I agree with you partially on this sentiment, but I think it really boils down to the household dynamic. My grandparents are straight out of Puerto Rico and believe that if you’re cooking, you share the meal with the whole house. Well in that case, I would have to cater to my entire family’s preferences and restrictions… every time I cook. That means nothing tomato based, no onions or garlic, no seafood, no spice/heat, etc. The list goes on until my menu options are abysmal.

So I either make separate dishes for everyone or a single meal that considers all preferences. If I choose to explore new recipes and cook to my taste, rather than for the sake of feeding mouths, it would be considered selfish because nobody but me would eat it. Mind you, everyone is perfectly capable of learning how to cook, but the expectation falls on me as the oldest.

I think that if you’re cooking for the purpose of hosting others or for family members that can’t (partner works late, children, whatever the case), then it makes sense to make a meal for everyone. However, I don’t think it’s weird to not want to cook for my entire house on any given day. If you have preferences, fine, but navigate them yourself and don’t expect me to cater to them every time. I’d happily make enough food to serve my whole family when I’m cooking, but that shouldn’t give reign for them to dictate the menu. That just takes the joy out of cooking.

I’m realizing this has become more of a rant, but just my 2 cents on the matter. You must be blessed with a household of adventurous eaters, and for that, I envy you.