For a while, I never used the word 'Directioner,' because it made me feel dirty. I mean, using it made me associated with a bunch of twelvies who acted erratically whenever they saw the five Brits' faces and that was the last thing I wanted. Lately, I've come to terms with the fact that I don't need to be ashamed by it because being a 19-year-old Directioner is amazing. Why? I'm glad you asked.

 

You actually understand the lyrics

 

Songs always have hidden meanings and sometimes you have to be that little bit maturer in order to understand what the lyrics are really hinting at. Take "Why Don't We Go There?" from their Midnight Memories album for example. The boys sing about setting us free, giving us a key and ultimately (you guessed it) ask us to go there. Being 19 means that your mind will wander to certain places that little kid's have no clue exists. After all, they're probably still wondering where 'there' is.

 

You're tall and guaranteed a good view

 

I'm incredibly short by adult standards, only reaching a mere 160cm, which makes standing in mosh pits or any level piece of ground quite the challenge. I usually can't see anything over the people who were gifted with height. However, at One Direction concerts, I'm generally one of the tallest people around. That means my view of these handsome Brits isn't disrupted in the slightest (yes Harry, I saw you almost face plant during the 2012 concert). So, thank you twelvies for being so short!

 

You have an actual shot with the boys*

 

I was talking to my aunt about the concert, when she asked me who my favourite member was (*cough* Harry *cough*). I told her who it was and then heard my cousin release an almighty gasp. She put her hands on her hips, demanded I bend down to her eye level and then explained to me how no one was going to marry Harry except her. Now, I know Mr Styles doesn't like to date women his own age, but I doubt he's going risk committing a felony by dating someone 14 years his junior. There's only two years difference between him and me, so I'm looking much more probable here. To my dearest cousin, let me say this - game on, but if you're nice, I might just let you meet him one day.

 

You have disposable income

 

Let's face it. We're uni students are more likely to spend our precious dollars on things we don't really need, instead of something necessary like food. Having a job that actually pays, means we can spend money on our favourite band's merch. Nothing says Directioner more than having enough posters, CD's and books to build the world's most awesomely shrine in your room.

 

You don't feel the need to write fan fic

 

Take a look at all of the One Direction fan fiction (if you dare). Most of it is (poorly) written by twelvies who have nothing better to do than to write about how Niall will see them in a crowded concert, pick them up and take them on a whirlwind adventure around the globe, where they'll be married before they're even legal. I have had no impulse to write fan fic, because being a Directioner is simply a hobby, not my entire life. Besides, I'm actually allowed to have a boyfriend.