Many years ago, before the creation of social media, there was a movie I was extremely excited to watch. Unfortunately, I had to wait to see it a few weeks after it came out.

The day before I was finally going to the theater, I was talking to a relative and mentioned I was about to go see the movie and they replied “Oh my God I can’t believe the father dies in it!”

Excuse me?

Are you serious?

Yes, he dies in it. He gets killed.

Great. I felt let down, disappointed, annoyed, and angry for finding out something I’d much rather have discovered on my own when I watched the film.

The element of surprise was ruined, making me not want to see this movie I was looking forward to! Of course, I still went even if I was denied the opportunity to see what happens without someone ruining it for me.

Why? Why do people love to give away those details to others before they have a chance to experience it for themselves? Is this a case of I know something you don’t know hahaha and I’m going to tell you first because that gives me an enormous amount of joy in spoiling things because I can’t keep a secret. Muahahaha.

Maybe. I don’t know.

I had a friend once who was notorious for spoiling everything they watched before I did. So often that I realized this wasn’t the best friendship for me and ended it. This was for various reasons beyond this one but it didn’t help. “That movie is so sad you better make sure you bring tissues with you because you’re going to be crying!”

How do you know I’m going to cry? My heart could be ice cold and feel nothing. Besides, if my crying leads to me needing to wipe tears and snot onto my sleeve or use a softly tattered napkin after wiping my hands from indulging in buttered popcorn because I didn’t have one piece of Kleenex with me so be it. Allow me to be surprised.

Things have become more complicated in the age of social media where people share their every thought. How can I avoid spoilers? This one is simple. I avoid social media.

When I say I want no spoilers, I mean, no spoilers. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zip it.

Of course, that’s when it comes to TV, films, or books, but what about life?

Wouldn’t I love to know what could happen? Wouldn’t I want spoilers? Wouldn’t that help save the regrets, worries, and fear? Would spoilers let me know what would make me laugh so hard tears would stream out of my eyes and my stomach hurt? Would spoilers make me love more and love some less? Would spoilers make me less curious and open minded? Would spoilers ruin the plot of an unknown life?

Spoilers for books, TV, and movies? No thank you. Spoilers for life? Yes please. A little more clarity would be nice.

Recently I was discussing a few television shows with a colleague and I asked them if they watched a certain show. They mentioned they haven’t yet. We both expressed our interest in avoiding spoilers, so I didn’t continue talking about it.

Afterwards they asked me if I had watched another show and I said “no but I definitely want to check it out.” And then they proceeded to spill everything about it and tell me what actors make cameos and the best episode so far and what happens on it and it’s soooo funny and this person is awesome in it!

Thanks. I didn’t know any of that. Perhaps I should back up to that show I just mentioned and let you know there is a character who dies. Enjoy! Be sure to bring tissues.