Why can't people take the hint ?

Hard to explain but I couldn't have sat there eating in front of him. We're not close. I only see him when he wants something.

I didn't have enough for him too eat with us and he's a health freak and would have refused to eat what we were having.

Or just eat it anyway? He's your brother, not the local vicar...

Don't know the circumstances, but why didn't you put out an extra plate and shared your dinner with him?