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There’s nothing wrong with a bit of self-indulgence. From time to time it’s nice to give in to the little things that are so simple but bring so much enjoyment to our lives. Sometimes they’re things that you don’t want to mention to your friends or family, because you’re worried that it might be a little bit embarrassing. It is common to refer to these small, private indulgences as “guilty pleasures”. Recently, however, I have been assessing my arsenal of secret treats, and I have come to the conclusion that there’s no reason to feel guilty about any of them, because if you enjoy doing something and it doesn’t hurt anyone, really there’s no harm it it. Just to prove that I’m a woman of my word, and that I really don’t feel guilty about any of the things I like, I’m going to share with you a few of the little items and activities I partake of when I think no one is looking. My hope is that this will give others the courage to come forward and admit to their own secret pleasures, and thereby we can all liberate ourselves with the truth. Or perhaps we’ll all just be embarrassed together. We’ll see.
ABBA. There, I said it. When I’m alone and my mood needs a boost, there is nothing like the Swedish fab four to get me singing along with feet tapping and head bobbing. I used to be worried that such an admission would prompt reactions of raised eyebrows and stunned silence, but since I have started openly telling people this, I’ve been shocked at how many “me too!” responses it has inspired. It seems I’m not the only one stuck in the 1980s — not by a long shot.
Coloring books. I know, I know. I can’t explain it. There’s just something about a fresh, new coloring book and a Crayola 64-box that does it for me every time. If I had room in my schedule, I’d color for hours on end. I’m not good at drawing or painting, and I don’t particularly like creating visual art, but give me a coloring book and I’ll be more than happy to make you something truly, truly juvenile.
Eating ice cream straight out of the tub. And no, I’m not talking about those little petite containers of fancy designer ice cream; I’m talking about the big honking family-sized bucket of Blue Bell Rocky Road. Just give me a spoon and I’m good to go. Mind you, of course I don’t eat the whole thing in one sitting… that would just be ridiculously excessive. I do have some restraint, you know. Ahem.
Spending an entire day in my pajamas. If you call my house at any time of day on a Sunday, even in the evening, there’s a huge probability that the person you’re speaking to on the other end is in her pajamas. No, it’s not for a costume party — that’s just my little way of celebrating the fact that I have a lovely day with nothing to do and nowhere to go.
The Simpsons. No, it’s not the height of comedic excellence, nor is it even the highest quality animation on television. Often the jokes are crude, repetitive, or just downright childish. It’s the sort of thing you would think a reasonably intelligent person would get tired of after a while. Nevertheless, there is little on TV that makes me more excited than the idea of a multi-hour Simpsons marathon, preferably with the inclusion of the aforementioned ice cream and pajamas.
So now you know how I roll. These are my top skeletons, fresh out of the dusty closet that I don’t have time to clean because I’m too busy coloring. These things used to be items of great shame and embarrassment for me, but then I started to think, why? What does it hurt if I enjoy Scandinavian pop? Who really cares if I never quite make it into day clothes on a Sunday? If any of these items have struck a chord with you or reminded you of your own private indulgences, I encourage you to come forward and comment — share your story so that we all may learn the joy of doing those activities that you have discovered are great fun. And by being proud instead of ashamed of all the things we like to do, the word “guilt” no longer applies, and our guilty pleasures graduate to being simply “pleasures”.
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October 30th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Ice cream is my thing too…
October 30th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Guilty and pleasured by most things you listed! Though eating out of the ice cream tub turns my stomach a bit
I admit to spending too much money on those pricey novelty coffee shop specials…if it keeps me sane and helps me smile inside, why do i care that it costs more than gasoline!? Kuddos for coming out of the closet…or joining us all in there!
October 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Ok, I’m so glad I’m not the only one that finds coloring in a color book relaxing!
November 1st, 2008 at 3:20 am
Ice cream is definitely a guilty pleasure for me too. In fact I’m having some right now
November 1st, 2008 at 11:44 am
I too love to color in coloring books. However it is not a secret. I work in a school (junior high) and I often tell my students when there is an assignment that includes coloring like doing a map. Some students look at me like I am wierd but then there are students that admit to this activity. They are relieved that an adult likes this also and no longer feel ashamed about liking it. Sometimes the student that originally said they don’t like it or gave a funny look, now feels like they are the one that is different and starts to color their map with more enjoyment.
Another of my pleasures is to have a orange soda and chocolate ice cream float. I don’t know what it is. I have liked this combination since I was a small girl.
Pajamas, I too let myself be in jammies all day on certain weekend days. This is not a secret either as this is a practice in my whole family, and has been for the last 20 or so years,especially around the holidays.
Another thing I like to do is watch old horror movies like Vincent Price movies from the late 60′s and early 70′s. They are hard to find but when I do I really like to rewatch them.
Thanks for opening the door of the closet
November 2nd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Oh I love Abba and colouring too! I wonder if it has something to do with not having any talent at drawing? When we colour it gives a sense of what it might be like to be artistic?
I also love Abba but my most secret guilty pleasure is American Idol. There, I said it!
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I like to color too
My big ones, though, are video games and frozen custard.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Mine is definitely ice cream too. I love chocolate mint, cookies and cream ice cream, nothing to plain here. I just couldn’t do the PJ thing. I always like to be ready on the spur of the moment, just in case we got to do something.
November 14th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Mine is anything chocolate which would put chocolate ice cream at the top! Haha
November 15th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
what’s not to love?
November 18th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I have a secret hiding place where I place my favorite chocolate pleasures. However, it may have been compromised, because, the other day my grandson ran in the back door and asked “What’s in your secret hiding place?”. He then proceeded to partake to his great pleasure! I guess this will now be my not so secret place.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I totally relate to spending a whole day in PJ’s, just feels so decadent and yummy!
I also love colouring and introduced it to my college students. During a stress management course, I brought in colouring pencils and beautiful mandalas. We sat in silence for a whole hour just colouring in. Most popular class ever. x