Why I Don't Feel Guilty For Watching 'Real Housewives'

The Real Housewives franchise is everything to me. But, weirdly enough, a lot of people just don't get me on this one, and I get made fun of here and there. Here's the thing though: I have plenty of reasons to not feel guilty for watching the Real Housewives franchise.

I could extend this to why I don't feel ashamed for watching reality TV in a more general sense, but I could go on and on about that all day. Plus, the Real Housewives franchise is special. If you don't watch it or if you just pass through the living room while someone else watches it, you don't understand. You haven't given it a chance.

It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about my TV choices. Just because I'm watching a show that's a little bit silly or with characters who don't always have the most intellectual conversations, that doesn't mean that there's something wrong with it or me. I like what I like and — to use a favorite Housewives phrase — I own it.

Sure, I can't exactly relate to rich and famous 40-something-year-old women, but I love watching them on television, and here are some reasons I feel totally fine about that.

It's Entertaining

Who doesn't want to be entertained when watching a TV show? And this franchise has shows in different cities, so you can pretty much watch it whenever you want and pick and choose your favorite.

It Touches Upon Real Issues

Yes, I am aware that there's a lot of fluff on these shows, but there are story lines beyond the #RichPeopleProblems. Real Housewives has featured plots about financial issues, medical problems, divorce, and family drama. We watched Teresa Giudice's legal troubles and the effects of her jail stint on Real Housewives of New Jersey. And on Real Housewives of Atlanta, Phaedra Parks put on a summer camp for kids affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

It Provides A Drama Fix Without The Consequences

It's so much easier to get invested in other people's drama than to be involved in it yourself. Enjoying the entertaining aspects of the drama without the effects on your own personal life is the way to go.

It Provides A Way To See How The Other Half Lives

The franchise has an interesting mix of relatable story lines and situations that us normal people could never imagine being involved in. Still, I love seeing the ladies buy mini horses, get facial injections in a group setting, and throw over-the-top parties.

It's A Way To Escape Reality

Real life is hard enough. Watching Real Housewives is the perfect way to avoid the stress and responsibilities of reality. We can all use a break once a week — or even three times a week if that many seasons are airing.

It Allows You To Be A Part Of A Fan Community

Enjoying the franchise allows you to connect with other people who love the show on social media and real life. There are so many fellow fans to talk to on Twitter and in Facebook groups.

It's Just A TV Show

I have no reason to feel guilty for watching a reality TV show. I absolutely love it, but it's just a show. There's no reason to feel ashamed for relaxing and enjoying yourself with some mindless entertainment.

Haters are gonna hate, so you might as well enjoy Real Housewives with no shame.