Being a One Direction fan at the age of 22 is not always easy. There is constant judgement and ridicule amongst peers who don't enjoy the feel-good music, the accents or the incredible personalities. You can always see the judgement in a person's eyes when they catch on that you're a One Direction fan. Most people will never understand WHY someone over 18 loves One Direction, but those who do understand the struggle that comes with the territory.

1. Apparently you get scoffed at for buying alcohol at their concerts because only “kids” go to their shows.

If I have to sit next to screaming 12-year-olds and their parents, the booze is a necessity.

2. Getting asked, “Aren't you too old to like One Direction?”

They’re the same age as me… actually, I’m younger than three of them so…

3. Explaining to people that your background is not, in fact, Justin Bieber but the better blonde, Niall Horan.

Yes, Niall is my background. No, I am not ashamed.

4. People pointing out the poster in your dorm room of them.

Yes, I like their faces too, I don’t see the problem?

5.Getting asked if they’re “children.”

NO Niall, Harry, and Liam are 22 and Louis is 24!

6. People telling you things about them and having to pretend you didn't know already because you may worry the person.

Yes, I know Louis is a dad…..

7. Having to explain to people at work why you have no voice the morning after their concert.

I think Niall heard me the 10th time I yelled I loved him

8. Explaining why you know a little more info than the average fan.

Well, you see, I have this twitter account…..

9. Merchandise looking like it came from Justice.

Can you make some shot glasses with their faces on it or something?

10. “How did you feel about Zayn leaving.”

Dealt with it the only way a fan above 18 would... I drank. A lot.

11. Budgeting life expenses to include the cost of tickets.

I guess I can skip grocery shopping for a month to afford these awesome seats.

12. Getting in your car with your friends only to have "Made in the AM" on blast.

Sorry everyone, but "Never Enough" is the best song in the history of the world.

At the end of the day, whether you’re 12, 22, or 52, if you like One Direction, that’s completely acceptable. And making someone feel bad for being a fan of One Direction and being over 18 isn’t cool.