Why do I take it personal when family doesn’t like new recipe?

[Anonymous]

It seriously hurts my feelings and I hate it. Maybe it’s because I research, plan, shop, and make the recipe/dinner, only for everyone to hate it. They don’t outright tell me, but I can tell because they leave food on their plates and my boys don’t go for seconds, which they never pass up when they like something.

I made something tonight and while I thought it was good (maybe I’m just more invested) everyone else just picked at their plates and left food only to grab dessert almost immediately. I’m crushed, but I don’t know why. It wasn’t MY recipe! Anyone else experience this?

(And yes, 3/7 nights are accounted for by the other members coming up with something. Another night is pizza. It’s the days (once a week/every other week) when I try something new when I’m out of ideas.)

[Anonymous]

Maybe you need to do some yoga and meditation. This is not worth getting so upset about.

Or just ask them what they want to eat? This post smells...fishy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you need to do some yoga and meditation. This is not worth getting so upset about.

Or just ask them what they want to eat? This post smells...fishy.

It wasn’t fish, it was pork.

[Anonymous]

Because you are conflating your value with your cooking. You are looking for validation/affirmation from how the feel about what you cooked. They should value and express their appreciate for your effort, not how much they actually liked what you made. You should value the recognition of your efforts.

[Anonymous]

Maybe the food is not actually BAD, it is just brand-new & your family (kids especially) are not used to it yet.

But after it becomes more familiar - they will likely savor it more!! 😋

I think it is awesome that you are so invested in cooking up new stuff for your family to enjoy >> your family is so lucky -> they just do not realize it yet!

[Anonymous]

I feel the same way OP. I feel some sort of obligation to make new and exciting meals for my family and when it doesn’t work out I take it personally.

[Anonymous]

I’m like you, OP! I put a lot of love and energy and investment in cooking nutritious meals for my family. It bums me out when they don’t seem to appreciate it. My husband always does but not my kids, so much. I agree with other posters that try to not take it so personally.

Your family is lucky to have you! They will remember this as they get older. My kids do.

[Anonymous]

You need a real hobby to care about.

[Anonymous]

It upsets you because you want your effort to be appreciated and enjoyed, which makes sense. But so too does the idea that you can’t win ‘em all. Every dish won’t be a hit. It’s natural to be disappointed—let yourself feel that instead of judging yourself and trying NOT to feel it. And after you’ve felt it a bit, put it in perspective: do the6 like some of what you try? Much of it? This is just one dish to add to the “not again” column, but how many do you have in the “please make it again” column?

[Anonymous]

Be a use it sucks to put thought, time, and effort into a meal and have people clearly dislike it. Because making dinner is a tedious, never-ending task that can suck the life out of a person. Especially when no one else helps with ideas or cooking.

[Anonymous]

Maybe ask them to suggest recipes or dishes to try so it's not so personal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need a real hobby to care about.

I wish I was in front of you right now, so I could throw a drink in your face. What a shitty thing to say.

[Anonymous]

new foods are often flops until they are no longer new foods. You might have to make the recipe a few times for it to become familiar enough to be well received. Don't give--I know it really sucks when something we work hard at flops. Some people just need more time to become familiar with foods while others really crave the novelty of new foods.

[Anonymous]

For me, this is when I'd tell my DH that it's frustrating when a new recipe flops with the family. He'd tell me he was grateful I tried! And then next new recipe, he'd make a point of saying something nice at the table, to model for our kids.

[Anonymous]

Because you're being too sensitive. Not everyone is going to like everything. That's life.