ADVERTISEMENT

There are very obvious red flags that show up right away and are a clear sign that the relationship isn’t worth developing. But most of the time, the red flags are more subtle and are easier to dismiss as a one-off thing or a not-so-serious character flaw that doesn’t mean anything. Those subtle signs are the most important to catch as they may indicate that the person is hiding something more serious.

People on Reddit discussed what are some red flags that are related to cooking that might mean that the person isn’t the right fit. Many of them not only shared what cooking habits they find alarming, but they also spoke about signs that, from their own experience, were red flags.

Would you add anything to this list? Which habit that people mentioned do you think is a solid sign to rethink the relationship? Let us know in the comments!

More info: Reddit

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) There was a letter to an advice column years ago, from a woman convinced her mother in law was slightly poisoning her every time they went to her house for dinner.

After every meal she grew violently ill and threw up/had diarrhea.

When she told her husband her suspicion he said she was crazy. His mother was a saint who adored her and would die before hurting her.

The advice columnist urged the wife to swap her plate with her husband’s during the next dinner. The woman wrote back saying she followed the advice and it was her husband who became violently ill after the meal.

When she told him what she’d done she said he looked at her with such loathing she realized he’d suspected what his mom was doing all along but, instead of standing up for her, he decided to gaslight her about her suspicions to avoid upsetting his mom.

Talk about your red flags.

Brewnonono , bfishadow Report

Final score:
406points
Add photo comments
POST
dannieegyrl avatar
Danniee Gyrl
Danniee Gyrl
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found the original: Dear Prudence, My mother-in-law hates me and makes no bones about it when she and I are alone. My husband doesn’t believe me, and she even gloats about that. We have to attend family functions at her home about once a month. (It used to be more frequent, but after I put my foot down, my husband agreed that monthly would be sufficient.) The problem is that after each visit, I wind up with a bad case of diarrhea; my husband does not. I don’t know if the other in-laws are affected, because if I asked, it would get back to her. I suspect that my mother-in-law is putting something in my food or drink. Last time, I barely made it home before being struck down. Now I am considering getting some “adult undergarments” to make sure I don’t ruin the car’s upholstery on the ride home from her place. Do you have any other advice? —Running for the Hills

Vote comment up
210
210points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Refusing to regularly take over the responsibility for providing meals.

God bless him, my late father could *not* cook. He could manage a few basics, would help by fixing sides dishes, but anything more complicated, well.... Nope.

That said both he and my Mom worked fairly long days at not-easy jobs. Still, Mom was usually the one who was responsible for dinner.

But there were evenings when Mom walked in the door, dropped her bad, and announced, " I'm not cooking."

Dad, while hopeless at cooking, was not stupid, and replied with, " Where do you want to go?"

Yes, we were lucky to be able to eat out regularly. But that aside, that one exchange was a fantastic example of how they stayed married for nearly 40 years.

It didn't matter that Dad couldn't cook; what mattered was that it was no longer Mom's problem.

We usually went out to a typical family restaurant. But sometimes it was McDonalds. Sometimes we ordered pizza. Sometimes it was declared an "every man for himself" night, and everybody, including us kids, just fixed ourselves something.

But the big thing was Dad was always willing to take over for Mom when needed. And *that* was why it worked.

Unique_Football_8839 , Gamerscore Blog Report

Final score:
349points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#3

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) No hand washing 😡

LongjumpingArm6916 , Brenda Kochevar Report

Final score:
303points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) When they don’t know how to cook, refuse to cook, but are super picky when you cook for them. Nope nope nope

Joygernaut , John Loo Report

Final score:
299points
Add photo comments
POST
gm_4 avatar
G M
G M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lolol This is my current argument with my 3 year old.

Vote comment up
153
153points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) I once decided to cook for a girl I was dating. It was pretty fresh at the time, third time I had seen her. I thought it might be nice to cook, have a wine and chat etc. as you do. While I was cooking she told me to stop talking so much and hurry up because she was hungry in a rude, annoyed tone. That turned me off to the point I didn’t see her again after that night!

