Every meal that just showed up on the table was planned, bought and cooked by someone tired.

A meal is the end of a long process. Somebody planned it while thinking about something else, bought the parts, carried them home and cooked at the end of their own working day, usually tired and often while being asked other questions. The plate arrives looking effortless, which is how most labour presents itself to whoever did not do it. Effortless and easy are not the same thing.

Cook one dinner yourself this week, start to finish, shopping and dishes included. You will learn more about the cost than any thank you could convey, and the thanks afterwards will mean more.