It must be really weird going through life never learning to cook like an adult. https://twitter.com/gloomfather/status/1197514323121319936

Some facts about cast iron skillets from someone who has them and uses them every day:
- You can wash them with hot water and soap.
- You can scrape the shit out of them (unlike a nonstick)
- Good seasoning will make them non-stick, and prevent them from rusting.

- You can place them in the oven, unlike non-stick
- You can use them to make delicious pizzas, cookies, and scones, among other things
- THEY'RE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
- They're made out of metal and can be recycled or returned to the earth (unlike Teflon, silicone, plastic)

- unlike the Teflon and plastic that come off of non-stick pans and ends up in your food with use and wear, the tiny amounts of iron that end up being absorbed by your food are similar to an iron fish and benefit people with iron deficiencies

- Cast irons heat evenly and stay hot, emitting a radial heat that cooks your food evenly (instead of scorching the outside and leaving the inside raw)
- They're durable and can be used for decades if you treat them properly (I have ones from the 1940-50s)

- In terms of price point, the most expensive one I own in the dutch oven ($30) that can be used as two separate pans.
- Otherwise, I found a large 12inch one at Winners for $16, and three older ones (1 8inch and 2 6inches) at value village for about $10 each

In brief, cast irons can be a fickle beast if you never learn how to use them, but do your research and they will be your best friend. Older ones are better (before they started sand-casting them) so visit your local thrift shop and happy cooking.