Confession time: I like country music. Like, a lot. There’s nothing better than driving down back roads with your windows down, blasting some country jams. If you don’t believe me, check out some of the country songs written about how great it is to listen to country songs.
But when I arrived on campus last fall, I was really worried about what people would think about my taste in music. So, I decided that I would only listen to country music on the down-low, when I was alone in my room. And preferably, someone would be showering or vacuuming or practicing their a cappella parts really loudly. Anything to cover up the noises flowing from my radio. I know what you’re thinking: why didn’t you just wear headphones? Because country music was not made for headphones, my friend.
This stealthy behavior continued for several weeks until one day, as I was walking down the hallway of my dorm, I heard the familiar notes of a country song emerging from my neighbor’s room. A small-scale internal freak-out of happiness ensued, we totally bonded, and I suddenly felt comfortable in my love of country music because I knew that I wasn’t alone anymore.
While I’m thrilled that this mutual interest finally surfaced, I’m disappointed in myself. Why was I so embarrassed to tell people about my “guilty pleasure” that I actually felt the need to hide it? If I had been open about my interests from the beginning, we could have started listening to country music together so much earlier. Other people could have realized how much they love country music, too. So many missed opportunities!
Which is why I’m proposing that we destigmatize “guilty pleasures.” I never want to feel ashamed about liking something or someone, and neither should you. Who gets to decide what music you listen to, what shows you watch, or which celebrities you think are cute? Not me, not your roommate, not your mother: only you. Because you are a unique individual with eyes and ears, and you are capable of forming your own thoughts and opinions. And they deserve to be respected, damnit!
So when you’re catching up on the new season of American Idol, don’t be afraid to watch in a common space. You never know who will say “What, you too? Let’s totally be BFFs and cry during the finale together!” I’m telling you, this whole honesty thing will be the start of some wonderful friendships.
And when your friend finds a One Direction album on your phone, don’t laugh it off as a guilty pleasure. Say with pride that “Yes, that is my music and I think they are wonderful.” Maybe your friend will gasp and say “OMG, me too!” and you’ll have a wonderful bonding moment. Or maybe she won’t. But even if your friend doesn’t think they’re great, who cares? Not you!
