I have to say, right off the bat, that this was a personal decision for our family. We don't judge or push our ideas on anyone else... ever. We really believe you have to do what is right for your own family in all areas.
What I didn't anticipate when we stopped watching t.v. was that people would look at us so strange. It's like we are crazy or something. "But, what about the news!" they ask. We have the internet - who needs to watch the news on t.v. The poor sales person at DirecTV just couldn't understand that we didn't want t.v. anymore. She was entirely confused at our call to end service. They still call us and send us offers to come back. It's been over two years now.
The reason Daniel and I decided to omit the t.v. from our lifestyle was simple - we missed each other. We would put the Eve to bed and then watch t.v. until it was time for us to go to sleep. It was pretty boring.
Another thing we noticed, was how easy it became to adopt the talking patterns and lifestyle habits of the people we watched on t.v. into our lives and marriage - in minor ways of course, but we didn't really like to see those little reflections in ourselves.
So, what do we do now?
We love to read, we love to talk, and to just be with each other. We do dishes together at night. If I am washing he'll sit on the counter next to the sink and we chat, vise versa. Some nights we go sit on the couch and hang out, we quietly talk or just sit next to one another. We also love to play Yatzee, or War - basically the only card game I can play!
I must say that we still are able to watch some shows that we love. We just watch them on Daniel's laptop. ABC has a a ton of full show episodes on their website. We watch Dancing with the Stars just like everyone else in America. Except the commercials are only 30 seconds long. And we have to wait until Tuesday night instead of watching it on Monday. No big deal.
I admit - I really, really miss watching football. I loved spending Sunday afternoons hanging out with Daniel watching the pig skin fly. But for us, taking t.v. out of the equation was a really good decision for our marriage and family life. It simplified our lives, brought us closer, and freed up a ton of wasted time. And, it was really easy. We unplugged it.
What I didn't anticipate when we stopped watching t.v. was that people would look at us so strange. It's like we are crazy or something. "But, what about the news!" they ask. We have the internet - who needs to watch the news on t.v. The poor sales person at DirecTV just couldn't understand that we didn't want t.v. anymore. She was entirely confused at our call to end service. They still call us and send us offers to come back. It's been over two years now.
The reason Daniel and I decided to omit the t.v. from our lifestyle was simple - we missed each other. We would put the Eve to bed and then watch t.v. until it was time for us to go to sleep. It was pretty boring.
Another thing we noticed, was how easy it became to adopt the talking patterns and lifestyle habits of the people we watched on t.v. into our lives and marriage - in minor ways of course, but we didn't really like to see those little reflections in ourselves.
So, what do we do now?
We love to read, we love to talk, and to just be with each other. We do dishes together at night. If I am washing he'll sit on the counter next to the sink and we chat, vise versa. Some nights we go sit on the couch and hang out, we quietly talk or just sit next to one another. We also love to play Yatzee, or War - basically the only card game I can play!
I must say that we still are able to watch some shows that we love. We just watch them on Daniel's laptop. ABC has a a ton of full show episodes on their website. We watch Dancing with the Stars just like everyone else in America. Except the commercials are only 30 seconds long. And we have to wait until Tuesday night instead of watching it on Monday. No big deal.
I admit - I really, really miss watching football. I loved spending Sunday afternoons hanging out with Daniel watching the pig skin fly. But for us, taking t.v. out of the equation was a really good decision for our marriage and family life. It simplified our lives, brought us closer, and freed up a ton of wasted time. And, it was really easy. We unplugged it.
13 Comments:
We go back and forth. Right now, we have TV. We will for the next 10 months because of our contract. However, the kiddies are only allowed to watch on the weekend and since we went for so long without it (we just turned it back on in September), my husband and I frequently forget that we have it. Yay!
But, you know, our satelite company bugged us all the time, too. They just could NOT understand that we might not want tv. But what about the educational programming? Well, we can read, you know.
I completely agree with you on your reasons not to have a tv.
I think you made a great decision for your family...it is funny how other people often react to decisions you make for your family. I am starting to get wierd looks when I tell people K doesn't eat certain foods. Oh well, like you said each family has to do what is best for them and not everyone gets that.
Ahhhh, the TV thing...there was a time when I was a kid that our TV broke. For three glorious months one summer, instead of watching TV, we played Mass Solitaire (a very interesting variation on the solo game of cards that gets absolutely crazy and loud); worked jigsaw puzzles (we're talking the 5000-and-larger-piece size); read lots of books; and spent glorious days and nights talking to each other and playing outside. It was a wonderful time that I still remember all these years later. And would you believe it, when the 5 of us "kids" get together, we still play Mass Solitaire, albeit on the table instead of in the floor, and have introduced our kids to it as well. I'm quite sure that Thanksgiving Day, we'll be getting out the multiple decks of cards and play again when we're all together again.
We do watch TV these days, even though I'd rather be playing volleyball or riding a bike or walking somewhere pretty. But when your hubby is somewhat stove up and isn't a reader...yeah. But we mostly watch the educational channels like History Channel, Military Channel, National Geographic, Discovery, Science Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and the like. We have our few favorite shows during the week, too, but only about 4 of them.
Anyway, good for you guys...stick to your guns and do what's right and good for your family...and don't listen to the those who just don't understand..... :)
I think your decision for no TV is great! When us siblings get together we don't talk about the good ole tv shows we watched as a child. We talk about all the stuff we did together as kids. Relationships with other people is what it's all about, not our relationships with the TV.
How funny that you mentioned DWTS in your post as well! I LOVE that show. So wish I could dance...
On another note, my husband and I were reading your blog today and he commented on your gorgeous hair. Exactly what did you use to dye it? Too personal? I hope not.
We are really talking about doing the same thing. I don't really watch anything except Smallville, 24, and American Idol (which means nothing at this time of year). When "my" shows start, I notice how much less free time I have in the evening, especially at the beginning of a season of Idol (when there are more/longer episodes per week).
I don't like the kids watching those goofy Disney and Nick sitcoms!
My mom always restricted our tv time when we were younger. She always said if it was totally up to her, we wouldn't have it at all. I think it's great that you've made that decision together and that you've taken the opportunity to just be together.
I respect you guys so much for putting your marriage and your family first. We don't watch much these days. And I agree I don't watch tv for the news, definately go online.
I understand. My husband grew up without a television. Maybe we should take up this challenge as well. That's a huge step.
Email me though, i wanna know how you watch shows. What site do you go to? The only 2 shoes we LOVE watching are NCIS and Survivor....
We don't have T.V. either and it was the best decision ever for our family, to get rid of it! People still look at us strangely but at the same time they are intrigued. It's pretty funny! Have a Happy Thanksgiving ~ I loved catching up with your posts!! You look wonderful and I love the pregnant belly shots!
I watch DWTS on the computer too :) But one reason is because I watch Heroes on Mon LOL but another is like you said - 30 sec commercials, and only a few of them, then no commercials the rest of the way. It turns a 1.5 hr show into about 45 min...I like that I can fast forward through some of it too. :)
Totally respect it. Whatever works for you and your marriage and family. Great answer gal!
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