I'm the opposite. I'm a firm believer that the world would be a boring place if everyone was just like me, though. When visiting folk who are territorial about the kitchen I try to bring flowers or some other hostess gift so I don't feel like a freeloader. Do you have any ideas of a host/ess gift to bring for people who don't want me to help? My family and most of my freinds want me to cook when I visit, and I'm happy to do so. Having so many military years behind me, I'm used to dealing with whatever the kitchen has (I've cooked in more kitchen than I could possibly count), but the knife thing is something I should learn to bring along. I've learned that different places I've lived have different traditions, and around here even if it isn't potluck, people will bring something. So now I plan for that and have the kitchen ready for a multitude of cooks heating and chopping. It is fun. I had a Columbian woman come for dinner a few times. The first time I did it all, and realized she was uncomfortable with nothing to do with her hands. The next couple of times I made sure to have a job for her to help me with, and she was much more comfortable. I have a sis who hates to cook, but has no problem with cleaning up (or,for that matter, ironing whatever clothes we may need for family ceremonies). Flexibility is the name of the game in my house.