Back in the day, asking people what their hobbies are usually consisted of getting responses like “playing basketball” or “painting.” But now, in the wonderful age of the Internet, it seems as though everyone has one universal hobby, Netflix. Netflix is not just a website, it’s a way of life. If you are one of the many individuals who claims to be obsessed with Netflix or it’s competitors, then you have probably experienced the five stages of binge watching.

1. The "Ohhhhh" Stage

This is the stage that involves search and discovery. You are aimlessly scrolling through Netflix trying to find a new show to fall in love with when you see one that catches your eye. You read the description and think "ohhhhh" I think this sounds just dandy. You spend the rest of this stage looking up reviews online or texting your friends to ask if they have seen the show before. In some cases, you may even spend no time doing research and therefore move swiftly to stage 2.

2. The Pilot Stage

The title of this stage is pretty self-explanatory as it is the stage in which you decide to watch the very first episode or the "pilot' of a show. If binge watching a show was like getting into a relationship, then this stage would be the first date. You sit down to view the very first episode of what could be the start of something extraordinary. As the plot continues and you're introduced to the characters, you realize you must make the decision to either go on a second date or get the heck out of there. If you decide the pilot was worthy of your time, you move forward to stage 3.

3. Acceptance

This third stage is where the magic really starts to happen. You have decided to continue watching the show and even go to the store to buy enough food that will last you through the journey you are about to embark on. With snacks in hand and computer fully charged, you prepare to have no connection with the outside world for the length of at least three episodes. This is the stage in which you truly accept that you have begun the binge and brace for the impending sadness that lies ahead. You continue to zoom through the first, second and third season in just a few short hours. Soon, you realize that this is not just a show, this is really something special. You move on to stage 4 shortly after.

4. Obsession

This stage happens to almost everyone who binge watches a show. It starts slow with you following fan pages of the show on social media or sharing memes. But soon it progresses in to you dreaming about the characters and or even pretending you're in the show yourself. You may develop a love for one of the characters and make their face the screensaver on your phone. This stage is also where you do the most amount of watching. You may watch it when you first wake up, while you eat lunch at work or even while you take a bath. If you think you have ever experienced the obsession stage when binge watching, then stage 5 will be superbly relatable.

5. Heartbreak

This is the worst of all the stages because it is basically like a breakup. You have formed such a solid relationship with the show and now that it's over. You're lost. It feels as though you may never find another show that treated you as well as this one. You try to fill the void by starting a new show, but you know you should not move on so quickly. Whether it took you a week to finish the series or just a few short days, the end always stings. Seeking the help of friends and family is always crucial in this stage as you tell everyone you know how amazing the show was. Be aware that it's okay to cry if you need to. We've all been there. It's not easy to part ways with something you love. But just know that it will always hold a special place in your heart. Unfortunately, it will not hold you in it's heart. Because it's a show and it's not real.

Sorry.