I hate the term “guilty pleasure.”
I am not ashamed to admit I love reading cheesy YA fiction. I love predictable romances and will read overused tropes with surprise and excitement each time.
I read Today Tomorrow Tonight by Rachel Lynn Solomon a few weeks ago. The book centers around a girl about to graduate high school who dreams about becoming a romance novelist.
In a memorable part of the book, the protagonist talks about how she hates that women-centered media is regarded as a “guilty pleasure.” Think romance novels, “chick flicks,” reality TV, etc…
I’ve been reflecting on this ever since.
Try to think about the things you regard as your own guilty pleasures. Are they something along the lines of watching The Bachelor, reading fanfiction, listening to One Direction, or picking up one too many books from the romance section? What about your love of rom-coms, self-care days, or unnecessary Target runs?
I read so many articles about “guilty pleasures.” Eight times out of 10, they are based on something that was produced with women in mind. I can’t even count how many people said listening to Backstreet Boys or watching Hallmark movies was their “guilty pleasure.” (also, why have I never heard anyone say barbecuing or watching football, or playing sports is their guilty pleasure???)
Regardless of what it is or who it is meant for, why can’t we just enjoy things that bring us happiness?
Why do I always get a little embarrassed when I’m talking about the latest YA novel I read? Or the badly written TV show I am currently enjoying? And why, as I am writing this, did I feel the need to say the show is badly written? (I am looking at you, Gossip Girl).
Happiness shouldn’t be accompanied by shame, and pleasures should not be paired with guilt. If you are enjoying something, why not do it proudly?
I think people often equate “good” with serious, profound, and thought-provoking things.
However, sometimes “good” is watching some mind-numbing TV or absorbing yourself into a predictable book. Sometimes, I just want to see Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass kiss and not get into an ethical debate about how their relationship is toxic. Sometimes, I like reading books knowing that the guy is going to end up with the girl at the end.
And that’s okay. That’s more than okay, actually.
I love when I see people get excited when talking about things they enjoy. And whether it’s the latest Harry Styles song or Colleen Hoover novel, no one should feel embarrassed about expressing this enjoyment.
A few days ago, someone asked me what my favorite books were. And instead of giving the refined and profound version, I told her my actual favorite books. All heart-wrenching, full of tropes, and found in the YA section. And you know what? She said she loved those books too. And we had a genuinely amazing conversation that I wouldn’t have otherwise if I had held myself back from saying what books I really love.
Don’t feel guilty about the things you love, the things that bring you enjoyment, the things that put a smile on your face. Be proud of them and find people who appreciate them as much as you do. And please, let’s cancel the phrase “guilty pleasure.”