I stopped eating straight-up animal parts when I was a young teenager, but it took years to be consistent about it. I was never actually a fan of milk, but I didn't completely cut out dairy until I was at least 20. I only spent a few years in my early twenties being an "official" vegan and avoiding honey. I'm 33 now and I will overlook certain animal ingredients in medications or food that is gifted, but I try not to ever spend money on food or clothing made from animals.
I admit I have more feelings for some animals than others. Cows are easy to care about. Fish are easy to care about. Bees, I don't know. I can catch and stir-fry grasshoppers with no qualms at all, though I put them in the freezer first so when they are cooked they have a slower and dreamier hell. I will wear leather if it is second-hand, especially as I have a hard time finding good boots that fit me.
I don't usually want strangers to know how I eat, and if I have to mention it I keep it vague. I don't like talking about heavy concepts with strangers, so when I do have to talk about diet I try to stick to the idea that what I am doing is for my health. If nothing else, it would out me to explain that breastfeeding taught me how important it is for mammals to be allowed to follow primal urges without interference.