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I don't eat meat - I do eat fish, though. Love the food (including tofu), I am healthy and happy.
In real life, I find that pretty much everybody is very supportive. My friends know about my choices, and respect them. In fact, many share them - or at the very least support them. I try to "convert" people - through good food. I don't believe in telling people "meat is bad" - my mantra is that "tofu and veggies are great", and I cheerfully take it as a challenge to prove that to the world ;-)
Now, online, I often get a different reaction, people who respond by stating how much the like McDonalds. Apart from the fact that I don't follow their reasoning on a culinary, social and environmental level, that always seems to be a tad strange, but I guess it is a form of rationalization on their side, and I don't take it personal.
And, I can also understand Shira's comments - those who are deeply committed to their choice or who feel that they have to fight for it can come across as pushy or judgmental, which is too bad. Not eating meat and cutting back to some degree on animal products is a positive choice, and I always frustrated when I see conflict and resentment coming from that. (I have to admit to questioning waiters, which can be a bit of a delicate art when one tries to figure out whether there is chicken broth in a dish, especially when one talks to relatively inexperienced waiters of Asian descent).
But, in summary - no problems for me. It's been a great choice for me to give up meat, and the majority of my interaction with others has been friendly and constructive.
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