Game of Thrones Leak: 5 Stages Of Fan Anxiety While Trying Not To Watch

Being a Game of Thrones fan is hard. 

Between the constant looming threat of beloved characters being killed off in the most gruesome ways imaginable and having to wait an inconceivably long amount of time between relatively short seasons, there always seems to be some kind of addictive anxiety that comes along with involving yourself in the lives of the inhabitants of Westeros. 

The anxiety tremendously enhances if you happen to be one of the unfortunate folkS who joined George's party late (i.e. haven't finished the books),  you are constantly on the lookout for spoilers that lurk in dark alleys of the internet or in the form of an inconsiderate coworker eager to spill the next plot line at the water cooler.

But never has GOT fans' self discipline and restraint been tested like it has now. 

In an unprecedented leak, four episodes of the brand new season were put online for all to view. That means that nearly half of season 5 is now available to binge, well before the intended air dates. Now comes the real battle; to watch, or not to watch? For some, this is an easy decision. For those less solid in their ability to stave off curiosity, the temptation becomes an iron cage. 

If you find yourself wallowing in indecisive despair, use this 5 stage guide as your Sherpa. Let your Sherpa lead you down the correct path; The path of avoiding the allure of the forbidden episodes. 

Right now you are probably thinking, "Someone didn't really leak four episodes. It's a scam. It will probably just give my computer a virus or somehow remove my HBO viewing privileges from my television via magic."

Well, as sound as that rationale may seem, it is incorrect. The episodes did leak. They are sitting there right now for your viewing pleasure. You have full reign to binge into the future. You can be so far ahead of the rest of the lowly slobs that are waiting to view them each week. You can know the first character who bites it. Great knowledge and power can be yours!

Or you could be a true, honest to goodness hero and refrain. Be an impervious stone warrior. Who needs all that futuristic knowledge? Not you. You are going to bask in the great weekly anticipation with the rest of world. 

Well done!