Netflix binge-watching. We are all guilty of it at one point or another. Whether we like to admit it or not, sometimes we get so caught up in the lives of some fictional characters that we can't wait a normal amount of time after one show ends to start the next one. We spend all day ignoring our responsibilities and getting sucked into the lives of people who do not exist. I mean, why would we watch shows on television when, instead of waiting a whole week for the new episode to come on, we could just press a button on the remote and watch the whole season (or series).
While the shows we watch may differ, most new binges start out the same way...
1. Your friend suggests a new show to watch.
Whether it is your friend, a random article you see online, or the recommended list on your Netflix account, you have to learn about the new show from somewhere.
2. You're intrigued, but cautious.
You know what happens when you go down this road. You've done it before, and do not know if you are ready to dedicate your life to watching another series just yet. I mean, you're still getting over the emotional turmoil that the last show caused.
3. You sit down to watch the first episode.
You're not committing to anything yet. You just want to see if this show lives up to its hype. You are still determined to not waste your life on another show.
4. And then you start to like it.
It's starting to happen. You're getting interested. The characters are good, the plot is excellent, and you're starting to see what the big deal is.
5. You renew your determination to not start another binge.
Yes, you like this new show--but you're strong. You can get through this. You have a life outside of Netflix.
6. You decide to watch just one more episode.
Two episodes do not constitute as a binge. Besides, you don't want to finish the season, you just want to see if this season is even worth continuing ... and also what happens to your favorite character.
7. You try to walk away.
You've watched the two episodes that you told yourself you were allowed. Yes, the show is good, life-changing even, but you can be strong and wait a day to watch the next episode.
8. But then you start thinking about what the characters in the show are going through.
You can't stop thinking about it. Everything you look at reminds you of the show.
9. So you go back.
You try to act like you're just taking a quick break to relax, but everyone knows you're lying.
10. And then the emotions hit.
Why does every show you watch have to be so heart-wrenching? You can't leave the show now--you're invested in the lives of the characters.
11. And then you're past the point of no return.
It's happened. You have officially dedicated your life, yet again, to another show. You have started another Netflix binge.
12. And then the series ends and the cycle starts all over again.
