By Nikki Rodriguez

I don’t watch much TV. I don’t watch anything on MTV, and TV is generally just a way for me to de-stress and stop thinking for a while.

So here’s the truth: my favorite show to watch? A full-on guilty pleasure. I rarely admit to watching this show, (partially because I don’t know anyone else who watches it) mostly because I always get that look. The “I don’t know how to tell you how lame you are” look.

Yes, America’s Next Top Model is the show I never miss.

It started years ago, when my cousin and I were bored at daylong family parties, we’d watch season reruns of the show. I have zero desire to be a model, or go anywhere near the fashion industry, but the show is completely entertaining!

Anyway, I realized I have extreme guilty pleasure guilt. I feel judgment when I tell people, find myself making excuses for watching it, and try to convert people so I’m not entirely alone. And it’s crazy!

And why do I need excuses? This week, I’m giving up my Guilty Pleasure Guilt.

Whether it’s a show, a movie, music, a food, a magazine or a book series, here’s how I’m talking myself out of my guilt:

1. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Who cares what is mainstream? Your guilty pleasure has some merit if you love it so much.

2. You work hard, you deserve a little relaxing time with your favorite entertainment option! Colleges do not have to know that you cry during every Nicholas Sparks movie.

3. Whatever it is, it’s out there for a reason. That means other people like it, too! Ask around, you’ll undoubtedly feel less guilty when you know other people watch it without making excuses.

4. Share it. Admitting it will make it less secretive. I just admitted I both watch America’s Next Top Model and love it. So there is the comment box – come clean!

I want to know if you feel extreme guilt over a mindless entertainment option. I challenge every person who reads this (just my mom?) to encourage others by writing it into the comments! Please?