Soap operas aren’t just for stay-at-home moms and senior citizens anymore. These television shows have worked their way into the living rooms of the masses. More than ever, college students are following the trend our grandmothers created.

For me, it technically started in 1970 when my grandma turned on “All My Children.” At age 10, I was forced to watch the soaps instead of “Clarissa Explains It All” or “Darkwing Duck.” Thanks, Grandma! I hated and loathed the soaps. But sooner or later I had to give in.

Two words: hot men! Miguel from “Passions” (formerly Jesse Metcalfe) is the only reason to watch that show. People coming back from the dead and witches with potions aren’t too convincing. At least “All my Children” and “Days of our Lives” contains some reality. I mean, your sister could fall in love with your fiance. My life is a soap all on its own: I’m living with my best friend, my ex-boyfriend and his brother.

Aside from the hotties gracing daytime television, most people watch soaps to make them feel like their situations aren’t as crazy. Who hasn’t been involved in a love-triangle at some point?

Soaps are based on reality. In theory, they are only scripted reality TV shows. After watching an episode of “Days,” one tends to think, “No, my life isn’t as messed up as it seems. Sammi’s son, Will, has just been kidnapped. My life’s almost normal.”

In addition to making our lives feel less hectic, soaps are like a drug. Addictive, and when you try one, you gotta have more. It’s hard not to be lured into scandals, romance and mystery. It’s true that parts of soap operas contain reality. As a whole, the plots and storylines are far from normal. Not to mention, they always leave the ever-so-enticing cliffhanger at the end.

You know how it goes: The most attractive leading lady and gentleman despise each other and deny any sort of mutual attraction. But at the end of an episode, their undeniable love is almost revealed and they almost kiss. This predictable scenario happens again and again. And like always, we can’t wait until the next installment to see if they finally hook up.

Soap operas are like sports, except the game never really ends.

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