13 Tips for Helping a Partner Hooked on Reality TV
When your partner is addicted to reality TV, it can feel like there’s a third person in your relationship—the screen. Balancing their love for drama-filled shows with real-life responsibilities can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. With some understanding and a few practical steps, you can help them (and yourself) find a healthier balance. Here are 13 tips to guide you through this common relationship challenge.
1. Master the Art of ‘Selective Listening’
Selective listening is not just a skill; it’s an art. While your partner is engrossed in the latest spat on “The Real Housewives,” try honing this invaluable skill. Listen for keywords like “final rose,” “you’re fired,” or “I’m not here to make friends.” This way, you can still contribute to the conversation without really having to know why Glenda threw a shoe at Brenda.
2. Develop an Alter Ego for Commentary
Why not create a fun alter ego that loves reality TV as much as your partner? Introducing Randy Reality, the superfan who has an opinion about everything from the strategic gameplay in “Survivor” to the culinary choices in “MasterChef.” Randy’s exaggerated enthusiasm can be a humorous way to engage with your partner and maybe, just a little, with the show.
3. Binge on Books (or Your Favorite Show) with Headphones
Here’s a thought – while your other half dives deep into the world of reality TV, you can embark on your own journey. Grab some headphones, a comfy spot on the couch, and binge on your favorite show, or get lost in a good book. You’re still physically there, but mentally in Westeros, or maybe even Hogwarts.
4. Reality TV Bingo: Make a Game of It
Turn this survival quest into a game! Create a Reality TV Bingo card with common tropes like “unexpected twist,” “tearful confession,” or “dramatic walkout.” Every time one of these events happens, mark it off. Get a full line, and reward yourself – maybe with a night of choosing what to watch!
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5. Become the Unofficial Snack Master
If you can’t beat them, feed them. Why not become the snack master during these TV marathons? This is a great opportunity to showcase your culinary skills or, at the very least, your ability to assemble an impressive array of store-bought snacks. It’s a win-win; your partner gets snacks, and you get to distract yourself in the kitchen.
6. Practice Zen and the Art of Mindfulness
Reality TV chaos? It’s time for some Zen. Practicing mindfulness can be a great way to zone out of the TV drama and into a state of peace. Meditate, do some yoga, or just practice deep breathing. Let the drama on screen be the backdrop to your personal tranquility session.
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7. Propose a Reality TV-Free Night
Introduce the concept of a Reality TV-free night, perhaps once a week. This is the night for other genres, be it a sci-fi movie, a documentary, or even a night of board games. Who knows, your partner might just find this as an exciting break from their usual viewing habits.
8. Utilize the ‘Interest Swap’ Strategy
Negotiate an ‘interest swap’ with your partner. For every hour you spend watching reality TV, they spend an hour engaging in one of your interests. It could be a hobby, a sport, or maybe just watching a movie of your choice. It’s a great way to share each other’s passions – or, at the very least, build up a tolerance for them.
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9. Engage in Parallel Play
Remember how in kindergarten, you did your thing, and your friend did theirs, but you were still playing together? That’s parallel play for adults. Sit with your partner while they watch reality TV, but you do something else – knit, doodle, solve a crossword. It’s company without compromise.
10. Learn the Fine Art of Napping
When all else fails, sleep through it. The drama of reality TV can be surprisingly lulling. Curl up on the couch and take a nice, peaceful nap. You’re still there in body, and hey, you might even dream up your own reality show.
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11. Start a Blog or Journal
Why not channel your experiences into a blog or a journal? Write about your journey of surviving a reality TV obsessed household. Who knows, your witty observations and humorous coping mechanisms might just resonate with others in the same boat.
12. Pretend It’s a Documentary
Sometimes, you just need to change your perspective. Try pretending that what you’re watching is a highly insightful documentary. This shift in viewpoint can turn a frustrating experience into an amusing anthropological study. “Here we observe the reality TV contestant in their natural habitat…”
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13. Remember, It’s All About Compromise
At the end of the day, relationships are about compromise. While you might not be the biggest fan of reality TV, showing interest in your partner’s hobbies can strengthen your bond. And who knows, you might find some guilty pleasure in it too. But if not, there’s always Randy Reality to fall back on.
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