Why do I feel embarrassed and ashamed admitting to family and friends that I am vegetarian??

For example, a lot of my aunts, uncles, and cousins got together last weekend to watch a college football game, and I was made aware that they would be grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, so, of course, I just brought some gardein crispy tenders so I wouldn’t only have to eat side dishes. While I was waiting for the oven to preheat, SO many of my family members questioned why I wasn’t eating hotdogs or hamburgers and were just astounded when I informed them that as of about a month ago I stopped eating meat. After seeing the looks on their faces, I just really felt embarrassed and didn’t want to be asked anymore questions even though I know deep inside that I am proud of what I’m accomplishing. So I guess I’m just wondering if anyone else has felt this way and what exactly I can say to friends and family who judge my decision without sounding defensive. For reference, I am a young, reserved girl living in the Deep South. Thank y’all 🙂 via /r/vegetarian https://ift.tt/3iNY90t