I don’t have a TV.
I don’t have a TV because I don’t really like watching TV. I don’t hate it, or think less of people who do like watching it–heck, most all the people I know watch TV. People I like, and respect. That’s great. I approve of people doing things they like to do.
But *I* don’t really like it, so I don’t bother owning one. Saves space in my home, and money, and probably time, because if I did have one, I imagine I’d turn it on every now and then. (When I lived in a house that did have a TV, I sometimes did.)
And that’s all well and good, until I’m talking to someone, and sooner or later there comes the invariable conversational gambit: “Have you seen ______?” [fill in the blank with whatever great new thing everyone’s watching]
My standard, useful, simple answer has been, “No, I don’t have a TV.”
That used to be effective in redirecting the conversation to an area I can actually participate in…until recently. Now, however, I’m getting back: “You can stream it!”
Well, I know that. In fact, I streamed something yesterday (the Simpsons episode with Neil Gaiman in it–hilarious!). But….for the most part: I don’t really like watching TV. I don’t *want* to get into a show and stream episodes of it on my laptop. If I wanted to watch TV, I’d get a TV, with a decent-sized screen and all.
I’m searching for a new effective answer to the “Have you seen…?” that conveys “No, and I’m not particularly interested in it, though I think your interest in it is valid and awesome and I’m happy for you that you have something you’re enthusiastic about, but please don’t try to talk me into it.” Because I think there can be a lot of implied and/or inferred judgment in the “I don’t watch TV” stance…which is not where I’m coming from.
You know?