HONESTLY.....I'M A GROWN WOMAN!!

Itsjustsoconfusing · 2026-04-12T17:24:03+00:00

What's wrong with me?!? Been watching Heated Rivalry...I'm obsessed! I can't stop thinking about it. I must be on my eighth rewatch. The journey Shane and Ilya go through, the denial, the battles with their own desires, especially Ilyas. Then, the end.....it's just a lovely, albeit rough in part....love story Please tell me I'm not being unreasonable to be this obsessed!

Delphiniumandlupins · 13/04/2026 02:58

Haven't watched it but my friend who is a fan is an intelligent, well read and educated, 50 year old woman. Will ask her how often she's watched it.

Lolabear38 · 14/04/2026 05:35

Same here! I started watching it a couple of months ago, got about 5 minutes in and decided it wasn’t for me. Then gave it another try a few weeks later and I’m obsessed! I can’t explain it. I must have watched it 5 or 6 times, plus I’ve bought and devoured all the books. I actually felt sad when I finished them and felt a little…. Lost?! I’m already planning on watching again at the weekend when I know my husband will be out, he finds it weird I’ve watched it so many times!

thehistorymum · 14/04/2026 05:37

Currently reading the book - should I wait to finish to watch or just dive right in?

sashh · 14/04/2026 06:32

No idea what you are talking about - could you explain a little?

DreamyPenn · 14/04/2026 06:37

sashh · 14/04/2026 06:32

No idea what you are talking about - could you explain a little?

I think they are talking about gay romance that was popular book turned show.

sashh · 15/04/2026 05:40

DreamyPenn · 14/04/2026 06:37

I think they are talking about gay romance that was popular book turned show.

Show quote history

Thank you.

Pieceofpurplesky · 15/04/2026 05:47

It's really ... sweet. And as a woman completely unthreatening.

Original poster

Itsjustsoconfusing · 18/04/2026 18:31

Lolabear38 · 14/04/2026 05:35

Same here! I started watching it a couple of months ago, got about 5 minutes in and decided it wasn’t for me. Then gave it another try a few weeks later and I’m obsessed! I can’t explain it. I must have watched it 5 or 6 times, plus I’ve bought and devoured all the books. I actually felt sad when I finished them and felt a little…. Lost?! I’m already planning on watching again at the weekend when I know my husband will be out, he finds it weird I’ve watched it so many times!

I'm on my own tonight. I was going to watch a film, I suppose one more rewatch won't hurt!

OP posts:

TriceratopsRocks · 18/04/2026 21:10

OP, I haven't seen Heated Rivalry but I'm exactly the same about a different show - Our Flag Means Death. The leads in that show are much nearer my age and it really resonated with me. It's also a gay relationship at it's heart. I did fan conventions, online meet ups, all sorts. I had exactly the same thoughts as you now - what am I doing and why do I love this show and these characters so much! I almost didn't recognise myself.

I don't want to worry you, but I am still deep in it, nearly 3 years later. The good news is that I've made some new and real friends over our shared love of a TV show, and lots are other middle aged women. There are shared fan spaces online, I've discovered a whole new world of fan fiction, meta analysis and all sorts. I treat it like another hobby (yes, I do still have others that are nothing to do with this show).

Some people think I'm mad, but to me it's just like supporting a sports team or something. I love the show, love the community it has given me, and like to talk to others about it. Can someone else explain why they have a love for Manchester United, for instance.

So my advice is to go with it, enjoy it and make the most of it. Why not? If you love it, you love it.

Flatinbed · 18/04/2026 21:13

Would you read the book or watch the tv program first?

ChopstickNovice · 18/04/2026 21:15

Enjoy it!!

Original poster

Itsjustsoconfusing · 18/04/2026 22:20

Flatinbed · 18/04/2026 21:13

Would you read the book or watch the tv program first?

I didn't read the book.

I didn't even know it was a book before I watched it

My boss suggested it to me.

From what I understand it's very similar too the book, so you won't miss anything by not reading the book first

OP posts:

Original poster

Itsjustsoconfusing · 16/05/2026 18:05

Lolabear38 · 14/04/2026 05:35

Same here! I started watching it a couple of months ago, got about 5 minutes in and decided it wasn’t for me. Then gave it another try a few weeks later and I’m obsessed! I can’t explain it. I must have watched it 5 or 6 times, plus I’ve bought and devoured all the books. I actually felt sad when I finished them and felt a little…. Lost?! I’m already planning on watching again at the weekend when I know my husband will be out, he finds it weird I’ve watched it so many times!

Have you moved on yet?

I'm watching it as we speak, but, honestly...I think I do want this problem to go away, I need to get my life back to normal 😂

OP posts:

Haemagoblin · Today 08:31

I am also trapped at the cottage 😂I am a 41 year old professional mother of two. And I am obsesssssssed with the gay hockey boys. Is terrible problem. BTW if you need some sunshine in your life cannot recommend enough the episode by episode reaction vids by Tyler Conroy on Insta/FB - literally cry laughing.