Yes, you read that title right. Don’t judge.

Although, a lot of people do judge or make fun of me because of the fact that I listen to—and occasionally obsess over—One Direction. I’ll be honest. I don’t really care. I like their music, it’s amazing. I jam out to their music while cleaning, in the car… Any time that I want, really.

People tell me that I am too old to be enjoying boy bands.

Yeah, thanks for your opinion.

Honestly, you don’t know why I listen to One Direction. I listen to their songs because 1) they’re great; 2) their music has brought me happiness in times that were pretty dark for me; 3) though I have never personally met them, they seem like great, normal, down-to-earth guys.

“You just listen to them because they’re attractive.”

Yes, because I buy their albums to listen to their faces.

I mean, to be fair, these guys are pretty fit (especially Niall). But that is not why I listen to their music. I won’t claim to have been in the fandom from the very first, because I wasn’t. I wasn’t one of those girls that loved them from the start. I was pretty heavy into music that screams. To be fair, I still am; but my musical tastes have broadened. Trust me.

When these guys were first becoming popular, I scoffed and didn’t care. I mean, I wasn’t oblivious to these guys. I watched their try-outs. I heard a song or two. I just didn’t care at the time. But after high school, I had a few friends that loved their music. I caved and listened—actually listened—to their songs, and I have been hooked ever since. I can go on and on about these guys, but I won't.

And their music gets better with every album. Their solo music is amazing, as well. We don’t talk about their hiatus or the possibility of the guys not getting back together.

But back to my main point: You have no reason or right to judge me or anyone else for their taste in music. People like what they like, and you don’t need to ridicule them for it No matter their age. Yes, One Direction has a ton of pre-teen girls that worship them. I am a twenty-something that loves their music. And if I could afford a concert and didn’t have to worry about the flashing lights setting off my epilepsy, then I would 100% go to a concert. No doubt about it.

I won’t apologize for it, and I won’t stand for your judgement.