As with everything, do it within reason. If you can't afford to buy lunch/dinner daily, obviously don't do it. But I think the point that the parent was trying to make was that if you don't feel like cooking one day, it's totally OK to go out for food.

During my holiday this month, I've made it a point to go for a nice lunch every few days. Yes, it costs me money, money that I could save for my future (although I don't know what I would do with the extra money), but it's enjoyable, relaxing and the food is great.

>Cooking is useful, rewarding and attractive.

Not so much if you don't enjoy it.

I love cooking occasionally. For example, I will spend a week trying to perfect a dish I just learned. I do it over and over everyday, trying different ways and failing until I make it great.

But for most of the time, I'd rather not have to do it.

>Just be aware that it's rather expensive in the long run.

True. But if your time is valuable, it's much more expensive to have to spend all that time in the kitchen.