A few days ago, someone compared me to a particular character in a television series. I just laughed, not just because the person was somehow right, but because I saw what else was going on. I recommended that particular show but while I was still about watching the 12th episode of Season 1, my friend was neck deep in Season three despite my head start. Like some of us, she had caught the bug and now, couldn’t shut up or go a day without thinking about that particular series.

Welcome to TV Addicts Anonymous.

I’ve been there so I could recognise the signs pretty well, having caught the bug more times than most. Here are some tells – if you can relate with any, then you’re probably hooked too.

1. You binge watch

This is the most obvious giveaway. It’s only natural to watch once per day or week depending on the airing schedule but some of us demonstrate the most restraint to watch in bits just so we can go all marathon and watch a dozen episodes at a go. This is when you find out one ‘lazy Saturday’ about eight hours later that you haven’t moved an inch. Some even deliberately miss out on social events just so they can finish the season.

2. You take characters way too personally

3. You make lifestyle choices based on the show

Where did that lovely dress come from? Of course you saw something like that on Donna in Suits! I’m even judging some people who will most likely not mind making RMD a baby daddy via Instagram as predicted by ‘Segun recently. See ehn, watching Hush is not a small something. You feel the need to connect on an even deeper level with the characters so you make fashion and food choices based on their actions. Your favourite new quote is from the show and you suddenly elevate your admiration for an online acquaintance because they watch the show too.

4. You begin stalking

You might convince yourself that it’s all trivia but we really know what’s going on. Nobody likes to be called a stalker but if you’re in a room and someone wonders why a certain doctor is no longer in Grey’s Anatomy only for you to provide a logical explanation beyond the show, you’re in stalker territory. When you start searching out your favourite characters online to know about their real life activities, family, etc., ha, ‘you have entered it’.

5. You’ve become a self-appointed mascot

6. You exhibit withdrawal symptoms

Some of my favourite shows won’t begin their next season towards the middle of 2017 and I’m pretty bummed out about it. This is where you realise similarities like you’re being weaned off a drug. The end of a current season can make some of us emotional wrecks (I’m exaggerating). You’re pretty hopeful though, as you countdown to the new season with as much enthusiasm as you would do when it’s Christmas,

This post originally appeared on TNS