Waiting for any television show to return can be painful, but for diehard Pretty Little Liars fans, it can be considered downright excruciating. Because, you see, this series is so much more than a hobby. It's an all-out obsession. And if left to our own devices for too long, hardcore watchers tend to get a little stir crazy. Suddenly, we're re-watching entire seasons in the hopes that we'll be able to spot even bigger A clues and then, before you know it, we've stumbled down a rabbit hole of Pretty Little Liars Season 6 theories on Tumblr from which there is no escape. And while fans of this show should be more than accustomed to its torturous waiting (and waiting and waiting) process (from A's mysterious identity to everything in-between), that doesn't make the act any less difficult to endure.
Suffice to say, the whole ordeal can be a pretty grueling process. So if you're relatively new to this whole wAiting game, I thought I'd take this time to educate you on the many different levels and stages one goes through while waiting for a Pretty Little Liars season to return. Just take comfort in knowing that you are not alone throughout this process. Much like the Liars are at A's lair, we're all stuck in this thing together, so it's important for you to know what's coming.
1. You Deny The Hiatus Is Really Happening
Plus, you're riding such a big finale high that you're way too busy researching theories to be bothered about such things. You'll be fine. It'll all be fine.
2. Until Next Tuesday Hits & PLL Is Nowhere To Be Found
Why is ABC Family airing a Harry Potter marathon when there are major A questions that need answering? Is this some sort of clue that Voldemort is in league with A? I'M SO CONFUSED!
3. Confusion Quickly Turns To Panic
The longer the show is off the air, the more of chance there is that you'll forget important details. This CAN NOT happen.
4. This Leads To Full-On Rage
Like full-blown "Mona-in-Radley" type rage, to the point where you begin to seriously question your own sanity. Maybe we all belong locked up in Radley.
5. Then Depression Sets In
The good news is: you've managed to calm yourself down. The bad news is: you are now able to fully comprehend just how long you'll be forced to live in a PLL-less world. It's basically the equivalent of going on a break with your significant other. Needless to say, it's enough for you to develop a serious case of sadness overload. Bring on the ice cream and sad songs!
6. You Start Overcompensating
Desperate to fill the aching void in your heart, you begin focusing all your energy into re-watching past episodes and coming up with the ultimate PLL theory that will send Tumblr into a tailspin.
7. Your Tolerance For Non-PLL Watchers Reaches An All-Time Low
You mean there are people out there who don't lie awake at night wondering if Maya and Bethany are somehow still alive? And what do you mean you don't know who Caleb is? Sorry, but I don't think we can be friends anymore.
8. You Try To Convince Yourself That You Have A Life Outside Of This Show
I mean, at the very least you have pen pals and Twitter followers. That counts, right?
9. But Then, As The Weeks Go By, Anticipation Kicks In
With an end date to your misery in sight, you've managed to tap into a renewed sense of excitement and zest for life. Suddenly, colors are brighter and smells are sweeter.
10. And While You're Proud For Making It Through This Difficult Time...
*pats self on back*
11. You're Also Super Relieved That It's Now Over
Time to party!
12. That Is Until The Next Hiatus Begins & You Start The Process All Over Again
Hey, we never said being a PLL fan was going to be easy. We only promised it would be worth it.
Images: Eric McCandless/ABC Family; Giphy (10); emison-is-on/Tumblr; plldailly/Tumblr
