Dr. Mel Here

Hello All,
Dr. Mel is in today, to diagnose and help you cure some of those pesky disorders/ailments that arise from becoming too obsessed with television. First of all, I would like to tell you all that Television Obsessed is a normal thing, and it is very okay to be obsessed. Some common side effects of this obsession include (but aren't limited to): blogging, getting on fan forum, reading and writing fanfiction, and creating/watching Youtube videos. I'm here to tell you your not alone, crazed television obsessed friend. I, too, am the same way. I am here to tell you it is not a bad thing. I will, however, give you some tips for dealing with the biggest problems that go along with being so tele-addicted.

Common Problems:

1. Fretting over "The Lobster Scenario." What is "The Lobster Scenario," you ask? Good question. "The Lobster Scenario" involves knowing that 2 characters are destined to be together, yet being subjected to watching television writers constantly keep them apart. (Think Ross and Rachel from Friends, if you will. And if you haven't scene Friends, stop reading this blog, go buy the entire series and watch it; then we'll talk). Anyways, "The Lobster Scenario" becomes problematic when one begins obsessing over said 2 characters, to the point that they become frustrated with the show itself.
• Common Symptoms: Screaming at your television; Arguing over their "couple name" with friends (and maybe even strangers); Defending them as the greatest couple of all time to friends (and maybe even strangers)
• Cures: Take a deep breath, relax. Most of the time stupid writers keep the best couples apart almost until the end (Ross/Rachel; Luke/Lorelai; Carrie/Big, etc.). So relax and give it time, friend. Another short term cure is to go on Youtube and watch all of their scenes or videos other equally-enamored friends have posted. I promise you, somewhere on the internet you will find someone who likes the same couple as you, however bizarre that pairing is. 
2. POCT, short for "Panic Over Characters Traveling." Planes, trains, automobiles; our fave tele characters travel a lot. However, due to the amount of car accidents, plane accidents (cough cough, Grey's Anatomy), and train accidents (cough cough, Grey's Anatomy, again) these days onscreen, characters traveling tends to spike viewership anxiety. Personal anecdote- Sister used to panic every time a character was driving on One Tree Hill. Why, you ask? Because Lucas, Peyton, Haley, Brooke, Nathan, Julian, Jamie, Ms. Lauren, Chuck, Chris Keller, and so many other Tree Hillers have all been in accidents involved in cars. (I'm so not even exaggerating here, people. Watch-it's true.) Really, any drama show these days has had one travel accident or another (and most have had more than one). Therefore, POCT is very real and not to be taken lightly. 
• Symptoms: Yelling "Get out of that car (plane, train, shopping cart, etc.) at your television; Covering your eyes as characters enter/exit vehicles; Biting your nails/sweating/bouncing in your seat when characters are driving along blissfully. 
• Cures: Once again, relax. Your favorite character is probably not going to die, even if involved in said travel accident. I say probably because of a certain incident that happened on a certain television show season finale this year. If you don't know what I'm referencing, just Google "Lexie dying." or "Grey's Anatomy plane crash," or "Mexie dreams crushed and fans everywhere devastated." Anyways, whoever you love most likely won't croak, so chill. Also, if necessary, watch happy, non accident inducing television traveling scenes. Some great ones are the opening theme songs to Full House and Boy Meets World. 
3. The final problem associated with being so television obsessed that I will discuss tonight is AANSOF, or Anger at Not So Obsessed Friends. We all have those friends. You know, the ones who watch a show you watch, but don't have a favorite couple, or read the blogs, or obsess about what will/has happen(ed). This can lead to problems when you become either embarrassed when you reveal your obsession, or angry when they won't discuss the show with you at length post-episode. 
• Symptoms: Heated post-episode discussions with co-workers over the water cooler; Accidentally using a couples "fan name" in front of others and running away, embarrassed; Storming off after a stranger has not heard of the show, character, or couple to whom you are referring to
• Cures: Remember, again, you are not alone. There are plenty of forums, discussion boards, blogs, and sites, for you to talk about your show, couple, character with. So surf the web, and find some friends to chat with!

That's all the time Dr. Mel has for tonight. I hope this has been helpful to you, my fellow TV obsessed friends. In other news, I haven't been able to watch Pretty Little Liars live lately, which is why I haven't been blogging about it recently. Hopefully I will have time tomorrow and I can blog about last night's episode and other shows I've missed lately. Thanks for reading!