Have you ever eaten meat, dairy or egg only out of politeness?

How did it happen that you were able to convey to him that you like spicy food, but not that you're a vegetarian? I think you should just come clean and tell him you don't eat meat (maybe you can say that you make exceptions on rare occasions, just so he doesn't feel bad about ordering the chicken). You should never compromise your beliefs out of embarrassment or politeness.