If you’ve ever spoken with me, you know that I can’t finish a conversation without at least one TV show reference.
For example, someone was telling me the other day about their meager college-kid budget and how they still can’t stop shopping. I aptly told them to “declare bankruptcy” [Michael Scott style](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiCilTzhXrA).
I could list plenty of other examples of my weird tendency to attempt to link real life with TV life, but I’m afraid I’ll just come off as too debonair for you guys (not really, I’m just a TV nerd).
If I’m being honest, most people have no idea what I’m talking about when I rant about my references. Understandable.
But I’ve decided to change that. How, you ask? Slowly, but surely, I’ve been forcing my friends to watch all of the TV shows I’ve adored throughout the years so they can finally understand what the hell it is I’m talking about.
The best part? They don’t even know I’m slyly manipulating them into watching until it’s too late. When realization hits, they’ve already watched 15 episodes in a row and haven’t studied a lick of chemistry.
My roommates are prime victims of my mischievous ways. Before we lived together, they barely used the television in our living room. To them, it was just a household necessity for the occasional movie night.
Almost every evening, they would find me curled up on the couch after a long day of classes and homework, tuning into my favorite primetime shows. Sometimes they would catch a glimpse of the show when they went to retrieve a snack from our communal fridge. Sometimes they would join me, watching absentmindedly while they worked on something else.
But I could tell it was working. The shows started to slowly pique their curiosity and by sophomore year, they became fangirls just like me.
Now, one my roommates can proudly quote any line Schmidt from “New Girl” has ever said. The other refuses to finish the last five episodes of “Friday Night Lights” on Netflix because she’s too attached and “doesn’t want it to end.”
One of my friends from high school recently caught up on “How I Met Your Mother,” a show I once introduced to her years back but one she brushed off. Now, she’s just as absorbed in it as I am.
I’m even proud to announce that I achieved my toughest feat yet: getting one of my friends to watch “Teen Wolf.” Yes, I’ve mentioned my unwarranted love for the show in columns past, but this will be the last time, I promise — hopefully.
The supernatural drama on MTV is always a way to get a menacing laugh from my friends. I’ve gotten used to it, because all that matters is that I know how weirdly good of a show it is.
But after weeks of arguing, one of my friends has officially watched one episode. That’s huge. Although, most likely she only likes the show because of the outrageously [attractive male actors](http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/imgx/1/4/4/5/8/4/8/1/orig-14458481.jpg). I mean, have you _seen_ them?
It’s only a matter of time before she becomes just as obsessed with Dylan O’Brien as much as I have.
Jokes aside, getting your friends hooked on your favorite TV shows — whether they’re guilty pleasure shows or ones with actual merit — is oddly satisfying. It’s like watching your child grow up (not that I would know, I’m just assuming).
Bringing them into this world, wondering if they’re happy with it, making sure they have tissues when times get tough… These are all parts of parenting someone through life — or a damn good TV show. And when they finally reach the end, you’re looking down on them proudly.
Plus, you finally have someone to talk to about all those gasp-worthy twists or argue heatedly about plot theories. Watching shows is just better when you’re in the company of a few good friends.
Now, my friends are watching multiple emotionally-exhausting shows that they can barely keep up with. And it’s all because of me.
You’re welcome, guys.