I have to agree with the soap opera lovers on this thread. I've been watching One Life to Live for 14 years and All My Children for 13. And I'm only 24. So I grew up with these shows and characters. It's just another form of escapism, like movies or primetime series. Yes, the storylines can be stupid and riddiculous. But that's not all there is. Soaps also explore social issues....spousal abuse, prejudice, addiction, etc. Anyways, I'll get off my soap box now (pun intended).