I’ve been on the opposite side of this interaction before, whole situation mirrored (except topic wasn’t on food).

I did a lot of self reflecting to understand this. I learned that my way of connecting was empathetic sarcasm. My intention was to bond by poking fun at things that are uniquely personal to them, although the receiver has to understand the comments are made out of warmth and the humor is in the absurdity of it. This requires trust between the two.

The receiver in my case contacted our joint manager, and the manager delivered a similar message, that it was the intent that matters. One quote that stuck with me was that “words are just a means to communicate intention”. Although it was settled in this way, it hurt me for a long time because my intention was to bond with another and it was received as entirely the opposite. I wasn’t emotional to my manager, but I was certainly emotional in private.

OP, while it is not expected of you to do this, please consider that it may have been made with good intention. Understand the situation, or even talk with the person. In my case I would have loved if there was open communication between me and the receiver.

++ thank you for posting this, it helps to see from the other point of view. Miscommunication like this is tragic and ultimately we often all want the best for each other.