"Phil, if you ever eat boring food, I will disown you."
Well, actually, she didn't say that, not out loud at least. That said, she did instill enough fear in me through well timed side eye and caring yet firm "Mhm..."s while she watched me cook to make me never cook anything for myself that I wouldn't serve to guests.
It was through this fear...err...encouragement that I started to find new ways to make my food tastier, brighter, and more interesting. I made plenty of sauces and dressings, but eventually, I had to draw myself away from the instant gratification of quick pan sauces and come to appreciate the tried and true slow method that is the marinade.