Veganism means something different to every vegan.
It can be argued that a "true vegan" abstains from eating any animal product. Obviously, that rules out meat, milk products, and eggs. But did you know that many vegans also don't eat honey, as it is from bees - another animal! It's tricky!
A "true vegan" will also refrain from using any product that comes from any part of an animal. That's right, no leather! Did you know that some sugars are refined using animal bones? Google that one. That's why many vegans are careful about the sugar they use.
I consider myself to be 95% vegan. I don't eat meat or fish, nor do I eat eggs or cheese, or drink milk. But every rule has an exception. When I'm in a restaurant and I've ordered a stir-fry only to find out it contains fish sauce, I don't make a big deal about it. When my mom bakes a pie and I find out there's an egg in the crust... You get the picture. I have food preferences and can choose what I eat at home... but when I'm out and about, there may always be an ingredient I didn't know about or can't avoid. Until veganism becomes more popular and restaurants start intentionally offering vegan dishes, I'm always going to have to ask for the ingredients, choose my meal, and then keep quiet.
What's more important: eating what feels right and good to you, or sticking so firmly to the label "vegan" that you risk offending Mom when she made pie just for you (and forgot you don't eat eggs...)? Your answer to that question will tell you what kind of a vegan you'll be. And I won't judge you for it, either way.
