Never Gonna Say Goodbye

Never gonna say goodbye, 2024

Three weeks ago, I started watching a TV show called Ted Lasso. I had seen advertisements and heard good reviews, but never watched it since I thought it was just another sports show. Sports have never been my thing. I prefer to play them rather than watch others compete. However, my favorite podcast host raved about the show, saying "the writers are genius and I want whatever they're smoking." His realistic appreciation made me decide to give the first episode a try. That night, I finished season 1 and started season 2.

It's not only hilarious and insightful about human nature and society, but also full of heart. I felt like I was hanging out with a group of good friends who make me laugh and give great advice. Even though the characters' professions are totally different from mine, I relate to their struggles and triumphs. Funnily enough, as I start my new job, I want to approach it with the same optimistic attitude as Ted on his first days. It's comforting to see there are good people out there - or at least the writers can envision them!

By season 3, I knew I had to pace myself to make the joy last. But I couldn't help binging it. The characters' growth felt like my own, and I grew impatient to see what would happen next. Now, with only 20 minutes left in the finale, I'm postponing watching the end. Ted is moving on from coaching the soccer team to be with his son, and I'm sad to see it conclude. I've developed this weird habit of avoiding endings to prolong good experiences. I did the same thing as a kid with my favorite cartoons. I remember there was one film where a character explained she throws away a half-full bag of cookies to savor the taste. I felt an odd sense of connection, knowing I wasn't the only one who did that.

I wonder if others have unusual behaviors to delay the finale of something great. Is this tendency to evade closure something I should examine more deeply? How and why did I develop this habit? While it may seem trivial, it could provide insight into how I cope with transitions and loss.

The ending of this show feels like saying goodbye to dear friends. Still, as the old saying goes, don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Ted Lasso gave me many reasons to smile.