I’ve been a vegan for four years. People don’t seem to take issue with it, but they often ask me why I’m a vegan. The problem: No matter how innocuous an answer I give, it frequently leads to defensiveness and argumentative pushback by others. How can I avoid this trap? —VEGAN

I AM NOT A VEGAN (or a psychologist). But I, too, have noticed that restrictive diets seem to be a gateway to aggravation. I wouldn’t mention your diet unless eating is imminent. Otherwise, what does it matter? And when people ask why you’re vegan, tell them, “The diet agrees with me.” If they press, pivot: “What do you like eating?” 

—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine