There’s really nothing wrong with having a favorite TV show, but there’s a fine line between recreation and addiction. You know what we’re talking about: whole days just slouching around in your PJs, binge eating chips and old pizza, and compulsively watching episode after episode of your current obsession.
If any of the following signs strike a chord, it might just be time to cancel your Netflix subscription.
#1. You’ve spent a full day indoors for the sole purpose of binge-watching the show.
You haven’t been out in the sun or showered or changed for that matter, and ‘one more episode’ has never been just one more episode.
#2. You know the theme song by heart.
The clapping part of the Friends theme song just played in your head, didn’t it?
#3. When you get home, you’re more excited to see your ‘tv family’ than your actual family.
You’re better at noticing a new character on the show than you are at noticing your sister’s new boyfriend.
#4. You’ve yelled at someone for disturbing you while watching the show.
You’re usually so sweet, but you’re not afraid to curse out loud at anyone who dares to talk over your show.
You’re all over them on Facebook, Twitter, and even skimmed through some fan blogs on Tumblr. The show could very well be your religion.
#6. You’ve dressed up as your favorite character on the show for Halloween.
Even if all you wore was a suit because your favorite character was from ‘How I Met Your Mother’. “No, I’m not just a guy in a suit, I’m Barney Stinson.”
#7. You’ve seen every episode. Every. Episode.
Even if there’s been hundreds of them. Hundreds. Seriously, you could have used those 200 hours to finish your novel or pump up your muscles at the gym.
#8. You’ve considered naming one of your children or pets after a character from the show.
Exhibit A: Taylor Swift named one of her cats Dr Meredith Grey, from Grey’s Anatomy. Dedication or obsession?
#9. Your idea of hanging out is watching the show with your friends.
Because nothing says camaraderie quite like a Game of Thrones viewing party.
#10. You frequently use a character’s catchphrase.
Or you can quote multiple lines from the show.
#11. At some point the characters have made you debate your life choices.
You’ve had thoughts that were along the lines of ‘Oh wow, Viola Davis is too good in ‘How To Get Away With Murder’. Maybe I should have gone to law school. What am I even doing with my life?’
#12. You will always find a reason to watch it.
“Well, I’ve finished almost half of my work, so I think I deserve to watch that new Orphan Black episode now.”
So, if your life has become one big TV watching extravaganza then it might be time to put down the remote… slowly… and take a good, long hard look at yourself.
Fine, you can do it after you’ve watched that next episode of Game of Thrones.