My son recently got married, and though I didn’t know my daughter-in-law very well, I attended the wedding because I wanted to see my son happy. From the start, there was tension—mostly because I’m the only vegan in the family, a fact that didn’t sit well with my daughter-in-law. At the reception, I noticed there was a sign for “vegan option” on a table, so I sat there hoping for a decent meal. When the food arrived, I was horrified. The vegetables looked rotten and unappetizing. I asked the waitress if I could have a salad instead, but was told it would cost extra since only one vegetarian meal was reserved and the salad wasn’t part of the vegan menu.
I felt deeply unwelcome, like my dietary choices were a burden. Standing up, I told my son I was leaving because I wouldn’t sit where I was being mocked, then walked out. Shockingly, he said, “You will forget us.” It was painful to hear that from my own child after all I’d done. Since then, my daughter-in-law called me selfish for ruining the reception and hurting my son, but I refused to apologize for standing up for myself.
This experience taught me about the importance of respecting others’ beliefs and choices, especially at major family events. Being vegan isn’t a phase—it’s my lifestyle, and I deserved kindness, not disdain, from family members. I don’t want to lose my son, but I won’t lose my pride either.
I hope my son will eventually understand that my leaving wasn’t about rejecting him but about demanding respect. If he wants to repair our relationship, he’ll have to reach out. Until then, I’ll hold onto my dignity and the belief that being true to myself is worth more than any family drama.
