[maerF0x0]

Even as early as 2015 I was often shocked how few people entertained or wanted to do potlucks. I soon learned why, at least in my circles the lack of effort was mind blowing. Most people balked at the idea of chipping in to buy food, and so when I'd try a potluck everyone would aim at bringing something fully prepared like "Chips and Salsa" (and like 5 people would bring that).

I finally gave up trying to entertain folks, I'd rather go out and eat a good meal and only pay for myself rather than be the only one spending $100s on parties... It saddens me because I had a time in my life where I did have a good circle that was reasonably reciprocal. I guess it's just a gone thing?

[ryandrake]

I think a lot of people simply don’t know how to cook or are so bad at it that they’d be embarrassed. I’ve seen HN commenters admit they eat in restaurants for all their meals. Heck in my early 20s I couldn’t even cook myself eggs or spaghetti.

[maerF0x0]

That's an interesting take. Perhaps that was it. Sometimes I forget that I'm pretty self-solving for these kinds of things. (youtube a few recipes, run with it)... People often ask me "How did you learn to do that?" I'm like "I watched 4 youtube videos, got a couple of things from the store, and hoped for the best?"