How Not To Watch Television

…can we talk?

Have you ever watched a movie or television show with someone who kept checking their phone?

Maybe they were expecting a call, or texting in a conversation, or playing a game. Maybe they were doing chores, like writing a term paper, or folding laundry. Maybe you looked over as they began to snore. If you are the person trying to multi-task, I’m begging you! Please just go to another room, because I’m trying to focus here.

Having said that, I am fairly skilled in blocking out most distractions. I can ignore screaming children who are throwing food, passing ambulances with sirens blaring, Jimmy in the driveway with the bass at 20 Hz and volume on full blast and the call of the laundry that’s backing up by the hour.

When I’m in a face to face conversation with someone, I pay attention.

I really listen. I watch facial movements, eye contact, body language, or see moisture gathering in the eyes. I perceive changes in emotion or intensity in the voice. The briefest of glances made across a room, even the smallest of gestures do not escape me. I intuit.

All of these details are what directors carefully place in what we see on the screen. If a viewer looks away for just a moment, a vital element might be missed in that carefully crafted romance or mystery scene. I do not want to be the viewer that misses that important clue on which the entire plot hinges. Please don’t make me.

I’m not saying that you should not take care of those phone calls or texts or chores.

If something earth-shattering happens, it should absolutely take precedence over whatever imaginary drama is unfolding on screen. Pause the tv and take care of what needs to be taken care of.

But if you’re watching with a serious watcher (aka me), don’t interrupt conversation or events on the screen to talk to me, especially as I might throw popcorn at you in surprise if you interrupt at a particularly intense moment.

I get very involved with the plot/storyline and while I might try to listen to you (I consider it rude to interrupt both an actual person or a movie) know that I will resent you for doing this. Better to wait until a commercial break or until the smoke and flames from the kitchen become impossible to ignore.

Please subscribe to get my articles and stories (I think you’ll find a variety of topics that will be interesting and relatable).❤

Not yet a member or wish to upgrade to unlimited reading pleasure of thousands of creative writers? Click here for my referral link where a portion of your membership is provided back to support my writing endeavors.

Would you buy me a hot drink to help me continue to write? Thank you so much!