I’m not one to typically binge watch a television show. I don't like to during the school year because I know I will become too invested in the show to keep on top of my school work, and I will eventually succumb to watching the show even when I know I shouldn’t be. In the past though, I have binge watched shows such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Parks and Rec." Since coming home for the summer, I decided I had the time to invest in a new TV show, or maybe several shows since I am on break for close to four months. I decided on "Game of Thrones" as my first show to watch. Although, I am not done watching it yet, I have noticed some things about binge watching habits that I didn't necessarily pick up on in the past.

If you’re like me you decide on a show to watch based on the recommendations of friends or based on the hype that a particular show has. That was the case for me with "Game of Thrones." Recently, the show was all over the news due to something that happened with a specific character. After hearing all of this hubbub, I decided I would see why so many people are invested in the show.

So, you watch the first episode. Or, the first few and decide whether or not it’s something you want to continue watching. If it’s not, then you go on your way and find something else to watch.

If you do like the show, you begin watching it more and more. Soon, you realize you’re flying through episodes. When you don’t have anything to do, you’re watching the show. When you’re supposed to be doing something, you often times will end up watching the show instead of being productive. You want to watch it all as soon as possible because you just want to know what happens.

You also find yourself becoming invested in the characters and their story lines. You want to keep watching to see what will happen to them from your favorite characters to even the ones that you love to hate.

The worst part is when you’re watching a show that still has new episodes airing on television. Even worse, you decide to watch it in the middle of a season being broadcast on TV, so you must avoid spoilers at all costs. From personal experience, that is pretty tough, especially after each new episode airs there’s always some major plot twist that someone seems to be discussing online. So, this makes the need to watch the show even greater because you don't want anything ruined for you.

Even though I haven't finished my current binge, I know when the time comes to finish watching, it is always bittersweet. On one hand, you're happy to have watched it all and most likely have found a new favorite TV show. But, on the other hand, you're sad to be done watching such a great show. It's the worst when you know there will never be any more new episodes. It's always a weird feeling to suddenly finish watching a show and to have so much free time on your hands with nothing to do. So, that's when the time comes to pick a new show and begin the cycle all over again!