I have had a bit of stick being a vegetarian. I don't make it known and don't blow a trumpet about it and will just order vegetarian stuff off the menu.
When people have found out (work associates etc.) they have got very aggressive with me. I recall a residential course I was on and there was a buffet and a colleague asked me to try something. I just said no at first, but he was kind of 'go on, go on, try it.' I then said I was a vegetarian and he completely exploded and started ranting as to how people like me make him sick.'
Seems some feel the second you say you are a vegetarian it is my looking down my nose, being judgmental and my telling them they are doing something abhorrent.
My attitude is simply it is down to one of personal choice. My wife is a massive meat eater. She cannot go a single day without having meat. I wouldn't dream of even trying to 'convert' her.
Some seemingly see vegetarians and vegans as a threat.