Always refer to yourself, rather than others, to reduce defensiveness. Never discuss vegetarianism while people are eating flesh. This will make them very uncomfortable and defensive. If people bring up the topic over meals, you might smile and acknowledge the importance of dietary choices, and then say that you don't like to talk about vegetarianism during meals. Afterwards, you may recall the earlier discussion and comment.
Many people resist vegetarianism, and it can take years before they are ready to adopt the diet.
You might suggest that, if vegetarianism interests them, they start by having one vegetarian day per week. They may find that it's not as hard as they thought to cut back further. Your Community Give your doctor a pamphlet about vegetarianism. Talk to your pastor about vegetarianism, and discuss ways to develop educational programs that discuss the impact of diet on animals, human health, world hunger, and the environment. You may speak, arrange a speaker, or arrange a visit to a slaughterhouse or factory farm.