Personally, my parents only took issue with my dietary shift as far their nutritional concerns went. I did the research and showed them they results, and they were generally accepting.

Now, I also happen to have rather conservative (politically and socially) relatives who definitely hold that "men eat meat." I have experienced degrees of discomfort in these situations, not because I internalized their judgments (I have no desire to be the type of man defined by the consumption of rotting flesh) but rather because, well, it hurts when those close to you are judgmental.

The best advice I can give you is, firstly, don't internalize what is being relayed to you. You have made your own decisions, and be proud of them. That said, perhaps if those close to you really understood your reasoning they would be more accepting.

Finally, there are some practical realities here. Many social situations involve meat. So many "American" institutions are meat-centric (fast food, BBQ, sporting events, etc.) and while vegans can enjoy these things (well, not fast food - ick), most people approach the issue as if we were abandoning tradition. Another final issue is that people often feel implicitly judged when talking with vegans. The relationship becomes strained because it is clear one person is making a moral judgment about the other (even if this is not done actively). I understand because, frankly, I cannot relate to chauvinists, racists, sexists, homophobes and warmongerers (among other groups). It is natural to see relationships strained when ethical issues are at play. I guess the key is to reconcile these things, and conversation will likely be the starting point. Granted, I come from a family of very *open* communicators.

Good luck!

David