Allowing Guilty Pleasures: Why It’s Okay to Say ‘Unfortunately I Do Love

Indulging in guilty pleasures isn't just enjoyable; it's also beneficial for mental health. These small, everyday delights help us escape the stress of daily life and reconnect with what makes us feel good. Despite the societal labels that try to shame or dismiss these moments, guilty pleasures play a vital role in reducing stress and rejuvenating our emotional energy.

You’ve probably seen the phrase “Unfortunately, I do love…” floating around online lately. People are posting their guilty pleasures—from cheesy reality shows to midnight snacks—and owning them without shame. That’s a good thing. When we give ourselves permission to enjoy the little things, we’re actually supporting our mental and emotional well-being.

Letting yourself enjoy these simple joys without judgment promotes self-compassion and relaxation. It’s a way to pause the inner critic, breathe, and remember what it’s like to just feel good for no other reason than that you’re allowed to.

A Guilt-Free Reset

Embracing guilty pleasures becomes a coping mechanism for life's challenges. It’s not about avoidance or irresponsibility—it’s about restoring your energy in a world that often asks too much. Whether it’s getting a massage, reading a lighthearted novel, watching a reality TV show, or immersing yourself in a hobby, these moments of indulgence can be powerful acts of self-care.

When approached mindfully, guilty pleasures become an intentional pause. These breaks help reset your mental state and foster a healthier outlook on life’s ups and downs. Giving yourself permission to rest doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you’re refueling.

Cultural Variations in Guilty Pleasures

How we define or judge guilty pleasures varies greatly across cultures. Some cultures embrace rest, indulgence, and emotional expression as necessary and even sacred parts of life. Others may prioritize constant productivity, labeling rest as laziness or frivolousness.

Take afternoon naps, for example. In some places, they’re normal—even expected. In others, they’re seen as signs of slacking off. What counts as a “guilty pleasure” often says more about the culture than the person. That’s worth noticing.

When we look at our guilty pleasures through this lens, we can begin to ask better questions: Who taught me to feel guilty about this? What would it look like to let that go?

Creativity and Productivity: Rewriting the Rules

The connection between guilty pleasures and creativity is real. Engaging in something you truly enjoy—even if it feels silly—can unlock new ideas. Our brains need time to relax and wander. That’s when inspiration strikes.

Whether it’s letting your mind drift, watching the clouds, or diving into your favorite guilty pleasure show (yes, even The Bachelor or Love Is Blind), these moments give your brain the space to make unexpected connections.

Surprisingly, guilty pleasures can also boost productivity. A short break to enjoy something fun refreshes your mind and improves focus when you return to your tasks. Intentionally incorporating these moments into your day helps you stay energized and avoid burnout. It’s not about goofing off—it’s about recharging your capacity to show up fully.

Managing Guilty Pleasures Without the Guilt

Enjoying your guilty pleasures without letting guilt creep in takes awareness. The first step is noticing the messages you've internalized about what’s acceptable and what’s not.

Self-awareness means saying: This makes me happy. This helps me feel better. I’m allowed to have that. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen to early 2000s pop or ordering dessert first—it’s your life. You get to create it how you want it.

Want to go deeper? Try making a list of your “Unfortunately, I do love…” moments. You might be surprised how many of them bring lightness to your day—and how much they reveal about what really brings you joy.

Letting go of guilt and societal expectations is an empowering journey. The more you practice allowing joy in your life, the easier it becomes to live aligned with your values instead of someone else’s rulebook.

A Personal Example: Choosing Joy on Purpose

Recently, I made a shift in my own life that reminded me just how powerful joy can be.

I used to grow strawberries in a large raised bed in my yard. They were delicious, but they never got big, and most of the time the birds and rabbits enjoyed them before I had a chance to. Then we tried tomatoes—and again, not much luck.

So this year, I decided I wanted something else: color. I wanted joy. My sister and I started looking through tulip catalogs together. We had so much fun picking out the different varieties—there were so many! It brought us joy every time we talked about it. And now, every time I think about those tulips blooming next spring, I smile.

It’s a simple act. It’s a guilty pleasure turned into a joyful one. I allowed myself to want something beautiful just because I wanted it.

A Joyful Life Isn’t Selfish—It’s Centered

What if we stopped questioning whether we deserve guilty pleasures and started seeing them for what they are? An expression of care. A return to center. A reminder that joy, rest, and delight are part of a full human experience.

To be able to communicate with those around you the importance of taking time for these pleasures, consider learning more about HOLD’s comprehensive course, Listen Your Way to Deeper Connections. It includes a bonus lesson on Speaking to Be Heard—which helps you break through barriers with others who may not understand your life choices.

When you know how to listen to yourself—and help others listen to you—guilt falls away. What’s left is peace. Permission. And joy.