Big-Win6220 , baron valium Report

Final score:
283points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) That a*****e on YouTube who is tricking his vegetarian wife into loving the taste of meat.

Sneaking animal products into things she believes is meat free.

Huge piece of s**t. Unless it's all b******t for getting views, then mild piece of s**t.

Tacos_117 , Henry Zbyszynski Report

Final score:
282points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#7

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Being a full grown adult that waits to be cooked for. Knowing full well, his spouse might also be working full time. But they won't lift a finger to grab dinner on the way home or if already home toss something in the microwave.

LurkingAintEazy , John Morton Report

Final score:
233points
Add photo comments
POST
amybuck2005 avatar
Nathaniel
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marjorie! I am back from work! I demand my evening meal on the table waiting for me!

Vote comment up
78
78points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) You cook and they dont help clean

Chrispeedoff , Aaron Jacobs Report

Final score:
225points
Add photo comments
POST
antzonline avatar
Antz Online
Antz Online
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, when I cook, I use minimum dishes and tidy up while cooking. My better half on the other hand leaves the kitchen like a tornado hit it, so I do refuse to clean up after she cooks.

Vote comment up
106
106points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Not clicking the tongs before using them.

ForswornPheonix , Wuestenigel Report

Final score:
224points
Add photo comments
POST
amybuck2005 avatar
Nathaniel
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those who do not know, double clicking tongs activates them, making your tongs perform much more effectively. No need to worry about shutting them off, tongs have an automatic switch after a period of inactivity.

Vote comment up
361
361points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Touching the oven when I'm cooking. Had a friend "fix" the oven while I was reverse searing ribeyes a few years back so they'd cook faster. You know what happens to a ribeye when you leave it in the oven at 375 for an hour?

She did the same to a rack of ribs on another occasion. Saw that the grill was set to low and thought "That can't be right." Jacked it up to high without telling anybody, and treated us to a nice rack of charcoal chips for dinner.

Rhodie114 , Thomas van de Weerd Report

Final score:
187points
Add photo comments
POST
laurahelario avatar
Squirrelly Panda
Squirrelly Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She should have learned the first time. If she was my friend, she would get a blunt warning to not mess with my cooking again.

Vote comment up
136
136points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Haven’t seen cleanliness yet.

I’m not talking about pots, pans and dishes after (that should be negotiated or depends on who invited who. But one should always offer to help).

I’m talking about during preparation and cooking. For example, if you handle raw meat, you should use soap and warm water before touching anything else. Any possible contamination on a counter top, …

Stay-Thirsty , Ryan Snyder Report

Final score:
185points
Add photo comments
POST
heatherresatz avatar
Heather Resatz
Heather Resatz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We were at a bbq and thankfully I was watching while he started brushing sauce from the bag (where the raw meat came from) onto the fully cooked chicken he was just about to serve! Salmonella anyone??

Vote comment up
81
81points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) I knew a guy who dropped his $1 bottle of spaghetti sauce, jar broke in the bag. He goes and makes spaghetti…. With sauce. We ask if this is the same sauce…. Yup! He just pulled the chunks of glass out of it 😳. I do not eat that spaghetti or anything he cooked after that

Prestigious-Range-75 , Robynne Blume Report

Final score:
184points
Add photo comments
POST
amybuck2005 avatar
Nathaniel
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crushed glass was used in foods when you wanted assassinate your foes.

Vote comment up
115
115points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Saying they are allergic to some ingredients but later admit they "just don't like the texture."

I get the texture thing, I hate mushy slimy myself. But ffs don't pull the "I am allergic to mushrooms/peas/onions/tomatoes" thing.

danseckual , Sue Thompson Report

Final score:
184points
Add photo comments
POST
chuckycheezburger avatar
Chucky Cheezburger
Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And don't give others grief if they don't like the texture. I hate the texture of onions. Can't stand them. Don't even like to see them. If I had a dollar for every time someone gave me $H!T about it, I'd be able to hire someone to destroy all the onions in the world.

