We should chip in and split the cost of doing an insensitivity training course, Ebbie. :-)

Helen, I do not doubt for a moment that that switch goes off in a lot of men's heads when they move in with a female. I figure it's time for you to get tough about that kitchen tap and the bathroom door... :-) One has to take a stand on such matters or they may never get done.

I lived with a girl once who couldn't even boil an egg. (not that she didn't try...) She lacked experience in a number of key areas. I ended up doing a lot of cooking during that relationship. Eventually she did get fairly good at it by observing what I did and following the example.

One thing I'll say...one has more motivation to cook when one is cooking for others, as well as oneself. This living alone can lead to minimalizing things like food preparation to the point where one hardly bothers. Children are great teachers for parents when it comes to stuff like that. They force one to rise to the occasion and overcome one's innate laziness.