You just moved into your flat, and everything’s pretty swell. You and your flatmate are getting along great and making plans left and right. You’ll watch Netflix together, go to the gym together, and cook together! Then you remember: You co live with a vegan flatmate or a vegetarian flatmate.

Before you freak out about giving up your meat and leather goods, take a step back. These days it’s not uncommon to co live with someone whose lifestyle is drastically different to yours. Veganism has gained immense popularity over the last few years. So if you find yourself trying to balance a delicate carnivore/herbivore relationship with your vegan flatmate, don’t worry! You’re not alone. We talked to the experts for some tips on living with a vegan flatmate.

Veganism vs. Vegetarianism

Before you read up on how to properly interact with a vegan flatmate when you’re a meat-eater, you should understand the difference between veganism and vegetarianism. Vegans eat no animal products at all, though some eat honey (the debate on whether honey is vegan has yet to find a final answer). Vegetarians, on the other hand, eat eggs and dairy – in other words, they don’t eat meat itself, but they’ll eat other animal products. Additionally, certain vegetarians eat fish, but no other meat – these people are known as pescatarians.

Now that you understand the distinction between veganism and vegetarianism, here’s how to ensure a solid relationship with a vegan flatmate.

1. Know basic kitchen courtesies

Even if you and your vegan flatmate agree on a pretty lax set of food rules, you could still accidentally show disregard for your flatmate’s diet – many vegans have removed animal products from their diets for ethical or health-related reasons, meaning it’s not a choice they take lightly. No matter how good, or at least humorous, your intentions are, never do the following:

• Say something along the lines of “I could never be vegan” or make comments that subtly turn your nose up at veganism
• Offer your vegan flatmate any animal products you’re cooking or eating – even if you’re trying to be kind, you’re ignoring your flatmate’s diet
• Joke that, when your flatmate declines to share vegan food you offer, there’s no meat in it – your flatmate likely knows this and might think you see them as stupid

What you should do when it comes to sharing food is explicitly state that it’s vegan. If you’re making white bean soup, for example, you can say to your flatmate, “Hey, this soup I’m making is vegan, do you want to try some?” This way, your flatmate sees you offering to share and respecting their diet.

2. Be open minded

When you’re living with a vegan flatmate or a vegetarian flatmate with different beliefs, it’s important both parties are willing to be flexible to each other’s lifestyle choices, even if they change.

As as result of his own experience, he stresses the importance of allowing time for someone to adjust, no matter what side of the issue you’re on.

3. Have a system for living with your vegan flatmate

Before you begin living with a vegan flatmate or a vegetarian flatmate, be sure to define expectations for the relationship. Will you be cooking together? What things will you share? What will you keep separate? One easy fix many cohabiters suggest is having two sets of all kitchen utensils.

Simply put, your vegan flatmate isn’t going to eat any animal products. The rise of the vegan movement, though, has birthed all manner of vegan alternatives to classic dishes such as scrambled eggs, burgers, and chili. Try cooking up a tofu scramble, some veggie burgers, or a big pot of vegan chili with your flatmate if you’re looking to enjoy a classic dinner night while respecting their diet. Chances are that you won’t believe what you’re eating has no animal products in it – the vegan movement has led to some incredibly realistic substitutes. A simple internet search will turn up all manner of easy vegan recipes that you can try.

4. Be respectful

Whether you’re cooking meals together or not, the most important thing is to be considerate of the other person’s choices when you live with a vegan flatmate. Everyone wants to feel supported and comfortable in their own home, so simply listening and respecting someone’s decisions — even if they’re different to yours — can go a long way.