What a read! Thank you for sharing and spreading veganism! The reason why we have to tell everyone we're vegan is because eating animal products is a norm so if we simply didn't say it we wouldn't be eating anything while we're out! Just like if someone doesn't like coriander, or chilli, or gluten, they have to speak up about it otherwise there is a risk that it'll be in their plate. But of course because we make people question themselves and feel guilty it gets turned into a joke.