Yeah, it is isolating when you realize that you're the vanguard of something. Even though online I'm mean to carnists and get out my aggression in vegan spaces in real life I've learned to be a little more patient, not much, but a little more.

It has helped me to realize though that if I tell someone I'm vegan and they get defensive and start being mean about it that I'm glad because I just saved myself time from having to figure out if the person is worthwhile to be friends with or not. Most people are not mean about it once they get passed the first layer of defense.