Even though I have officially been an adult for almost a decade--yikes--I still can't really cook, nor do I really enjoy it. I got by on sandwiches and cereal and of course, takeout, but then I met Tyler.
Tyler cooks for me.
To be fair, Tyler cooks for himself and has for the majority of his adult life. He even worked as a chef in our town's finest restaurant. He enjoys creating and preparing meals. Very shortly into our relationship, he naturally wanted to cook for me. I was hesitant. Why? Because I was raised in a household where my mom and only my mom ever cooked. This was per an agreement my parents made early on in their marriage. If my dad ever did cook (and he's had to in my mom's absence), it was a huge imposition. I didn't want to impose on Tyler. I also didn't yet realize the enjoyment he got from cooking, so I was thinking he was doing it because he thought I was the type of girl who would be impressed by a GASP! man cooking.
I needed to get out of my own way.
I've always been turned off by guys who do things they think will impress women. I quickly learned that Tyler was not that type of guy. He does what he does and he is who he is. He just happens to have this quality (and many, many others) that women find attractive. He was just showing me who he was, but actually not really...
The first meal Tyler ever cooked for me was chicken and vegetables. It was delicious and better than anything I could make for myself, but I later learned he was holding back because he knew how supremely uncomfortable I was accepting something so sweet and sincere.
Good God, I really needed to get out of my own way.
Eventually I did. And since then Tyler has cooked a variety of complicated meals for me and I have enjoyed every one. Not only is his food good, it's also healthy so any extra pounds I gain will be entirely owed to my binging on discount chocolate. My favorite meal is--now and forever--Buffalo wings, which is my favorite food. The fact that he made the effort to learn and perfect my favorite meal speaks volumes. I can say without a doubt that they are the best wings I have ever had.
Showing someone you love them through cooking is not a new concept. I just never thought I would be on the receiving end of that. (In case you're curious, I cook for Tyler too, albeit less frequently and with less sophistication.) Yet another reason I love him.
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