I was just answering some questions about veganism, and thought my answer might be helpful to others so I wanted to put part of it here. So here it is...

I think it is important to set an example for people who are meat eaters, to show them that being vegan is fun and not difficult. If you get fanatical about white sugar and honey people will just think you are crazy and discredit veganism. It is more important to make veganism an appealing alternative, to let people know you are vegan because of love and not hate.

When people first find out about how animals are treated in modern animal agriculture and they go vegan it is a tendency to be so outraged that you try to convert everyone around you. This often leads to overstating the point and being offensive. The longer I am vegan the more I realize that it is the gentler approach that works better. If people are ready to change they will ask questions like you are. If you make veganism look like a fanatic cult no one will want to go that way. But if you set an example, show how you are benefiting in your health, how you are happy and at peace, then it becomes an attractive alternative to killing animals at every meal.

I don't find that being vegan is more expensive. If you buy fake meat and fake cheese then it is, but if you learn to eat a diet which is healthier with lots of fresh vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits then it is pretty inexpensive. There is just a learning curve with cooking differently and eating healthier. If you are transitioning and trying to eat vegan most of the time that is great. I recommend just doing what you can and if you get stuck at a restaurant that has eggs in their pad tai then don't feel bad. The longer you do it the easier it will get to avoid animal products. Most restaurants can make things without the animal ingredients. If you are making pancakes or cake at home they are very easy to make vegan and just as delicious.