I think you got the answer from me you were looking for in your recent
"poll".
Among the more likely possibilities (which could occur in any combination to any degree), your habit of being cryptic to any given degree:
1) Could be for the purpose of intentionally misleading someone for your own amusement.
2) Could be done when it is completely unwarranted (when you are under compulsion).
3) To shake people off your tail or test your friends to see if they follow you.
Whether your remarks are truly misleading to any given degree that you intend in each condition (respective to the numbering above):
1) Is irrelevant, as your intentions are what identify you as a sadist.
2) Is irrelevant entirely.
3) If how effective you are going to be at accomplishing that task (getting people off your back or enjoying feelings of friendship when you set the bar just right, for example).
One, I hate and will do my best to stop in most conditions. Three, I have absolutely no problem with as it is your life and you can live it how you want. Your level of skill is what determines how effective that behavior is going to be at accomplishing whatever goal you have in place. If you’re good at it and you and your friends have a blast together most of the time, go for it. Two, however, can be quite gravely serious, whether you can fully appreciate what that means or not. I’ve watched this habit of yours go on for a while and I got worried, perhaps needlessly. I’m willing to look like a #@$%! to make sure number two wasn’t you, which is apparently what has ended up happening given the feedback you’re all giving me. I still think you could stand to be a little more direct sometimes, but that’s just a personal preference.
Take it easy, misunderstood non-chef, non-food photographer.
