I unknowingly disrespected his religious believes.

Just be honest. Tell your colleagues it is the animals you are not sitting with, if you approach it lightly with humour I am sure no one would take offence but if you stay quiet they may think you a bit aloof.
As previously suggested eat your meal then join them for a cuppa and chat.
Just be proud of who you are and your beliefs sweety.

Thing happened was this. I was sitting and having my home food at a corner. My colleague, she saw me and sat along. After a while she bought from canteen her own food and came to the table it wasnt veg so I simply told her that I hope she wont mind me sitting on another table.... She said okay, and carried on. But thing is, I know its not okay to leave someone on table after they are friendly to u and I didnt wanted to be rude either. I just hope that she or others would understand as most of people here arent veg and not know that it would be difficult for me. I didnt ask her to stop eating or neither did she force me eating anything. I wasnt in a situation like that before so I hope people dont take me for someone who is rigid

Yes we did join at the short break again and had a chat over the table and she got me some tea too... I mean she seems kind and I just didnt wanted to LOOK rude.

I am sure you are worrying unnecessarily....... what you eat (or don't eat), where you eat it and who you eat with is just one tiny element of any "relationship", working or otherwise. There are so many other inter-actions you will have with people and so many other facets to you as a person..... I am sure you are delightful, and you need to keep this in perspective...??

Thanks Rose for your reply your right, I need to focus on other facets, its new job and new environment for me totally..

blood and flesh? ask her to cook it next time.....

the real question is, do you have applications in at other places? This person may try to make you look bad, since you are the new person, and may think you don't like them.

You did right. But people can be vindictive, Have options open!!

Just tell people you're a very STRICT vegetarian and cannot share a table with meat. Takes the onus off of you and others.

I would be curious, bring a salad and join you, for lunch. I never knew some vegans couldn't touch a surface, that was contaminated. Thanks for the lesson!

When in Rome etc. etc.

Is it a religious thing?

Is it simply a personal preference?


If you want to politely avoid confrontation. Maybe find a comfortable place to eat alone.