Do I have to have dinner 365 days a year

That’s his interest and hobby I suppose, part of his day to day life. I wouldn’t complain, it could be far,far worse. Just get takeaway or home delivery every now and then - something to look forward to. I don’t see that being either male or female enters into it. Men cook. Women cook. So?

Elegrans suggestion of Hellofresh or Gousto is a good one. My DS has been 'in charge' of the cooking for a while now at their house and he finds the recipe cards easy to follow. He could cook competently beforehand but this is a good way to extend his skills.
They choose the menu for the week together. Everything delivered in generous portion sizes, nothing wasted.

AmberSpyglass

She isn’t “lucky” that the fellow adult she lives with is willing to do a basic chore that’s fundamental to existence! Let’s stop all this sexist nonsense now, please.

Absolutely!

Riverwalk

I'm surprised at those who say she is lucky or don't understand what the problem is!

The OP says the husband is doing dinner for himself and just adds extra for her - that's obvious by the fact he appears not to accommodate her desire for something different or a takeaway.

Exactly. You really must insist that, if he wishes to cook meals that he enjoys, then you should be free to choose yours. As others have suggested, order ready meals and have a takeaway occasionally. Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

This sounds a bit like my meals, totally boring. I have to stick to it though (mostly!). My husband doesn't. So I encourage him to eat whatever he wants, and often we eat different meals.
I think you should do the same. As Wellback says, you don't have to go along with his routine. you can buy ready meals, get takeaways, have beans on toast.....go for it.

aggie

Why does a man cooking upset you. ?

The OP isn't upset by the idea of a man cooking, but she would like a change from having the same not-very-exciting meal every Monday, a different not-very-exciting meal every Tuesday, and so on through the week.

One improvement would be to suggest an extension of the repeats to a fortnight, instead of a week, and get some other meals into it. If, as it seems, he is already cooking his entire repertoire, that would be your chance to add to it some of the things that YOU would like - the simple platter and the take-aways and so on.

Gousto and Hello Fresh do regular subscriptions for kits that include all the ingredients for interesting meals, with detailed instructions - and he would keep the detailed recipes, which means he could make that again in the future. Both of them have much reduced introductory prices so you could try one out and cancel the subscription if you decided against it. I haven't tried Hello Fresh, but Gousto's kits were excellent, even little sachets of the herbs and spices needed were included, and the meats and vegetables were absolutely fresh. Their settings are a minimum of two kits, once a fortnight, but you can cancel a delivery if you remember to do so a few days in advance (and if you forget, you get their choice instead of choosing them yourself! I know this from experience.) Each kit serves two, but I found lasted me for three meals, and most will freeze once made - that would introduce him to the concept of stocking the freezer with home-made ready meals to eat later.

My DH uses a slow cooker to batch cook stews, chilli, curry, spag bol, casseroles etc. Usually about 10 single helpings per batch, 8 of which go straight into the freezer. I'm just grateful that he does so, as it gives me a welcome break, and yes, he even cleans up afterwards! As for your situation, I'd get a wee bit vocal if the constantly repeated menu doesn't entirely suit you. If he's reluctant to offer some variety, I'd opt for the occasional takeaway, or even the odd ready meal. There's plenty of choice out there, and some of them are quite a healthy option too.

I can imagine it is the relentless routine that jb finds difficult. Not sure what you mean by cooking for himself and adding extra for you? Does he only cook what he wants without considering your tastes? If he dislikes ready meals , why not get a few in for yourself and enjoy those one day a fortnight? I would be delighted if my DH cooked a meal - sadly that won't happen!! Talk to him and reach a compromise, you are entitled to eat your own choice now and again!

Do you do the shopping list for him Jb2022 I would ask him to go through the list and ring some changes.
Did you have the same menu weekly before you had your stroke ?
Many of the good supermarkets do really interesting ready meals which can be dressed up with salad/chips or baked potatoes all easy for him to manage.
You can order a range of precooked meals from a few Companies which are not subscription and can be ordered as and when you need them.
Sit him down and have a chat with him he sounds like a good man and you are lucky to have such a caring partner as many don't.

I'm surprised at those who say she is lucky or don't understand what the problem is!

