I lived for most of my adult life without a microwave. I just never bothered to buy one and lived without. I prefer doing as OP says and cooking traditional and heating things up on the stovetop or oven. I never ate frozen food so I didn't see the point in getting one. I also got strange responses from people when I would say that I didn't have a nuker. they acted like I was deprived and couldn't imagine how to survive without one.

The house I live in now came with a microwave. I rarely use but some other family members do like the convenience although I still prefer the traditional cooking and heating methods. Food just tastes better.