Vegans are crazy, obsessed, and they want everyone else to be vegan too!!! Right?!?

Hey! So, being vegan, I've heard this lot. Either on social media or just hearing in-person conversations about veganism, this is an opinion shared by some people, even if they don't know what veganism is actually about.
I want to offer a brief window into where some of this stigmatic vegan behavior might be coming from.
When you find something beautiful, you might tap a loved one or friend on the shoulder and tell them to turn and look.
When you hear AMAZING, exciting news, you might tell someone to share it and spread the word.
When you try out the new local bar or restaurant and have a great time, you might recommend it to a neighbor or friend to visit.
Veganism is the same way. The choice to be vegan can be inspired by many things. Generally, there are physical rewards, health benefits, emotional gratification, and more benefits that many happy vegans experience. Also, contrary to some popular thought, the food is delicious and fulfilling. Wanting to help people be OPEN to the possibilities of enjoying this lifestyle is as natural as seeing a new movie and loving it so much that you can't help but tell your pals to go and see it. If someone is encouraging you to go vegan, it's because they care about you.... and you'd be easier to hang out with because you'd have an easier time finding a place to enjoy food together.
That's likely also not the only reason. Veganism, the term, was coined by animal activists. Without this ethical piece, it's more like a plant-based diet. Veganism itself refers to the lifestyle that does its best to avoid any type of cruelty to animals by way of not purchasing or using anything with animal byproduct. Many vegans also put effort into avoiding products that were tested on animals. This is important to many people because animals are extremely vulnerable and can't speak up for themselves. Human beings are able to live perfectly healthy and thriving lives without causing pain or suffering to the most vulnerable. Animals are cognitive beings that have feelings, family dynamics, and empathy. Why not stop participating in something so negative and unnecessary?
The other reasons that people encourage others to go vegan are in hopes of making the world a better place for people... literally. The amount of water and energy waste, as well as the pollution that takes place for the purpose of meat and dairy, is unbelievable. I was surprised to learn this myself! Some people are concerned about population overgrowth and world hunger. The problem is NOT that there isn't enough food, but the lifestyle standards that we hold involve unsustainable requirements and cause immense food waste. A plant-based diet is entirely more sustainable globally.

I really tried to be brief! If you have any other questions, it's easy to research, or you can send them my way! Again, if someone is encouraging you to look into plant-based lifestyles, there is likely a good reason behind it. Please open your mind and heart to the possibilities!