I worked with a guy at a previous job who hated the phrase “have to.” When people would tell he that he had to do something, he would look at them and say, “I’m an adult. I don’t have to do anything.”

I loved it, especially when it came to food and television shows and other things that rely on personal taste. Just because you like something doesn’t mean I will like something. I remember when a family member told my wife that she had to read Memoirs of a Geisha because it would “change your life.”

My wife is pretty sure about the things she likes and reads tons of books so I knew it wouldn’t happen. She did read the book and when the person asked her about it, Maria just kind of shrugged and said it was OK.

I bring these two things up because “The Wire” debuted its new season on HBO last night. I know people will start asking me soon if I watched it.

I didn’t. And I don’t know if I will. I might. I’m not really sure because I don’t have HBO (I have also never seen “The Sopranos,” which I know will cause some people to go into apoplectic shock) and I don’t really plan on adding it to watch a few shows.

To steal from The Office‘s B.J. Novak, “I will watch The Wire when I watch The Wire!”

I probably will break down this time for a few reasons. I know someone who directed one episode so that will be cool. And the season focuses on the media, which is near and dear to my heart.

But the people who tell me that my life is missing something because I don’t watch a TV show will make the stubborn part of me wait a while before I even think about watching. And when I do, I won’t go around telling people about it just because I know that will make the people who can’t believe I don’t watch it happy.

I was happy enough last night watching “Desperate Housewives” and flipping over to “American Gladiators” during commercials. I taped that and will watch it tonight. Now that’s something you “have to” watch.