Is there any way you could ask him what it is about your cooking he doesn’t like?
Maybe it’s something easily fixable like the veggies are too soggy, or you use too much salt or grease.
Or ask if he has any wishes for what he’d prefer you to cook?
Alternatively, you could ask him if you could agree that he just lets you know if he’d rather have takeout, and then order some for you too.
Pick up some lunch meats and such so he can make himself a meal if he really isn’t loving it.
This seems like its probably going to take time to work through so don’t get mad. I’m not a good cook and my family didn’t like eating what I cooked when I did go out of the way to make it for them so its understandable that you’re upset, and I know how that feels. But its best not to be mad about it.
I mean, yeah, I can respect food aversions and such. But at least he should be honest about them instead of sneaking out to have taco bell.
If he needs it a particular way, maybe he could do the cooking?
I mean if he’s not grateful at the effort you’re putting in, it’s only fair he should do it himself.
When my wife was alive we very rarely had takeaway once we had a settled place to live.My wife was very good at non exotic dishes. My mother due to being a diplomat’s wife was very good at cooking more exotic dishes.
When my wife got ill with dementia I took over the cooking. I tried my best, but I was not even an average cook.
On the flip side, it’s probably good to avoid my usual bluntness.
“Why did you ignore the supper I made and get KFC?”
“Because I keep telling you I don’t like that dish and you keep making it.”
“It’s my favorite recipe that my mom made.”
“I don’t like her, either.”
Yes, I do spend a night or two on the couch each week (as you all suspected).