THE 5 RULES FOR WATCHING TV WHEN YOU'RE IN A RELATIONSHIP

Do you ever engage in Netflix cheating? You know, secretly watching ‘your’ series alone to the annoyance of your partner? I once cheated on the TV (Prison Break was the instigator) and I can tell you: the house was too small, you know. The remote control almost danced its way out the window.

My little slip-up, when put into perspective, shows that we in our kale country are remarkably loyal series watchers compared to the rest of the world population. Research from Netflix shows that 73 percent of the Dutch have never secretly watched episodes of a series further without their partner's presence. The highest percentage in the world, because globally, over half of the respondents have cheated on the TV at some point. Believe it or not, but the biggest arguments arise from these crazy series antics. And so it's time for TV etiquette in a relationship. Let's establish some basic rules...

1. Choose two shows to watch together

There should be some sort of limit on the number of series you watch together. Because if you watch all the series together (and thus sometimes have to wait for each other), you can bet that one of the two will plan a secret date with the TV in the near future. Stick to two shows that you watch together, that's doable.

2. Choose your solo shows

Choose a show that you watch alone and communicate that clearly to your partner, so that no annoyance can arise from it. For example, he knows that Definitely a great series, of course, but I am mainly referring to the last season: the trial of Taystee in which she is accused of murder — which she did not commit. As much as I enjoy this series, it was terribly frustrating to watch. is completely mine. And he can sneak a peek here and there, but when I'm alone, I continue watching. Let that be clear.

3. Watching alone the second time doesn't count as cheating

Well, there have to be boundaries. If you watch the same episode alone or with others a second time, that's not cheating. Right?

4. New loves are discussed

So you just watched the first episode of Orphan Black (yes, yes, spoiler alert) and you think he would like it too? Then you obviously say that. Because after episode 1, it's still possible to join in, but if you've already watched two seasons? That gets a bit tricky.

5. And finally: make sure to have brownies + Ben & Jerry’s + make-up sex

Because you're going to mess up once. The first two episodes of Narcos are so good that you suddenly binge-watch the entire season while your partner is away for a few days winter sports with his friends. Oops.