It started as a normal lunch break. I grabbed a burger, sat at my desk, and began eating. My vegan colleague, who sits nearby, gave me a look I couldn’t quite read. I didn’t think much of it—until the next day, when HR called me in. Apparently, she’d filed a complaint, saying my meal was “offensive” and “insensitive.” I was stunned. I hadn’t mocked her lifestyle or made any comments. I just ate my lunch. Alone. Quietly.
HR asked if I could be more considerate in the future. I asked what that meant—should I hide my food? Eat in the bathroom? They said it was about “creating a respectful environment.” I felt like I was being punished for existing. I respect her choices, but now mine were under scrutiny. I left the meeting feeling humiliated and confused. Was eating meat now a workplace offense?
The tension grew. She stopped speaking to me entirely. Other colleagues began whispering, some siding with her, others with me. I never imagined a burger could spark this kind of divide. I tried to apologize, even though I wasn’t sure what I’d done wrong. She refused to engage. HR suggested mediation, but she declined. I felt trapped—villainized for a personal choice that had nothing to do with her.
Now, I eat lunch outside, alone. The office feels colder, not just physically but emotionally. I’ve learned that even silent actions can be misinterpreted, and that respect is a two-way street. I never meant to offend, but I also won’t erase myself to appease someone else’s discomfort. I hope one day she sees that. Until then, I’ll keep my head down—and my burger out of sight.
