ArcaMax

Dear Amy: My husband's best friend and his wife have permanently settled on a plant-based diet. It has become more than a way of eating for them, but a philosophy that they love to study, promote and (one might say) "preach" about. Their diet has become who they are.

They live in another state. For several years, my husband and I have been guests in their home for a week at a time for sports, sightseeing and relaxing together.

While we are with them, we willingly eat any foods they serve, although when we dine out we sometimes choose non-vegan meals for ourselves.

The past couple of years, the "preaching" has increased to the point where nearly every meal includes conversation about the benefits of plant-based eating, and even while the guys golf or do other activities together, it pops up in conversation.

We have become extremely frustrated. We told them that we are happy they've found a diet that works for them, but we choose to continue our own way of eating and do not wish to keep hearing about it -- but they don't stop!

My husband does not want to lose this friendship of many years. We felt we were very direct during our last visit when the "preaching" didn't stop.

Now, my husband is reluctantly considering an ultimatum.

Do you think this friendship has come to an end?

-- Upset Friends

Dear Upset: Let's review. When you are a guest in someone else's home for a week's time, it is fairly logical that you might also have to tolerate some annoyances or excesses.

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