I can't stand the mentality of "guilty pleasures." The fact that our society has decided what is cool enough for us to proudly proclaim on our social media, and as we hang out with friends, and what we should enjoy behind closed doors is so strange to me.

Nonetheless, I have fallen prey to hiding behind the wall of guilty pleasure. For years, I listened to Taylor Swift with my car windows rolled up, I watched episodes of "Jersey Shore" in the safety of my home and talked to no one about it, I danced to Prince behind bedroom walls, I watched cheesy romcoms and cried all alone. When someone asked about my affinity for JLo movies, or caught me jamming on my own to some Hall & Oates, I covered myself with the guise of "guilty pleasure." Rather than admitting that, yes, this is something that makes me feel good and laugh, that is fun, and that I enjoy, I sheepishly called it my guilty pleasure, and prayed that no judgment would be passed.

My question now is why? Why do we feel afraid to admit that something brings us actual pleasure? If something makes us feel good, why do we let the fear of what others think make us shield that enjoyment?

I have a friend who is so proud to be too cool to like Taylor Swift, and for a large portion of our friendship, I hopped on the TSwift-hating bandwagon when she was around. Meanwhile, I own every album she has ever released and regularly dance it out to "Blank Space." I spent too long changing the radio station, avoiding shuffling the music on my phone, and turning my nose up in false disgust.

One of the most freeing moments of my life was the day I quit using the phrase "guilty pleasure." I played my Taylor Swift loud and proud, regardless of who was in my car. I allowed myself to just purely enjoy the things that I found fun, and I felt relief.

I also realized that there are a lot of people who feel unnecessary shame about a lot of the same things. I wasn't alone in my fear to love Taylor Swift out loud. A lot of people watch the occasional episode of "Beavis and Butthead" for a good, stupid laugh. I'm not the only one who loves Tobey MacGuire's depiction of Spider Man. And, now, I don't feel afraid to admit these things. You'd be surprised how many people fall into the trap of "guilty pleasure," when, if we could all just admit to each other that we enjoy these things, we could all appreciate them together, and the guilt would be seen for what it is: ridiculous.

I admit before all of you reading this that I love early Madonna, anything with Keanu Reeves (especially "Bill and Ted's"), "The Bachelorette," and ABBA. These are no longer things that bring me pleasure over which I allow myself to feel guilty.

What are your guilty pleasures? Free yourself from the shame and proudly wave your freak flag. Don't be afraid to love what you love and ignore what society has decided is acceptable and cool. Love what you love and don't be ashamed to share with everyone the things that make you smile.