[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

A waste of time and energy? Not useful?

What does your friend mean by 'waste'? As to utility, she is utterly wrong. The activity is a highly useful way to occupy yourself.

But 'waste', hmm.......that's a strange thing to say. In a way, all energy is wasted. But then again, it's there to waste. Moreover, it is there for you to waste.

And time cannot be wasted. You do not own it and you cannot do anything useful with it, let alone waste it.

I disagree with your friend. And I greatly admire you for learning some Elvish.