Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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TV LAND — Watching television is a great solitary activity. Lights down, sound up — total engagement with the entertaining box in front of your face. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll look a bit strange if someone walks in on you doing either thing.
But do you know what really improves the watching of television? Other people in the room. For an extroverted person, making TV a social activity is the way to go.
Here are some tips to improve your viewing experience as an extrovert.
Lights on
It's hard to have an engaging social event in the dark. This is an invitation to gather and enjoy the art of television with a group. Turning off the lights signals to your guest(s) that they need to focus, which is incorrect.
Commentary
Be prepared to be the show on top of the show. Making jokes about the story or the wardrobe or the acting is always a hit at a group social viewing party. Or hey, just respond to the dialogue yourself. Become the additional character in the scene. However, this works better when everyone has already seen the TV show/movie— otherwise they might get annoyed.
Themed watch parties
Why even sit down for an episode of “Gilmore Girls” without a hearty array of junk food? Don’t plan on watching “The OC” unless you’ve also coordinated a whole Kickoff Carnival. Every time you gather for “New Girl,” you should play True American. Dress up in scrubs to watch “Grey’s Anatomy.” It’s not just TV, it’s a lifestyle!
Trivia
If you are watching TV with a group, it always helps to have some fun facts up your sleeve about the show you’re watching — from who in the cast dated who to how annoying the actor found his colored contacts. Insider knowledge makes the experience more engaging for everyone.
No shame
Truly, the key to extroverted television watching is just to shamelessly pull the attention away from the screen and back to you. But you can’t be embarrassed about it or it’ll ruin the mood. It’s your job to keep the conversation going, and re-charge those batteries by having some interaction with people. The TV is just an excuse to get them there.
What are your recommendations for having a fun group viewing party? Let us know in the comments.
