Guilty Pleasures: Should We Give Them Up?

I’ve become very aware that my blog might be a guilty pleasure for some. After all, I don't claim to be an authority on literature or a master of writing epic essays. So, because I'm not either of those, you may have a sense of guilt reading my little blog.   

Maybe you keep returning and reading it because it makes you smile, you feel a connection, or it might be just entertaining enough to fill up a space of boredom in your day. 

What's up with Guilty Pleasures anyway? They usually bring some kind of personal excitement and entertainment that most others wouldn't understand.

It could be something that reminds you of a childhood memory. Possibly it's a feeling of something familiar, safe or sinfully tasty. 

So where does the guilt come in? Why feel guilty for something that brings pleasure? 

You may not want to admit you like something for fear of what others might think or what they'll say. What gives you happiness and contentment might be completely off someone else's radar. 

Friends or family might think it's weird, strange or they just don't get it. So we withhold or shield these pleasures, but continue to enjoy them under a blanket of guilt. 

Let's face it, we all care a little smidgen about what others think of us. WE DON’T WANT TO BE JUDGED. So, should we avoid our guilty pleasures?

If guilty pleasures are harmless and make you happy, then don't deny yourself!

You must believe that the things you secretly like are GOOD or WORTHY of appreciation. These things we love and enjoy, no matter how awkward, bring simple joy and lower the stress in our lives. 

In fact, an article on Den of Geek boldly asks, "Who came up with the idea that we're supposed to feel guilty about the films, TV shows and music we like?" In particular, one of the movies we're supposed to feel guilty about watching is Dirty Dancing!   Whoa, I've seen it like 6 times. Loved it and never felt guilty! More are mentioned here and I'm sure some of your favorite movies are listed as guilty pleasures too.

Maybe your guilty pleasure is reading romance novels or other books that might be considered trashy. If you're that person, check out this link from NPR books: my guilty pleasure - authors recommend embarrassing, but addictive reads. 

Perhaps you really love jamming out to ABBA or Barry Manilow. It may not be popular mainstream music, but certain melodies give you a warm fuzzy feeling that you can only get from listening to your favorite artists.  

It could be curling up on the couch reading gossip magazines and blogs. Maybe binge watching Netflix, soap operas or TV Land oldies. 

Sometimes food is the guilty pleasure. You know it might not be a good choice, but you can't get enough of eating sugar donuts in bed or chocolate sandwiched in a croissant.

So, when do guilty pleasures become unhealthy bad habits?  

It could be that you feel the need to overcome your guilty pleasures. Too much of something can be an issue. Food is a common source of guilty pleasure that can turn unhealthy. A Huffington Post article “How to Overcome Guilty Pleasures” has a few creative solutions. 

Guilty pleasures don't have to be off the wall or unhealthy. Sometimes it's as simple as lounging in your pajamas and drinking coffee on the patio while watching the birds fly by.  

Yeah, I feel a little guilty about this! When did I become an old boring bird lady? But, guess what? The hell with it...it's my way of unwinding and enjoying some R&R. 

Of course, chocolate is another guilty pleasure. I do try to keep that in check. It's all about moderation and not denying the pleasure. 

Sometimes, I'm feeling quite Downton Abbey-ish and will enjoy a cup of tea and crumpets after dinner. Actually, they're Pepperidge Farm Milano's - I don't even know what crumpets are. Unfortunately, a Yorkshire estate and a butler don't come with the Milano's, but a girl can dream.  Don't judge!

In some ways writing this blog is a guilty pleasure. It brings pleasure for me to write and be expressive, but I feel guilty that it's too silly to spend so much time on it, or maybe not enough time is spent on it. 

If you're a regular reader and subscriber to my blog, then I hope it leans heavier on the pleasure side for you. Truthfully, if you let me know the pleasure it brings you, that would be like receiving a big acceptance bear hug. So, my friends…why not spread the pleasure around without feeling guilty.

Don't deny those healthy guilty pleasures. Trust me it's good for the soul!  

That's what a little bird told me, anyway. 

What is your guilty pleasure? Promise, not to judge!

Put your smile on and unwrap

   A Square of Chocolate,

Laurie O

If you like it, love it and want more of it, please Subscribe to A Square Of Chocolate HERE and get every post delivered to your email. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.