Vent: Annoyed that Grandmother's House = too much TV

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So weird how others think they can dictate how others choose to live their lives. So because you don't have a TV at home (or don't like the noise for whatever reason) everyone should shut theirs off when you come over? Really?

Living their lives is one thing, but OP's post was about family visiting. For many people, TV interferes with connecting with loved ones--and having a TV on all the time can seem like an attempt to avoid making those connections.

While people accustomed to having TV on in the background may feel that they multitask very well, that claim probably isn't a valid one, given actual scientific research on the effect of TV on people. Those without TV on all the time may be able to see this better.

Huh? This makes zero sense and reeks of someone who doesn't have a TV at home (and thinks that those who do are stunted in some way). Many people connect over TV shows, movies, etc.

Many people cannot connect over TV. me for one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have 6 TVs. If you come to my house I will make sure every single tv is on just to aggravate your ass and hope you never come back.

Then you'll have something to bitch about on here.

You GOTTA be black.

I'd give your comment more respect if you'd actually have the balls to say this to a black person. Alas, most racists are weak and cowardly.

Am I wrong?

I'm not the pp, so who knows? But I definitely know I'm not wrong in my statement about you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So weird how others think they can dictate how others choose to live their lives. So because you don't have a TV at home (or don't like the noise for whatever reason) everyone should shut theirs off when you come over? Really?

Living their lives is one thing, but OP's post was about family visiting. For many people, TV interferes with connecting with loved ones--and having a TV on all the time can seem like an attempt to avoid making those connections.

While people accustomed to having TV on in the background may feel that they multitask very well, that claim probably isn't a valid one, given actual scientific research on the effect of TV on people. Those without TV on all the time may be able to see this better.

Huh? This makes zero sense and reeks of someone who doesn't have a TV at home (and thinks that those who do are stunted in some way). Many people connect over TV shows, movies, etc.

Many people cannot connect over TV. me for one.

Your shortcomings are not necessarily shared by others. And the world does not revolve around you and what makes you comfortable. In life, you sometimes have to step outside of your comfort zone. Handle it with grace, not disdain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:... Bitch bye

TV lovers have such a way with words, don't they?

This whole "I'm so enlightened because I don't watch TV" is so damn laughable and pathetic.

There's a reason why you are often the guest and not the host. Your guests secretly think your parties are dull as hell. I hope you at least offer wine to dull the pain.

Parties are dull without TV? Huh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So weird how others think they can dictate how others choose to live their lives. So because you don't have a TV at home (or don't like the noise for whatever reason) everyone should shut theirs off when you come over? Really?

Living their lives is one thing, but OP's post was about family visiting. For many people, TV interferes with connecting with loved ones--and having a TV on all the time can seem like an attempt to avoid making those connections.

While people accustomed to having TV on in the background may feel that they multitask very well, that claim probably isn't a valid one, given actual scientific research on the effect of TV on people. Those without TV on all the time may be able to see this better.

Huh? This makes zero sense and reeks of someone who doesn't have a TV at home (and thinks that those who do are stunted in some way). Many people connect over TV shows, movies, etc.

Many people cannot connect over TV. me for one.

Your shortcomings are not necessarily shared by others. And the world does not revolve around you and what makes you comfortable. In life, you sometimes have to step outside of your comfort zone. Handle it with grace, not disdain.

Ok. Will you come to my house if I won't let you turn the TV on?

[Anonymous]

I'm not anti-tv, but if you need a television on to connect with people, you probably need to work on your social skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:... Bitch bye

TV lovers have such a way with words, don't they?

This whole "I'm so enlightened because I don't watch TV" is so damn laughable and pathetic.

There's a reason why you are often the guest and not the host. Your guests secretly think your parties are dull as hell. I hope you at least offer wine to dull the pain.

Parties are dull without TV? Huh.

Nah, but you'd better have plenty of wine and some other form of entertainment to keep things fun and interesting (music, games, etc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not anti-tv, but if you need a television on to connect with people, you probably need to work on your social skills.

That's not what is being said in this thread. Instead, folks are saying they CAN'T connect when the TV is on. Sounds like the deficiency is with the anti-TV folks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:... Bitch bye

TV lovers have such a way with words, don't they?

This whole "I'm so enlightened because I don't watch TV" is so damn laughable and pathetic.

There's a reason why you are often the guest and not the host. Your guests secretly think your parties are dull as hell. I hope you at least offer wine to dull the pain.

Parties are dull without TV? Huh.

Nah, but you'd better have plenty of wine and some other form of entertainment to keep things fun and interesting (music, games, etc).

How old are you? We drink and eat and talk. We're mid 40s to early 50s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So weird how others think they can dictate how others choose to live their lives. So because you don't have a TV at home (or don't like the noise for whatever reason) everyone should shut theirs off when you come over? Really?

