Wow, that is a great thing to be above average in! Being a solid friend is really an important thing, and something that I hadn't thought about when I wrote the question!
Average cooking! I think I'm with you there, I can do it and it is pretty okay, but there are many people who just do some amazing stuff with their cooking! At least, I don't leave a huge mess though...
I'm the same with the writing! I haven't entered any of the writing competitions, but when I look at the stuff that wins... I think WOW, that really is another level!