In classroom exercise this week, we had to share a secret. It made me think. I wasn't sure I had any secrets.

Here's what I came up with: I watch a lot of television.

As a single mother of three children who works a couple of jobs as well as runs a couple of businesses, I figure I probably don't have time for secrets anymore exotic than TV.

Equally true, though, is that I probably shouldn't have time to be a big TV watcher. But I like it. I love the story-telling and the escapism and especially love hour-long character-based shows. An hour somewhere else is seductive.

Without much time for a social life, TV is my escape, my treat, and my indulgence. When I am at home, the TV is on for breakfast shows, then morning chat shows, then Oprah and Doctor Phil — and someone surely has to do something about afternoon programming. Even I don't bother.

My kids and I watch whatever reality/aspirational program is on after dinner and then I watch late-night TV when they're in bed and I am at my desk or flaked and exhausted, on the couch.

Educated people are not supposed to watch as much TV as I do, and we are supposed to restrict our children's viewing. I encourage it. Relaxation and thinking time are healthy when everything else is in check.

I wonder about other single women's secrets. Are there any other closet TV watchers out there?