The Steak of Our Marriage

Dear Abby,

I’ve always been a proud meat-eater. I love the sizzle of steaks on the grill, the smoky aroma of ribs slathered in BBQ sauce, and the simple joy of a perfectly cooked burger on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I take pride in slow smoking a brisket on weekends and experimenting with new marinades, and I’ve even become known among my friends as the guy who can turn any backyard into a mini BBQ festival.

My wife, on the other hand, has always had a flair for following the latest trends. I used to think it was harmless, new haircuts, trendy coffee shops, occasional fad diets but lately, it’s gone a bit further than I ever expected. She recently decided to become vegetarian, and it’s not just a personal choice anymore; she’s now part of a whole vegetarian friend circle that seems to meet for kale smoothies and avocado toast competitions.

At first, I thought it would be fine. But now, it’s more than just her choosing not to eat meat herself. She no longer prepares any meat for dinner, ever. And worse, she lectures me constantly if I even cook a burger or enjoy a steak. I feel like I can’t enjoy a simple BBQ or even a grilled chicken salad without a sermon about the ethics of meat eating. Dinner has gone from being a relaxing part of the day to a moral battleground.

I respect her choices, truly, but I miss sharing meals we both enjoy without feeling judged. I feel like my own tastes and traditions are being dismissed. Is it unreasonable to want some balance, where I can still enjoy meat without being scolded? How can I navigate this without causing a constant argument at the dinner table?

Signed,
Grill Master Greg
Chicago, IL