I hate myself.

Well, not really. I am disappointed…to say the least.

Every time I go to Netflix, I tell myself to watch a new show.

Instead, I go on autopilot and select The Office. Every. Single. Time.

I’ve watched The Office so much my level of infatuation has reached a new level. I have OOS: Office Obsession Syndrome.

If you think you have OOS check out these symptoms:

1.  Analyze each scene to see how it relates to your life
2. You don’t cringe at Michael Scott’s awkward moments, your reenact them
3. You have a crush on David Wallace (love a man in charge)
4. You don’t think Angela is bitter. She’s “misunderstood”
5. You’ve put a stapler in Jello
6. You’ve yelled “DID I STUTTER”
7. Every time it rains you try to think of all of Phyllis’ clichés
8. You have a crush on Dwight
9. You have a personal copy of Threat Level Midnight with one “Dwigt”
10. You start clapping when Pam does her big speech during “Beach Day”
11. You are pissed you don’t know what the tea pot letter says
12. You realize the relationship between Kelly and Ryan is dramatically underdeveloped compared to the other relationships on the show
13. You can recite the entire “Fun Run” name from memory
14. You look at an imaginary camera when someone does something stupid as if you’re Jim but nothing is there…but you secretly know that your life is a movie anyway so your imaginary audience thinks you are totally hilarious

It’s okay, you are not alone.

At first I thought there was nothing wrong with it. Humans are naturally nostalgic and prefer the familiar.

But this is serious. I am starting to have a crush on Michael Scott, David Wallace and possibly realize what Angela sees in Dwight…

If you are also stuck watching your favorite show on repeat, don’t worry. Here are three justifications for your laziness:

1. Rewatching is actually good for you

I did the research and found watching the same show is actually good for you. I’m shooketh. Apparently, watching a movie or television show that you’ve seen before is less strenuous on your brain. It is also an excellent tool for de-stressing from the everyday pressures of life.

According to Psychologist Neel Burton,

 “The things we feel compelled to re-watch or re-read are those that provide us with either comfort or perspective.”

Re-living these experiences make us feel incredibly good about ourselves. I don’t know about you but I love being comfortable. Why do you think I have worn the same sweatshirt for 5 days during this zombie apocalypse social distancing?

2. The characters become your best friends

I genuinely believe I have a relationship with Jim, work with Dwight, and spend my weekends at weddings playing guitar with Kevin’s band. I have grown as a woman watching Pam battle with the complexities of ending a perpetual engagement to be with the one she truly loves. Kelly has reminded me that everyone has a “Ryan” in their life. He or she is your kryptonite. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t resist. Jim has shown me what I want in a partner. While Holly and Michael prove that every relationship has their own time.

This is the power of the “parasocial relationship,” a one-sided relationship where a person develops a strong emotional interest. The most common parasocial relationships are ones we have with celebrities or professional athletes. Now if you are in an actual one-sided relationship with a significant other, that’s a different story….

However, having these deep relationships with characters we see in film and television can add a positive value to our lives.

3. If it’s not broken….

DON’T FIX IT.

It’s okay to lazy, we deserve it.

Now excuse me while I start Season 1 Episode 1. It’s been ten minutes days since I’ve ended the season.

Until next time,

Lauryn <3

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