As there are so few programs that my partner and I watch together, and given that he is ultra sensitive to any story, film or TV programme that deals with blood disorders or cancer in general. I am very concerned that Coronation Street look like they are beginning a new storyline involving either aplastic anaemia or leukaemia. And I can see that it is going to be extremely difficult for us to continue watching for some considerable time, and possibly permanently off the agenda.
I know it’s not that big a deal it’s only a TV programme, but given that TV shows rarely accurately represent, it will only wind him up.
As it’s likely that he’s on the autistic spectrum and he does not watch TV shows like Great British Bake off, I’m a celebrity get me out of here, the traitors, Game shows, talent shows, contemporary drama, modern sitcoms, science and nature documentaries and travelogues and only really likes documentaries about archaeology, World War I or World War II The American Civil War, history and some historical dramas this does not really leave us an awful lot of tv programmes we can watch together but he is looking forward to watching the new series of SAS Rogue heroes, he struggles to make a choice regarding films and is very picky so no romcoms, no Christmas themed films unless it’s die hard, no dramas like the last bus or save the cinema, very, very seldom can I get him to watch a comedy or biopic.
Yes, I get too much TV is not good for you But it is a huge part of Relaxation time, and a way of switching off from your own issues but it looks like Coronation Street is going to be off the agenda very soon.
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, trying to find common ground for TV viewing with your partner.
I understand how difficult it can be when a favourite show starts to deal with sensitive topics.
Coronation Street, like many long-running soaps, often tackles serious issues. While they may not always be portrayed perfectly, they can sometimes raise awareness and spark important conversations which can be great for charitable organisations.
Perhaps you could try a few things:
If the storyline becomes too distressing for you you could skip those episodes.I watched Grays anatomy in fact binged watched the whole lot during my chemo, I now can’t listen to the theme tune without having a pang of anxiety, so I just fast forward it.
Maybe talking about the storyline with your partner openly. Explain your concerns and see if he’d be willing to discuss it with you, perhaps after watching an episode together. This can help you both feel more in control and less anxious. I got a trip to the Maldives this years after watching a TV programme and breaking down in tears about it ! It has always been my bucket list trip and I turned off a program my husband was watching and he didn’t understand why I said there was no point in us watching it it’s not like I was ever going to get there in my lifetime! The very next day he went out and booked us a a holiday of a lifetime.
Find other shows you both enjoy -you never know you might fall in love with something new.
Oh @Hellodolly it cannot be easy for you.
Personally, not medically, I feel it is a positive thing that ‘soaps’ and other programmes tackle and highlight medical issues.
I feel the Motor Neurone Disease subject was covered with a lot of research and in a sensitive manner by Corrie. My sister in law had recently died of the condition.
I know the Leukaemia story on Emmerdale recently was researched with a reputable Leukaemia charity.
‘Soaps’ reach a very large audience and therefore raise awareness of conditions and funding for charities
Another advantage, I now see, is people being aware of symptoms and perhaps seeing their GP’s earlier for earlier diagnosis, which can improve treating outcomes.
Some programmes also have me grabbing the tissue box as they press buttons for me like the film of ‘the Karen Carpenter Story’ @Hellodolly I am not offering you any help with your and your husbands particular problem, we all deal with things differently, there is no right or wrong.
My husband and my solution is separate TV’s, he watches in the lounge and me in the bedroom, it works well for us, and no arguments or resentments.
I hear what to watch is a very common issue between partners.
Thanks so much for raising this issue and I hope others will give their thoughts and experiences.
I think it’s great that blood cancers are being represented by the soaps.
The episodes aren’t long enough to go into exact detail and I guess sum it up easily enough to be understandable for everyone watching.
As we know too well a consultation sometimes isn’t long enough to know everything about the cancer and I’m 7 years in and still learning new things.
As for Hubby if the episodes are triggering it’s ok not to watch the episode and maybe you can watch on your own or on demand when he isn’t around.
Hopefully you can come to some sort of compromise between you