As depressing as it is, how often do you sit at home, curled up in bed watching T.V? Instead of writing that essay due at midnight tonight or studying for that exam tomorrow, you're curling up amongst blankets and pillows going through your list while trying to figure out which series to binge watch for the week.
Instead of going out with friends and decidedly being social, you've decided to make a lame excuse so you can go home and watch season 5, episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Let's face it: Netflix is ruining our lives.
Now, of course, I'm not saying that Netflix isn't great. I can honestly say that I'm that person stuck on reliving my childhood through my obsession with "The Scooby Gang" in Buffy Sommers life. I can also honestly say that, I have lost so much motivation to do anything other than work, eat, fall asleep to Netflix, repeat. As they say though, the first step to any addiction is recognizing that you have a problem.
I have a Netflix obsession and I have to do something about it.
Along with individual Netflix obsessions amongst the population, let's also face this other fact: Netflix and Chill is a fad that's ruining any foundation for a good, honest relationship. In this day and age, being in a committed relationship is a little difficult. Luckily, I have an amazing boyfriend that isn't obsessed with Netflix and actually likes to do things on the weekends when we're together. We do go socialize with family and friends and take time for each other; the only time we ever watch Netflix is when we want to watch "our show" Blue Bloods or if their genuinely is nothing else to watch on actual live television.
I have, in fact, come across many friends looking for love in all the wrong places. From going off free dating websites instead of investing in finding that special someone, to meeting up on the first date and deciding that going back to their place to "Netflix and Chill" sounds better than taking their time to get to know someone.
This fad has caused some people to forget what an actual, healthy, committed relationship feels like. It's not going home together on the first date or going all the way to third base on the second. It's not being afraid that a guy or girl won't message you back after spending the night together. It's not the classic "walk of shame" from a night at the bar because some person asked you if you wanted to "get out of here". No, those are all the backdrops for sitcoms that you wish you lived.
The fact of the matter is that, while you sit at home watching Netflix, you're inadvertently telling yourself that all the complications you're favorite character off your favorite series is experiencing in their love life is something that you can relate to. In turn, you're telling yourself that it's okay because it's funny. But then, when it happens to you, you get hurt and suddenly...it's not so funny anymore.
It's time to start getting off our butts and start respecting ourselves a little bit more. It's also time to start respecting the people in our lives that are supposed to matter the most to us. If you're in a relationship, start remembering that you're relationship isn't just about you, but also your significant other. Respect their feelings and respect the fact that they chose you over a million different fish in the sea. Respect that it's not just about the physical, but the words of affirmation and the actions to show that you genuinely care.
If you aren't in a relationship, take the time for yourself. Respect who you are and if you don't...start taking steps in order to respect yourself. Go to the gym like you keep telling yourself you will, go eat s little bit healthier. Go do something for yourself that you've always wanted to do, but you feel held back from.
Actually,vthis latter half, even if you are in a relationship, you still should do.
Stop following this stupid trend and start remembering that you don't need to be looking so hard for someone to share life with. You don't need to jump ahead of the game; you need to remember that only you are in control of your happiness and the way you experience life.
The Netflix and Chill is just a fad that hurts you in the end. It hurts the way you see yourself, the way others see you and how you approach romance and love altogether.
So just stop. Think. Breathe. Remind yourself that the next person who asks you to just come hang out that you've been flirting with for the last two weeks..they are more than likely still stuck in this stupid fad.
"Ain't no one got time for that."
