Can't Cook OR Won't Cook

Over the last number of years l have met a number of people who have told me that they cannot cook. Not that they are limited in their repetoire, or not the most confident or competent in the kitchen. They literally said they CANNOT COOK.

Those two words baffle me.  I mean, l have never done a rack of lamb or attempted a souffle, but l can cook.

I started gently as a teenager and bit by bit over the years have build up a repetoier of family dinners that seem to go down well.  Some dishes l make just for me, as himself and the kids will not eat them. Others are firm family favourites. Then there are dishes that are great for feeding a large group of family or friends that are tasty and simple to make. I am talking straight up dinners here, nothing fancy at all.

Anyway, the cannot cook thing has me stumped. What intrigues me more though is the extent to which the CANNOT COOK individuals will go to validate this. Recently somebody told me she was broke from getting take aways.When l asked why they had so many take away meals she said, "sure I can't cook".

I asked what she meant by that. She said "I'd burn water".  When she saw the somewhat bewildered expression on my face she quickly launched into a rant about how sexist it was of me and that nobody would ask a man the same question.

To be fair I would ask a man the same question.

I was with my mother in law recently and a lady she knows was cooking a lasagne for her son to take home. He was calling for it on the way home from work. I asked why?  

His wife doesnt do cooking. Not that she cant cook, or is unable to cook...she doesnt do cooking.

I just do not get that at all.
How hard is it to make a simple meal.
Any man, woman or teenager has the means to make a simple meal for themselves in a short amount of time and without any huge effort required, especially in this day and age when the range of foods, fresh and frozen is fantastic.