Page 110 - Vegan Life - Issue 59 (February 2020)

Vegans in love

Our newest columnist, Karin Ridgers talks to us about dating

any of us want to find love and well as hearing good news from online acceptance, belief, worth and love. If you
believe nothing beats that bond daters, sadly, I’ve also heard some really don’t have these, or at least one of these
Mwith your perfect partner. And, shocking stories as more people turn things, you will be searching for a partner
I feel that there isn’t anything that trumps to online sites. Fellow vegans have told who can ‘fill in those gaps’ and a partner
the connection we get from meeting me they have been insulted, ridiculed cannot give us things such as self-love.
and sharing our lives with like-minded and stood up — just because they have These are things we need to work on for
vegans — whether that’s as family, mentioned being vegan. Some have ourselves, maybe through therapy, self-
friends or spouses. even told me about how they have been help books or podcasts. It’s about our own
Since setting up VeggieVision Dating sent images of meat, as well as reading personal growth and development.”
(veggievisiondating.com), so many people messages and bios stating things like, Sylvia adds: “If a vegan is going to
have asked me how they can find on- ‘I don’t date vegans!’ Several people on date a carnivore there are, obviously,
the-same-wavelength, non-meat-eating my website have told me that, at times, difering values, and it will not work if
people for both friendship and love. It has they felt like giving up, although many the couple keep trying to change each
made me aware that this is a huge deal have gone on to say that ater the speed other. If you enter such a relationship, do
for a whopping percentage of people, dating sessions at VegfestUK, they got a so with extreme caution, or there may be
all looking to share their lives with that much needed boost. No one should feel trouble ahead.”
someone special. downhearted when it comes to dating, So, work on yourself. Accept yourself.
According to various Google searches, but if you do need a bit of a pick me up, You are good enough. Know what you want.
there are around 15 million singles in the read on. Know what you are looking for in your
UK — nearly a quarter of the population. I have hosted dating specials on my ideal partner. Write this down, and add it to
So, if we equate this to the 500,000 vegans weekly radio show on Phoenix FM, one of your vision board! Make steps to connect
there could be at least 125,000 single which included the plant-based author, with the right sort of people. Go to events
vegans in the UK. I just wish they would all ‘Gorgeousness’ coach and presenter, like Vegan Life Live, Vegan Nights and
sign up to my dating site! Tristan Lee (tristanlee.com), who gave some VegFestUK — talk to everyone! Join social
However, if you are looking for super advice. During the interview, Tristan media groups or local vegan groups. Find a
someone to ‘complete’ you, or make you advised daters who feel despondent with vegan dating site that feels good for you to
resolutely happy, then think again. Finding dating: “Rejection is not personal. You support. Don’t always look for the cheapest,
your soulmate or perfect partner should may simply not be what they are looking or a free site — is that the sort of person you
enhance the happiness you already have for right now — it doesn’t mean you aren’t want to be, or are looking for? Take a deep
— so working on yourself, your confidence good enough. Believe that you are valuable, breath and be yourself. ■
and your self-acceptance is key, too. unique and loveable just as you are and
I love helping people find relationships, you will attract what you’re seeking. When For more from Karin, visit
and it’s why I set up my dating site using we understand that we are the cake and veggievisiondating.com and
the best online technology around. are looking for the icing — that we don’t mad-promotions.com
Following VeggieVision Dating, I’ve also need someone to ‘complete’ us, but to
gone on to run vegan speed dating add the cherry on the top, then it takes
sessions, which are brilliant. I would love the pressure of finding ‘the one’. Oten,
to spend more time organising them — the we are searching in the wrong places for
feedback I get is so positive. People have what we want. Change where you look,
told me that ater these, they’ve felt more find your tribe (vegan dating sites etc.)
empowered, experienced a confidence and you’re much more likely to make
boost, and were ready to go out there to meaningful connections.”
connect with others. Passionate vegan psychosexual
Some speed-daters, as well as online and relationship therapist, Sylvia Milton
singles, have met people on my site or (sylviamilton.com), ofers similar advice:
events, gone on dates and even met the “When dating, it is important to possess
one that, hopefully, they are still with. As good feelings about yourself — self-

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