10 reasons you should try dating a vegan

Vegan couple cooking vegetables together

Vegans get a bad rap. According to stereotypes, they’re too pious, their diet is dull, and all they want is someone to preach at, rather than an equal partner. But, in 2019, with veganism on the rise, isn’t it time to put those stereotypes aside and admit that dating a vegan isn’t all mung beans and sandals? In fact, falling for a vegan might just rock your world.

To prove it, we’ve found 10 reasons why you should think about dating a vegan – even if you’re among the heartiest of meat-eaters.

10 great reasons to try dating a vegan

1. Vegans make really tolerant partners

It’s time to stop thinking that ‘tolerant vegan’ is an oxymoron. The truth is that vegans are a tolerant bunch, especially when it comes to dating. In fact, when EliteSingles surveyed 2300 singles about veganism, vegetarianism, and dating, we found vegans to be more tolerant than meat eaters! 82% of vegans would go on a first date with a meat-eater, and 72% would be willing to start a serious relationship with one. Yet, only 69% of meat-eaters would accept a first date with a vegan and just 61% would be open to a serious relationship.¹

2. They are relaxed about what their dates eat

The survey also revealed that 20% of omnivores worry that dating a vegan means being pressured to give up meat, eggs, and dairy. Yet, in reality, only 2.3% of Canadians are vegan,² so many (if not all) will have spent their lives in a diet minority and as a result have learned to live and let live. Indeed, rather than being conversion crusaders, vegan singles are pretty easy going. Just 3% surveyed by EliteSingles would insist their partner adopt a vegan diet.³

3. Chances are, your vegan date is a great cook

Want to date someone who knows their way around the kitchen? Try dating a vegan! When you give up animal products, the need to know what’s in your food means you cook from scratch more often, which in turn means gaining new kitchen skills. What’s more, those on a vegan diet often find it’s easier to stick to if it’s creative: think unusual combinations of veggies, mixed with decadent flavours and spices. It’s really no wonder that 81% of vegans in our survey consider themselves to be ‘foodies’ – or that vegan dating can be utterly delicious!⁴

4. Dating a vegan can be your ‘in’ to a whole new world of flavour

If you’re a foodie too, then a vegan romance can be the start of a whole new culinary adventure. If you’re with a vegan who loves to get creative in the kitchen, chances are they’ll get really excited about sharing their discoveries. It won’t be long before you know how to cook with seitan, what to do with nutritional yeast, and how liquid smoke can transform a dish. It may not lead to you giving up meat – but it will expand your kitchen repertoire.

5. You’ll become efficient at working as a team

Your vegan partner likely won’t require you to give up animal products entirely. But they might draw the line at preparing them. This can be a good thing though, especially if you use it as an excuse to work together. Rather than having separate meals, or dinners where one of you feels unsatisfied, have them suggest the bulk of the meal and you add meat or dairy as your bonus. Not only will you both end up with something you want to eat, learning to cook together will get you feeling like a team from very early in your relationship.

6. They’ll make you want to up your game when it comes to date night

Has your go-to romantic plan long been steak dinner for two? There’s nothing so wrong with that – if you eat meat, then steak is a classic date night dish. Yet, if you feel you’re getting set in your ways, dating a vegan might be the perfect way to shake things up. Whether it’s finding new, exclusively vegan spots to spoil them with, or simply scouring the menus at romantic restaurants, pleasing your vegan crush will require you to up your date night game.

7. You’ll become a master of planning ahead

Falling for a vegan shows you how much planning it takes to have a plant-based diet in a meat-focused world. You might find it endearingly nerdy the first time they bring their own veggie patties to a cookout. And you may think that it’s cute that 77% of vegans in our ‘Dinner Date’ survey would fess up before a first date to avoid restaurant-related awkwardness.⁵ Yet, once you see how hard it is to reliably find vegan eats, you’ll start marvelling at their planning skills. And, it won’t be long before you become a planner too; calling your dinner hosts to ask what you need to bring and looking up menus online, all to help your vegan date relax.

8. Vegans are not afraid of commitment

Sick of dating people with commitment issues? It might be time to date a vegan. Think about it: with every meal, they prove that they are not afraid of commitment. It takes will-power and dedication to stick to a vegan diet, and that tenacious personality is a real boon when it comes to relationships. If your date can make a commitment to giving up bacon, milk chocolate, and cheesy pizza, then they have the stick-to-itiveness that makes them excellent partner material.

9. Like lively, interesting discussions? You’re in luck!

For many vegans, going plant-based was a decision that required a lot of thought and mental argument. Even if they were raised vegan, it’s likely something that they questioned again and again growing up. This means they know their facts and that, if you’re the sort of person who thrives off challenging, informed debates, a vegan squeeze will be right up your alley. The two of you can lie in bed, debating topics like animal rights until the cows come home (or go free, depending on your point of view!). For a certain type of person, that’s true romance!

10. They’ll inspire you to stand up for what you believe in

Whether they’re defending the environment, or expressing their sheer love for the entire animal kingdom, dating a vegan means dating someone with passion. You may not agree with their particular viewpoints, but the fact that they stand up for them in the face of awkwardness and mockery can be really inspiring. Indeed, as enthusiasm and perseverance can be contagious, you might get motivated to find your own cause to believe in.⁶ That push towards passion is a powerful thing to be able to give someone – and just one of the many perks of a romance with a vegan!