The Netflix Void

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    Have you ever watched a show all of the way to the end and were so devastated or happy with its ending that you were in a kind of euphoric state for days afterwards? It is only natural to feel this way after coming so far with these characters and being personally invested in their respective journeys and trials. 

    Perhaps the last episode of a particular show ended with such an enormous plot twist that it completely devastated you and changed your perception of all the events leading up to it? Perhaps the show made you ponder about your own life, and what you would do if you were in the place of the characters? These questions can haunt you for days, weeks, and sometimes years after watching a show’s finale. You can act like nothing happened a few days or so after the fact, but in the first days, you are in a complete daze. You run through the motions of your life, people around you go about their own busy lives, completely oblivious to the state you are in, and you can barely concentrate on normal life. Eventually, the question “Where do I go from here?” will come up? If this has ever happened to you, fear not, for you are not the only one. It is perfectly normal to be shaken by a show. However, it is vital that it not interfere with your work. Thankfully, with these tips, you can healthily work out your emotions and still function as a normal member of society.

    First, talking about it can help greatly. Telling your friends about this amazing show that you just finished watching and getting them obsessed with it is half the fun. With your friends asking about the show and you telling them all about the backstory and lore that you know from watching (while keeping it spoiler-free, of course), you will be too busy to even think about the big gaping hole that the show left upon your unsuspecting, impressionable heart. And when they finally reach the end too, at least you will not be alone in your sadness. 

    If your real world friends are not interested in the show, you can always discuss what the show made you feel with other fans online. The Internet is a great resource for education. It is also an excellent tool for connecting people that have similar interests. There is bound to be someone out there on the web that was affected as you were by that ending. Find that person, befriend them, and if multiple people share your agony, make a forum about the show or join one that already exists. Joining one of these groups could lead you to meeting some interesting people and also to a better understanding of the show. However, it must be said that 'trolls' exist even among fan sites and fan forums. Always remember to mind your netiquette, and to never, ever feed the trolls. 

    Finally, an easy way to get over the empty feeling the end of a show leaves you with is to simply find another show to watch and enjoy. I know that sounds like a foreign concept for some, but believe me, it is possible. Do not become so blinded by your devotion to a particular shows that you feel nothing can top it. Keep an open mind about all things and you’ll eventually find a new show that you might like just as much as the one you are trying to get over. Who knows? You might even find that you like the new one better.

    With all of these tips, you should be able to be back on your feet in no time. Remember, it is only fiction, and though it may devastate and change you, none of it is real. They are meant for entertainment and no more. With that in mind, and with these tips taken to heart, happy viewing!