My Red Flag, Literally

I think, generally speaking, I keep my crazy in check. At the very least, I'm harmless to others.

Still, there are moments that make me stop and think who-ho-hoa, Staub. You may need medicated. For instance, my Netflix account. I love Netflix. I should...we spend a lot of time together. I think we've developed an open, honest relationship. It asks me what I'm looking for, eagerly delivers what I want, and then tenderly invites feedback via a simple five star rating system. (If I could apply this concept to actual relationships, things would be so different.)

There are times, though, when I think we might be getting too close. I'm not sure I can handle Netflix's level of honesty. I realize the intention is good, but the recommended genres have bestowed one too many who-ho-hoa! moments upon me. For example, yesterday I wanted to update my queue to include more of my new favorite genre: foreign movies. Because I realize every relationship is a little give and take, I did what Netflix requested and rated all the movies I've recently watched. Dotingly, Netflix directed me to the 'Movies You'll Love' tab.

Critically Acclaimed Foreign Dramas.

Sweet!

Quirky Dysfunctional Family TV Shows.

Mmkay. Dysfunctional is a little harsh, but okay.

Visually Striking Cerebral Movies Based on Real Life.

Cerebral. I dig it. Thumbs up.

Dark Independent Movies About Marriage.

Uh, yikes.

Dark Dysfunctional-Family TV Comedies.

There are those two D words again. Red flag.

As it turns out, it's not Netflix, it's me. I know, I couldn't believe it either. It's true though. I started paying more attention to the advertisements that line the margins of my email and facebook accounts. Counceling. Psychology. Medicated. These are words I've seen more than once. Just as I stood on the edge of the deep end, ready to take the plunge, the advertisement gods sent me an ad that brought me back to reality: Self Publish Your Book. Phew. If nothing else, I'm validated in my Become A Famous Writer, Move To New York And Live In A Trendy Loft aspiration.

I'm neurotic today because...

...just to be sure I don't totally lose my marbles, I've added 'This Emotional Life' to the top of my Netflix queue. This gripping documentary apparently 'examines the biological basis of happiness, the role of relationships and the ways in which we can cope with negative emotions'. Ah, another uplifting Friday movie night.