Why do vegetarians think they are above us meat lovers?

I think you may have had some bad luck with the vegetarians you've come across. My girlfriend is a vegetarian and is nothing like the vegetarians you describe nor are any of the other vegetarians I've met. Contrary to what you've said I've noticed quite a few people hassling my girlfriend to explain her dietary choice and making fun of her. I think like pretty much everything else it's a two way thing.