People who choose to break off from the crowd usually have it rough. For the most part, if you have ideals that differ from the general public you get reactions of utter surprise, disgust and disagreement.

Not interested in owing a Blackberry or an iPhone? Why even bother communicating with people?!

You don’t possess a Facebook page? What in the world do you do with your time?!

Don’t eat meat? Why would you do that? Bacon is life!

Now, I know there are many of you who are very accepting to those of different beliefs other than your own. However, there are plenty of others who cannot get past the differences.

This week I did a quick Google search on “Why You Shouldn’t Be Vegetarian” and the results I found were great! I commend these people on their honesty and sense of humor (hopefully that’s what they were going for).

One of my favorites was the myth that all vegetarians think they can cook, and the food is always vile. I love this. I myself have met many more carnivores that believed they were the next Iron Chef than vegetarians.

Everyone has that friend. You know the one I’m talking about: they’re always mixing up every ingredient in the kitchen and calling it dinner. And the thought of even smelling the meal they just made is stomach-wrenching.

That friend is not always a vegetarian. Most likely they’re simply the person who partied too hard!

One of the most popular myths is that all vegetarians are constantly pushing their ideals and trying to guilt-trip carnivores. I’ll be honest, I’ve seen it plenty of times. PETA and other animal rights organizations can be a bit abrasive.

But, liberals can be pushy, environmentalists can be over-ambitious and equal rights activists can be overzealous.

What I’m saying is that, of course there are some in every crowd, but let’s not over generalize. I believe most vegetarians don’t eat meat for their own reasons and don’t really mind what eating habits others choose.

Last but not least, the most delightful and marvelous myth of them all: “with a diet of chickpeas, lentils, dark green veggies and every bean imaginable, the household is a gas factory.”

Yes, my friends; the white elephant in the room was addressed. And the simple response to this is goes back to a childhood book we all read—“Everybody Poops.”

Everybody poops and, yes, everybody toots, too.

These myths go to show everyone has their own beliefs, wacky as they may be. And really, that’s what makes this world fun, funny and interesting! Just don’t always believe what you hear.