By Brooke Guttenberg, M.S.
As Summer 2013 officially comes to a close on Sunday, so begins my yearly ritual of devising a fall activities list to welcome in the new season. I have come to terms with the fact that my dire need to prevent the summer ending may not succeed. However, my disappointment rather than distraught feelings toward this transition allows me to embrace this yearly ritual. As I review my list including: going apple picking, heading back to the gym, and learning how to cook, etc…the end of the list contains activities some may call “my guilty pleasures.” You know, those activities you love to engage in, but for some reason or another, you decide to make yourself feel guilty about enjoying so dearly. That’s right, I find this term to be ludicrous. Why must I make myself feel guilty about these items, just because others believe that I should not waste my time doing such things.
I love reality TV. Yes, it is true. I can better say this now after challenging my own beliefs that I should not enjoy television programs that are so trite. Many a time I have fought back to my friends and family and my arguments are automatic at this point. Such arguments typically include: at the end of a long day I enjoy mindless television; these shows are easy to watch and you don’t need to worry about missing an episode; and lastly this is my guilty pleasure. This last argument is flawed and that is because I am making myself feel guilty. For instance, why is it okay for others to “binge watch” episodes of scripted television, but I must guilt myself over a lazy Sunday consisting of a few hours of reality TV? The answer once again is I do it to myself.
Whatever your poison may be: sitting alone and enjoying a large piece of chocolate cake, listening to 90s music, or spending more time on social media sites than reading a book, it is time to take a stand for those delightful activities! One may have good days and bad days, so why must we disturb ourselves over those activities that allow us simple pleasures? So what do I propose you may ask? I think it is time to do away with that saying “guilty pleasure” and rather develop a new title. Personally, I like “my selfish activities that are meant for my enjoyment alone.” I cannot guarantee this new stance will bring an end to the remarks from friends and family. In that case, I suggest you let them know that they’re “shoulding” all over the place, and you will gladly challenge their irrational beliefs once your television show is over.