To find comfort in the familiar?

[LajesticVantrashell]

Due to CV, I've had to use 70% of my annual leave by the end of Sept so have taken a lot off odd days off, two here and there etc...

DS still in nursery, DH working (from home).

I'm currently sitting upstairs re-reading an old favourite book (snuggled in a big chair by the window, breeze coming in, bag of chocolate orange buttons by my side).

Last week I watched a couple of my old favourite films, plus the last two episodes of Fleabag for the 3/4th time.

DH thinks I'm crazy. He can't understand re-watching something and certainly not re-reading a book. But I find it so comforting. And I'd hate to waste this time watching something only to realise I'm not enjoying it...

So, AIBU??

Most people have favourites they reread or rewatch, I’d have thought.

It's pretty normal. That's why home feels comforting and change feels uncomfortable.

I haven’t re read many things, but I have rewatched loads.

I'm very much the same. I'm reading the same couple of series of books, pretty much on loop at the moment. It is driving my eldest daughter absolutely wild!

I do this too. Rewatching/reading things breeds familiarity and is proven to ease anxiety and stress. I guess the certainty of knowing what's going to happen is a comforting contrast to the uncertainty of daily life perhaps?

Makes total sense to me OP. My DD continually asks me to read a story she's heard a hundred times now, but her smile when she knows what's coming in the story, and the satisfaction from the storytelling... I guess I'm a big kid really and I know that feeling all too well, and respect it as an adult. More power to you.

I’ve been rereading a lot of my old books during lockdown. I found I couldn’t concentrate on new plots and the fact most of my new stuff is on my Kindle Paperwhite. I wanted the familiarity of an actual book in my hand and knowing where the plot twists/sad bits were!

Strangely, I had the opposite feelings about film and tv. They seemed to remind me more of the first time I watched them and how everything was different, so I looked for light and fluffy series instead.

I'm the same. Makes me feel comfortable.

Sounds like ever since I was born really! My husband is the same but not as much as me, we rematch lots of shows/movies

I never ever read a book more than once. Apart from to my kids who go through phases of wanting the same books at bedtime for weeks at a time. But adult novels, I don't think I have ever read one more than once actually thinking about it!

However, I have TV shows and some films that I could watch over and over again and I just find them so comforting, I don't know why! Friends, The Office, Alan Partridge and The Inbetweeners are some examples.

I constantly reread books, and usually find nuances or points that I have missed on previous reading. I usually have one reread, and one new on the go at any one time. I rewatch movies as well, but not so much tv.

Someone who hasn't ever re-read or re-watched favourites is the weird one, in my opinion. Certainly in the minority, I'd say.

Not everything has to be a new experience, and as you say, with a favourite, you already know you're going to love it!

I am like this. I read the same books over and over if they are good, and the same for various tv series. It is comforting and you at least know you will be getting something good!

Is your DH being nice about it though? Or a twat?

I don't re- read books in general, but I have the odd one.

I do watch tv programs again though, I'm quite pleased they're repeating a lot of the old series (Fawlty towers, Friends, Vicar of Dibley, shameless, are you being served) I just wish I could up the storage space on my Tivo box!! (Yes I know I can buy the DVD's)

I can't watch anything again that's had a competitive element to it, like sports matches, master chef, Or who dunnit.

A few films I enjoy rewatching, but mostly I prefer one ive not seen before.

(Guilty pleasures are Mama Mia, live Actually, Notting hill etc - much hated on MN & Julie & Julia).

Mostly I 'watch' them as background when on MN or whatever.

You do you. As long as you're not forcing DH to watch things for the 46th time then he can quietly think you're mad, while bring you cups of tea or glasses of wine!! 🤪

(Deep envy of your chocolate though! I'm T2 diabetic, so can't indulge!! )

YANBU! We are big re-readers and re-watchers in our house. I used to read Lord of the Rings once a year! Dc and I are right this minute re-watching Harry Potter 5 for the gazillionth time.

I reread books and watch films again too, maybe I’m unadventurous but I enjoy them everytime. It’s a personal thing and no one else’s business surely. Your DH is ‘crazy’ for making this an issue.

It's pretty normal. Us, humans, look for comfort and similar patterns. As long as it's not something harmful/addictive/etc I think it's fine.

I am exactly the same - I reread and rewatch things all the time. DH doesn’t get it at all and always asks how I can “watch that film yet again”.
It is comforting and it’s a different feeling to starting a new book or watching the latest new film.