Question for the day

Feb 04, 2015 10:16

What is the difference between just *really* loving a tv show versus being obsessed with a tv show?

Discuss.

tv shows

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Comments 23

holliemke February 4 2015, 15:47:41 UTC
Do you see obsessed as bad? There are negative behaviors that go with the clinical def. but I also think I was more into doctor who than just really loving it. I think there is a more extreme negative level beyond obsessed!

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stargazer60 February 4 2015, 15:52:25 UTC
No, obsession isn't necessarily a bad thing.

To me, there's just a difference between someone saying, "I LOVE THAT SHOW!" and going to the next level of knowing every nuance about a show.

And then there's the merchandising. There are shows I love but not interested in spending any money on various items.

Bottom line, we all have our own definitions I suppose!

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lisacali February 4 2015, 16:09:39 UTC
Oh, I was truly obsessed with Oz. Watched it repeatedly, checked message boards every 1/2 hour, read every fic and scrap of information on the actors - often staying up most of the night to do so, and thinking about it constantly! And by Oz, I mean 90% Beecher/Keller, of course!

I spent money on a couple magazines and 'zines - I probably would have spent more if there had been any merchandise! But I never spent the big bucks on going to any signings or events.

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stargazer60 February 4 2015, 16:17:15 UTC
I probably should have put more info in my post!

I loved Oz as well, (and met a lot of great people online because of the show!), but I wouldn't say I was obsessed.

I did read a lot of B/K fanfic. And I do have the DVD's of all six seasons. Watched other work of Meloni and Lee...but that's it..

The show will always have a special place in my heart, though! (and I'll never forget the former work colleague of mine -- this tiny older (than me) Jewish woman who turned me onto the show!).

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holliemke February 4 2015, 17:23:19 UTC
Ok that helps. If you are defining 'really loving it' as: watching it, watching it over, buying dvds, going online and seeing message boards, maybe joining a mailing list (in the times of mailing lists) and going to conventions.

With that baseline, I think obsessed would be crossing the line into blurring characters with actors, ONLY meeting people/going online to follow/stalk/scour for information and getting emotionally involved to the point that it has a negative impact on your life.

I think good shows that you love, elicit emotions like love, joy, sadness and even depression for an hour, a day, a few days.

I would probably define "really loving it" as devoted to it or Adoring a show.

And the negative connotation of obsession - I'd call that crazy obsessed.

:) but i like the question/discussion!

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stargazer60 February 4 2015, 18:08:30 UTC
I could never get into message boards, I've never joined one of them for a tv show, or any other reason.

An online friend and I had a short discussion this morning about being obsessed with shows, that's what prompted this post.

Yesterday, on Facebook, in a group I'm in (fans of a book series and #9 in the series (and the final book) is out next month), there was a post about how 'scared' and 'nervous' they are about this book and the fate of the characters. I felt like I couldn't relate. Yes, I LOVE the series and the characters, but I don't have as intense feelings as some of the members seem to have.

So, I've just been curious as to what others thought on the topic. Perhaps I should have given a little more details in my original post.

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thrace_adams February 5 2015, 01:14:55 UTC
I think holliemke hit the nail on the head...it crosses a line when your 'interest' in a tv show/movie/band/fandom interrupts your 'regular' life to its detriment. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with being passionate about something you like.

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stargazer60 February 5 2015, 01:28:39 UTC
I totally agree...

I was just really bothered by some comments in an FB group, so I turned off the notifications.

I like SO MANY THINGS that I feel like I'm not that passionate about any of them!!!

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thrace_adams February 5 2015, 01:42:31 UTC
Ahhhh ok - I get that. I'd say you're passionate about a lot of things though tbh. *shrugs*

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stargazer60 February 5 2015, 01:46:19 UTC
See my response to Hollie below.

I know I shouldn't compare myself to everyone else though.

*shrugs*

I don't even know why I get all worked up about not being a mega fan! LOL!!!!

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holliemke February 5 2015, 01:38:14 UTC
It surprises me when you say that. From the outside looking in, I think you are passionate.

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stargazer60 February 5 2015, 01:44:47 UTC
Thanks for saying that.

I just feel that I'm not because I don't/can't meta on and on about episodes of my favorite shows, spew off episode titles and synopsis. I don't know all those little trivial things..

I refuse to read fanfic anymore.

I don't ship or slash characters. I don't squee over the actors and keep up with everything they do.

I just love the shows I love.

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thrace_adams February 5 2015, 01:52:41 UTC
And there's nothing wrong with that <333 We all experience the things we love differently. Not right or wrong, just different :D

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stargazer60 February 5 2015, 01:57:18 UTC
I'm just moody, I guess! Always questioning myself!!!

Or maybe instead of hot flashes, these are my symptoms of going through the change! LOL!!!!!!!

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