The OP says the husband is doing dinner for himself and just adds extra for her - that's obvious by the fact he appears not to accommodate her desire for something different or a takeaway.

Another thought - could your husband be persuaded to freeze some meals?

I can sense your frustration, but the time has come for a chat with your DH. I’d be very appreciative of his efforts, but suggest a takeaway/delivery or ready meal at weekends? Could you suggest some simple recipes he could try to increase his repertoire? Perhaps he thought he would only be cooking for a while, hoping you’d recover sufficiently to help? On the other hand, if he is your full time carer now, this could be his way of winding down and getting a break? When my DH was ill, I looked forward to 6pm, when he’d want to watch the news and I’d head to the quiet kitchen for a glass of wine and to lose myself in preparing our evening meal.

She isn’t “lucky” that the fellow adult she lives with is willing to do a basic chore that’s fundamental to existence! Let’s stop all this sexist nonsense now, please.

I can understand where the op is coming from. Food can be a huge joy but it doesn't sound like it is currently.

Is it possible that the husband feels he has control of a very scary situation in this way?

I I think you should front up to him about this not do your own thing with ready meals etc.

Presumably you have a good relationship so a little honesty should be possible.

When you say same one for each day of the week do you mean 7 different dinners but the same on every Monday/Tuesday etc or the exact same meal every day?

I think probably he has a limited repertoire? Can you say something like

"I'd really fancy an xyz at the weekend. Would you have a go if I explained how to do it?"
I think it might be nice to try to do it together - even if you are just helping read a recipe or explaining the steps.

I don't know how much you struggle post-stroke but would he respond to you wanting to try to contribute in the kitchen? Even if this is only ideas?
He needs to know how useless you are feeling in the kitchen and will, I hope, want to help you with your rehabilitation. He needs to know how you feel though.

I think he is resigned to cooking for himself (and you) and hasn't really thought about how you feel. I expect it was quite a transition for him to cooking and cleaning up every day.

I’m not sure that I understand what the problem is OP.
Are you fed up with the predictability of the meals?
Have you discussed with him what is annoying you or is he expected to be a mind reader?

Bless him. He is doing his best to keep things normal and look after you. What is this meal that he cooks?

Set up online shopping and buy yourself some ready meals that you can microwave or put into the oven, most supermarkets have an upmarket range, you could also buy some sauces to liven up some of your DHs meals.

I wouldn’t kick up too much though or he might stop cooking altogether, MrOops can manage beans on toast, but that’s it, fortunately I’m able to and enjoy cooking, but if I couldn’t do it, I’d order in. Or train him up.

I see both sides of this. I think he’s being kind and that’s nice but if it’s not what you enjoy it’s annoying. I have a funny diet and my husband tries too hard to accommodate me but I try to be accepting. He does mean well.

Although I can see exactly where you are coming from I think you are lucky that you have a husband that wants to cook and more miraculously clear up after himself but I can also see how frustrating and annoying it will be for you
He thinks he’s doing well
Why not suggest he has a break at the weekends and you both enjoy a couple of takeaways or a good ready meal I believe Mand S do some good ones ( never tried the myself) and a glass of wine suggest it as though you’re giving him a break not that you’re fed up with his help
He means well

It sounds to me that he has a rigid routine a safe and boring meal that he cooks every day. You need to be vocal tell him you want a variation with your food there is nothing wrong with that.
He is probably doing his best under the circumstances but he needs to know you need a change. Get some menus from local takeaways just for you as a change will be just what you need.

you could get some other types of food delivered for you.
let him eat what he likes.
and you also.
as you cannot prepare much, get ready to eat or microwave meals.
don't waste energy trying to persuade him.
he is doing what he wants, fair enough.
you do what you want.
you don't need his permission.
he didn't get your permission for the current routine, did he.
make the most of your life, eat what you like.

I'd negotiate for some take aways and ready meals as a change now and them. . You do have a right to a voice! If it were the other way round and he asked for this, you'd do it?

can you send out for take-aways to be delivered ?

Perhaps your appetite isn't what it was, either, Jb2022

Could you have a chat and suggest some new menus?
I must admit it's easy to get into a rut - if it's Friday it must be fish, Wednesday is bangers and mash (DH cooks that) etc.

Can you look online and find some recipes you both might like?