Go to any steakhouse or grill restaurant in America and you'll see tables of couples eating very different foods.  Women will usually opt for a salad or chicken entree, often paired with a Diet Coke or simply a water.  For men it's usually steak, potatoes and beer (because no "real" man would be caught dead picking little marinated shrimps off a skewer in public).  Now this isn't always the case, but for many couples this is reality.  The differences are compounded when one member of the couple is a vegetarian or vegan.

Our food choices have a major impact on the environment.  In the article Vegetarian vs. Carnivore from last October, Maureen Fetterolf was featured in her long-term marriage to her meat-eating husband.  She explained she felt compelled to eat less meat because her husband ate so much.  Does she feel her actions balance-out those of her hubby?

“My husband is a major carnivore. He probably has a lot to do with me going completely veggie,” Fetterolf said. Her husband hangs fresh-killed deer from the rafters in the garage and enjoys cooking game for him and their two adult daughters.

I think it's very cool that they can make it work but for a lot of couples the issue of "what the children should eat" would be a dealbreaker.  Personally, I've never met a vegetarian parent that would encourage or allow their children to eat meat.

This is not just a veggie vs. non-veggie issue either.  Issues of food selection, dietary balance, moral and social choices come into play as well.

For example, what if you want to "go organic" and start including meatless meals in your family's meal plan?  If your significant other isn't on board it will be much harder to make those changes in your life.

How about you?  Any tips on how to convert your significant other to a lifestyle that's healthier for their body and for the planet?  Any stories on how we can all happily co-exist?  Hit the jump to send us your story or use the comments link below to send us your tips!

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