Dear Taylor,

When I was in sixth grade, "You Belong with Me" was released, and like almost every other tween girl around the country, I was obsessed. I, of course, had heard "Tim McGraw" and "Teardrops on my Guitar" and "Love Story" before, but they made no comparison to my utter love for this cleverly written and unbelievably relatable anthem. I will never forget dancing around my room with my friends belting out the lyrics, sometimes we would even change them to more appropriately fit our current crush. Eight years, four concerts, and many more incredible songs later, and I still consider myself a devoted Taylor Swift fan who can sing every single lyric to every single song.

Taylor, I swear you can read minds. You somehow managed to capture my inner most thoughts and turn them into poetry. No matter what the situation was, no matter how I was feeling, you had a song for me to listen to. You, without ever meeting me or knowing who I was, somehow made me feel a million times better. Maybe it was because you told me exactly what I need to hear in the moment. Maybe it was because you expressed my feelings better than I ever could and gave me a chance to belt them out. Or, maybe it was because you justified the way I felt by saying my problems are real since you had been through them too. Your songs have been the sturdiest shoulder for me to cry on and I will always be so grateful for your music, Taylor.

Your music has not only made me feel better, it has also brought me closer to the people I love. My friends and I refer to you as "Taylor" since we feel like not only are we only a first name basis with you, but you are also part of our squad. When you release a new album, we debate which one of your songs are our favorites. I have gotten into serious arguments about the top best Taylor Swift songs of all time. It is not an easy game to play.

Also, you have brought me closer to my mother. My mom and I have attended four of your concerts together (and, yes I have obviously cried at all of them). This summer, among the 11-year-old screaming girls who didn't even know the words to "Fifteen," were my mom and me, dancing and singing and crying along, lyric after lyric.

The second-hand embarrassment I would normally have from my mother doing any of the previous actions mentioned, somehow goes right out the window at your concerts.

Taylor, thank you for letting me create memories with my friends and family. Thank you for giving me a voice when I had no idea what to say. Thank you for telling me I will be okay no matter what happens. No matter what type of music you're singing, or who you're dating, I will always love you.

Forever and Always,

A grateful fan