Same experience, just crunchy water or when cooked down will soak up whatever flavor you give it. Have also grown to recognize and enjoy the flavor even more but it’s still just incredibly mild/subtle unless eating it straight up. Coincidentally I feel the same way as the people complaining about it but with bell peppers or fennel instead. Chicken salad, soups and stews, Chinese food, all delicious with celery and onion combo. I’ll even substitute celery for a green veg in something like a curry instead of peas which I find too sweet, for example. I got the yummy cilantro gene too lol perception and sensitivity are a hell of a thing