Living their lives is one thing, but OP's post was about family visiting. For many people, TV interferes with connecting with loved ones--and having a TV on all the time can seem like an attempt to avoid making those connections.

While people accustomed to having TV on in the background may feel that they multitask very well, that claim probably isn't a valid one, given actual scientific research on the effect of TV on people. Those without TV on all the time may be able to see this better.

Huh? This makes zero sense and reeks of someone who doesn't have a TV at home (and thinks that those who do are stunted in some way). Many people connect over TV shows, movies, etc.

Many people cannot connect over TV. me for one.

Your shortcomings are not necessarily shared by others. And the world does not revolve around you and what makes you comfortable. In life, you sometimes have to step outside of your comfort zone. Handle it with grace, not disdain.

Ok. Will you come to my house if I won't let you turn the TV on?

Sure, but you'd better have a sparkling personality and plenty of wine on hand! I don't need a TV, but I do enjoy lively social gatherings. The quiet museum-like experience is not for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not anti-tv, but if you need a television on to connect with people, you probably need to work on your social skills.

That's not what is being said in this thread. Instead, folks are saying they CAN'T connect when the TV is on. Sounds like the deficiency is with the anti-TV folks.

The deficiency lies with the pro-TV crowd, who need it like a crutch, who say it fills gaps in conversation, who need it on in the background even when no one is watching it. It is like their little social "security blanket" -- and their outcry that others may actually view it as a nuisance proves how badly they are addicted to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So weird how others think they can dictate how others choose to live their lives. So because you don't have a TV at home (or don't like the noise for whatever reason) everyone should shut theirs off when you come over? Really?

Living their lives is one thing, but OP's post was about family visiting. For many people, TV interferes with connecting with loved ones--and having a TV on all the time can seem like an attempt to avoid making those connections.

While people accustomed to having TV on in the background may feel that they multitask very well, that claim probably isn't a valid one, given actual scientific research on the effect of TV on people. Those without TV on all the time may be able to see this better.

Huh? This makes zero sense and reeks of someone who doesn't have a TV at home (and thinks that those who do are stunted in some way). Many people connect over TV shows, movies, etc.

Many people cannot connect over TV. me for one.

Your shortcomings are not necessarily shared by others. And the world does not revolve around you and what makes you comfortable. In life, you sometimes have to step outside of your comfort zone. Handle it with grace, not disdain.

Ok. Will you come to my house if I won't let you turn the TV on?

Sure, but you'd better have a sparkling personality and plenty of wine on hand! I don't need a TV, but I do enjoy lively social gatherings. The quiet museum-like experience is not for me.

^^^Needs tv as a social crutch. ^^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not anti-tv, but if you need a television on to connect with people, you probably need to work on your social skills.

Agree. Maybe bone up on some current events, entertainment news, jokes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:... Bitch bye

TV lovers have such a way with words, don't they?

This whole "I'm so enlightened because I don't watch TV" is so damn laughable and pathetic.

There's a reason why you are often the guest and not the host. Your guests secretly think your parties are dull as hell. I hope you at least offer wine to dull the pain.

Parties are dull without TV? Huh.

Nah, but you'd better have plenty of wine and some other form of entertainment to keep things fun and interesting (music, games, etc).

How old are you? We drink and eat and talk. We're mid 40s to early 50s.

Mid 30s. I can imagine that as I get older I'll appreciate a more quiet time (and if you have wine, that definitely helps).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We usually have the TV on as background noise. We have lots of lively conversations and certainly no one ignores anyone. Doesn't sound normal to me.

Why do you feel like you need background noise? If no one is watching it, why don't you turn it off? I genuinely would like to know.

I too hate having the television on and cannot fathom why anyone would want it on as background noise, especially when there's company over. I find it difficult to understand conversation if there's television on in the background, and the commercials, lights, and noise just generally annoying me and sometimes give me a headache.

I grew up in a family where we were only allowed to watch television a couple hours a week. My sibling married someone who has TV on all the time, is very bossy, and it really annoys the hell out of most of us.

I would encourage those who have company over to turn the TV off unless there's something very specific everyone wants to watch.

Maybe we're not as easily distracted as you? Having a TV on makes any lulls in the conversation or quiet moments less awkward. Plus, often it's some sort of educational/history program and it helps bring up a new topic to discuss. I would encourage those that do not like having the TV on, to turn it off if they have company. The rest of us can decide on our own how to handle it, thanks!

Pp here. I should have added, I have poor hearing and my mother wears a hearing aid. My in law could care less that having the tv on means my mother can't hear the convo. He'd rather hear the tv. And he wonders why we don't want to do holidays at his house....