Courtesy versus Religion.

[Karen]

I have dietary restrictions that are not due to religion, and anyone who eats with me knows it, if any ordering of food is involved. I try not to make a big deal of it, it's no one's fault, and no one's problem but my own.

I do think it is the responsibility of anyone with dietary restrictions of any sort to either let people know, or not eat anything without asking what's in it. Better safe than sorry.

There are people who will not be happy no matter the situation, greeting card, or whatever - and it usually has nothing to do with you!

[Laura's Babies]

My buddy Mike is Jewish and I am Christain. He knows I celebrate Christmas and I know he don't but out of respect when I give his Brats (cats) Toys at Christmas, he accepts them and also brings my babies toys. I respect his request not to give him anything, just his Brats.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Well, I am a vegetarian and I would never eat meat just to be polite, sorry. But, I would make sure anyone potentially cooking me a meal would know that first. I also check ingredients before assuming anything.

Sometimes beliefs prevent people from partaking in things...but that doesn't mean that people are "rude" if they don't want to. It's rude the way some people go about it, but if you are polite and kind, I see no reason why a refusal is a bad thing.

[Cataholic]

Well, I am a vegetarian and I would never eat meat just to be polite, sorry. But, I would make sure anyone potentially cooking me a meal would know that first. I also check ingredients before assuming anything.

I have returned again to a vegatarian lifestyle. I am unobtrusive in my restrictions, and simply order something else, or pass it up. I wouldn't eat flesh just to be polite either.