Vote comment up
160
160points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) people who won’t eat leftovers

missbethd , Gordon Joly Report

Final score:
184points
Add photo comments
POST
ngregory avatar
N Gregory
N Gregory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This can very much depend. My husband won't eat leftovers because the leftovers he was fed as a child were the result of the cheapest nastiest sh1t that he barely ate it before it became leftovers. Oh, and his leftovers weren't what was left in the dish unserved, they were the scraping back off the plate. So yeah, we don't do leftovers, thanks for your judgment.

Vote comment up
45
45points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

I love to cook. My ex-boyfriend was a really picky eater. So i tried to make things without the ingredients he doesnt like. But several times after i cooked he said "im just gonna order something". I know it sounds like im a bad cook, but thats not the case. I worked in a kitchen for years and my friends all love my food. I still get pissed when i think about the time i just wanted him to tast my soup, just a little spoon. He refused because he was gonna order shoarma and didnt wanna ruin the 'before taste'.

foetsyandthetoetsy Report

Final score:
174points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) If they are purposefully cooking things that their partner does not like or worse, that they are allergic to.

BlueRFR3100 , Kara Report

Final score:
168points
Add photo comments
POST
theaquarius1978 avatar
TheAquarius1978
TheAquarius1978
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well deppending on the case this might be a good thing, when i was a kid ( toddler ) i was alérgic to eegs, só my pediatritian advised my Mother to give me just a bit of egg every now and again, and it did work, i can eat eggs with no isues whatsoever, of course i only had a light reaction, and my Mother was advised by a doctor, don't f*****g do the same to a person that hás severe alergies, you might kill the poor bastard lol.

Vote comment up
80
80points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#17

Making fun of your diet restrictions.

kiwiparallels Report

Final score:
155points
Add photo comments
POST
benitavaldez avatar
Benita Valdez
Benita Valdez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it often because I'm allergic to peppercorns. No I don't sneeze. Yes I could die with a large enough quantity. Sorry you've never heard of someone's throat closing up from pepper but I assure you I'm not lying. Please don't try to test me; small amounts will only give slight breathing issues but I really enjoy breathing normal. It's not cute mocking me or slowly pushing the pepper shaker or grinder slowly towards me.

Vote comment up
136
136points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Medium rare chicken

dw87190 , Wendy Report

Final score:
154points
Add photo comments
POST
amybuck2005 avatar
Nathaniel
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a co worker, who was obsessed with her weight, (she was fricking fine) her diet tip was to eat slightly undercooked chicken.

Vote comment up
58
58points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

The last time I saw this question posted, a guy responded saying that his wife only makes one thing at a time when making a meal. Mashed potatoes until they’re done, then beginning the meat, etc. He hadn’t had a hot meal in years. That comment still haunts me.

shorrrtay Report

Final score:
150points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Not having any spices at all in your kitchen

Wordhippo , Karl Baron Report

Final score:
148points
Add photo comments
POST
lisahewes avatar
Lisa H
Lisa H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always say that a good, varied spice cabinet is an investment. Learn how to use them properly and you can make anything taste amazing, even if you're broke and eating spaghetti for the fifth night in a row. I always make sauces from scratch because it's cheaper and I have the spices for it.

Vote comment up
61
61points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Not being the one who's chore it is to clean something doesn't give you license to make more work than necessary for someone else. It's a huge red flag when you and your partner have the alternating "one cooks, other cleans" chore cycle and your partner completely *trashes* the kitchen every time it's their turn to cook. I'm talking leaving out ingredients, spilling and splashing stuff everywhere, dirtying way more cookware than needed, or cooking in a way that leaves burnt on residue so you have to deep clean.


