Why are people so anti-vegetarian?

ive recently turned strict vegetarian after being an ovo-lacto vegetarian for about 10-11 months, and over that time ive noticed people are extremely rude as soon as i mention the fact i am vegetarian, i dont discriminate against meat eaters (how could i? my family eat meat, i used to eat meat) i respect peoples dietary decisions and dont ever preach but i just dont understand why people are so rude just because i choose to not eat any meat or dairy...etc i've been called crazy, stupid vegan (i'm not a vegan, i just live by the vegan diet.. though i will eventually turn vegan) its really hurtful... so why are people anti-vegetarian? even though i dont disrespect or try to turn them vegetarian, its the way i choose to live so why should it effect them? do other vegetarians expirience this?