I eat a total of 3 eggplant dishes a year, but I grow them anyhow
Thick skinned ones from the store are horrible. But sometimes when you grow them yourself, depending on the weather, etc... you can get thick skinned ones, just like tomatoes.
Grow what you bought this year and gain the experience, you might just love them. You probably will enjoy them anyhow, just because you grew them yourself. If the skin is thick just peel it off when you cook them. Enjoy and grow.