When I was still married to my ex I always tried to keep things neat when I cooked and he always left a huge mess. Turns out its a big warning sign that they don't value your time or have consideration for your feelings.

RoaldDahlek Report

Final score:
145points
Add photo comments
POST
billyevans35 avatar
Bill Evs
Bill Evs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, this is a bugbear of mine as well. When I cook I tend to tidy as I go so what's left at the end is minimal. I've known people though who, when they cook, seem to use every pot and utensil in the kitchen. It's like "we had soup, why is the wok in the sink"?

Vote comment up
64
64points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#22

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) Being a full-grown adult who doesn’t know how to cook

b3yondthegoblincity , E! News Report

Final score:
139points
Add photo comments
POST
laurahelario avatar
Squirrelly Panda
Squirrelly Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends. A young adult, just left the nest, might not have been taught. If willing to learn, great. An adult who can follow recipe instructions but is a meh cook due to lack of interest, as long as honest and appreciative of others cooking, fine. An adult who doesn't know how to cook even the simplest thing and refuses to learn on the other hand...

Vote comment up
111
111points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Not necessarily cooking but it's a pet peeve of mine when people buy things and just, don't eat them but throw them away... watched my ex purchase a wonderful looking ice cream, sit and let it melt for half an hour, then get up and throw it away.

Jenkinsthewarlock Report

Final score:
133points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) My ex wife wanted to make meatloaf when we were first married. I was like cool I love meatloaf. So she pulled this meatloaf out of the oven when I got home. It was a slightly charred sad looking meatball floating in grease. She was apologetic about it but I didn't say s**t about it. I have never complained about her cooking anything. I made meatloaf a few weeks later and she loved it and wanted to know what I put in it. I told her and asked her how she makes meatloaf. She said you take some meat and put it in a pan. No egg, salt, pepper, ketchup. Just meat. I was like yep this is going to take some work. Turns out she was overconfident about everything and just winged it.

UniqueFlavors , rick Report

Final score:
130points
Add photo comments
POST
jhenrymiller avatar
JMil
JMil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Winging it works if you are experienced and accomplished (assuming good, sensible ingredients are available).

Vote comment up
126
126points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) I am unable to trust anyone who doesn't like pizza.

piles_of_anger , Tom Hilton Report

Final score:
124points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) When they put your best knives in the dishwasher

ChimpyChompies , Christine Puccio Report

Final score:
123points
Add photo comments
POST
sae84 avatar
Bored Retsuko
Bored Retsuko
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cough ... I recently ruined a knife with a wooden handle by putting it in the dishwasher then leaving it unemptied for I don't know how long

Vote comment up
39
39points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Refuses to eat vegetables

gordita_brunch Report

Final score:
123points
Add photo comments
POST
amybuck2005 avatar
Nathaniel
Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know a few people who claim not to like any vegetables. I mean how? There are literally thousands of varieties of vegetables, all with different flavours, all with multiple methods of cooking which can vary the taste. Have you gone through and tasted them all?

Vote comment up
98
98points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

“What Is A Cooking-Related Red Flag In A Relationship?” (30 Answers) My ex thought that "browning" ground meat meant leaving it in the fridge til it turned brown.

thunder2132 , Matthew Yglesias Report

Final score:
122points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

someone who judges my personal tastes so strongly that they allow it to threaten a (potential) relationship

Digipawn Report

Final score:
111points
Add photo comments
POST
justinsmith_1 avatar
Justin Smith
Justin Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the two above this for me qre not trusting or liking people who dont eat pizza or use garlic or garlic powder. Irony.

Vote comment up
34
34points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Saying that MSG is extremely bad for food.

kitsunedj Report

Final score:
81points
Add photo comments
POST
deb_dedon avatar
Deb Dedon
Deb Dedon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not bad for food, but it is bad for those who don't tolerate the stuff very well.

Vote comment up
59
59points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!