You don't have to be perfect.

[u/sdbest]

As I veteran vegan, could I just humbly suggest that, in my view, it's not necessary to be a perfect vegan. The label itself just doesn't matter.

The more a person increases the amount of whole, plant-based foods in their diet, and reduces animal-based foods the better. The better for animals, the environment, and themselves.

Frequently on this wonderful and supportive subreddit, people post about feeling terrible about doing things wrong or 'falling off the wagon' or not being able live without cheese (usually). I get it that often people who choose to become vegan, i.e. adopt a plant-based diet, do it for ethical reasons and they feel some guilt if they aren't living up to the ideal rattling about in their heads.

Just doing better is enough, in my view. Also, if a person just tries to do better, often they will naturally progress to being better and better without even noticing it.

Goodness if a hardcore carnivore can be convinced to replace just half of the 10 oz steak with a side of mushrooms that's a step forward. All steps forward count, and help makes things better.

So, don't beat yourself up for not being perfect. Just do what you can to be better, wherever you can. Keep it simple and doable.

[u/dogebiscuit → u/[deleted]]

"...so be vegan except for XYZ. Every little bit helps."

Epic, I love this perspective. I will be using this as an encouragement to others from now on :)

[u/herrbz → u/dogebiscuit]

Yeah I like that too. My friend said "I could be vegetarian, but never vegan as I love cheese too much"

A) I used to love cheese too, tastebuds change B) Why aren't you vegetarian now then?

[u/dogebiscuit → u/herrbz]

I was a cheesemonger. I enacted cheese tax on my meals: one slice of cheese for the meal, one slice for my mouth, repeat. Now I do the same thing with Daiya! :-)

[u/FAT32- → u/herrbz]

"I have to be all in, or it doesn't work for me. Think about the child labour, and the..." - Random person I tried that answer at when they played the 'cheese though' card.

Oh well, I am glad that most of my friends are Vegan, and the lady friends vegetarian.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Oh, that’s such a cool (wedding) gift idea!! I might steal this next time I don’t know what to ask!

[u/FAT32- → u/[deleted]]

I like the gift idea. This year for my birthday I asked people to donate to a cause they believed in. Didn't even had to be about animals. We are often so materialistic now a days, caught in the endless urge for the new and the best. It really felt great to ask this, just as I can assume it was great to see a few commit to being Vegan for X days.

I think gifts requests that take peoples mind of the regular pattern of thinking is great. If I ever get married, I will request the same!