Confession time: I love spoilers.
There, I said it.
Whether itās books, movies, or TV shows, I often find myself Googling the ending or reading plot summaries before I even dive in. To some people, this is unthinkableālike Iāve ruined the entire point of storytelling. But for me, spoilers arenāt a buzzkill. Theyāre a form of comfort.
And that comfort is deeply connected to how I manage anxiety.
š¬ The Calm in Knowing Whatās Coming
Anxiety thrives on uncertainty. The unknown. The what ifs. And when it comes to stories, especially ones that are intense, emotional, or suspenseful, that uncertainty can sometimes become overwhelming instead of enjoyable.
When I know a key moment is comingāwhether itās a tragic death, a shocking twist, or even just a happy endingāit allows me to mentally prepare. I can brace for the emotional impact, or simply relax knowing that things will work out (or wonāt) and thereās no need for my brain to go into overdrive trying to anticipate every possible outcome.
Spoilers take the edge off. They transform something unpredictable into something navigable.
š Enjoying the How, Not Just the What
Another thing Iāve discovered: knowing the ending doesnāt actually ruin the experience for meāit enhances it.
When I know whatās going to happen, Iām free to enjoy the how and why instead of being stuck in a state of anxious anticipation. I notice foreshadowing. I pick up on subtle character development. I allow myself to connect emotionally without feeling blindsided or distressed.
Itās like rewatching your favorite movieāyou already know the ending, but you love the ride.
šļø Spoilers = Safe Space
In a world thatās already unpredictable and, letās face it, kind of exhausting sometimes, spoilers give me back a sense of control. They let me enjoy stories on my own terms. I can still be moved, thrilled, surprised, and inspiredābut in a way that feels safe and manageable.
And isnāt that what art is supposed to do? Make us feel something, not traumatize us?
š¬ If You Love Spoilers Too…
Youāre not alone. For those of us who deal with anxiety (especially the kind that makes our thoughts spin out over imagined outcomes), spoilers can be an anchor. A reminder that even in fiction, itās okay to need a little reassurance.
So the next time someone says, āWait, you read the spoilers?!āāIāll just smile and say, āOf course I did. It helps me enjoy it even more.ā
Do you love spoilers too? Or do you prefer to go in blind? Iād love to hear how stories help you feel safe, seen, or soothed. Letās talk in the comments.
That said, I donāt spoil everythingāthere are still some shows and movies Iāll go into blind, but theyāre usually part of fandoms Iāve loved for years.
Mary M. DiPuccio
Absolutely. If I can get an idea of what’s coming I can enjoy what I’m watching/ reading without the anxiety.