It's not at all a weird take in a society that is struggling to afford food. I find cooking to be soothing, not stressful. Many others do as well. It also allows me to afford to feed us. If we depended on takeout, eating out or meal kits, we'd go hungry part of the month.

Also? I suppose if I got another job I could use it to pay for going out to eat, but how would that make my life easier?

Think about it.