As a result of my recent decision to join my first (official) fandom, I wanted to express my feelings about it thus far.

To put it simply, being in a fandom is a whirlwind of emotions. Although I have only been a part of one for about a month I can already say without a doubt that it's an intense and exciting adventure.

Here's five things I've found happen when one joins a fandom:

1. You spend countless hours reading primers and watching old videos.

The videos may only apply to some fandoms, such as bands (1D has the best videos you'll ever see), but primers are essential for getting to know the characters and/or members involved with your fandom.

Primers are super helpful in the sense that you have somewhere to start. At first I felt completely lost in my attempt to become part of the 1D fandom. There was (and always is) a lot going on, and there are many fans who have been around since 1D formed.

Obviously, this lead me to be incredibly intimidated.

The primers I read made me feel more at ease. They're basic, easy to take in, and resourceful.

You have to give yourself a break, it takes time to learn everything and (if your fandom's nice) the I've-been-at-this-for-years fans will be patient with you.

Oh and, if your fandom happens to have old videos, like 1D, you must watch them. I can't explain why, just know they are absolutely necessary.

(I watch the X-Factor diaries like twice a week...)

2. You create a separate Tumblr (or other blog) specifically for the fandom.

A few weeks before jumping into the 1D fandom, I was "casually" looking up tags of 1D and Harry Styles on my tumblr, and my best friend warned me that I'd annoy my followers on my current blog. She suggested I just create another blog. I was skeptical, but the next day, I decided to take her advice and make one.

This was both the best choice and biggest mistake I've made.

There is a whole world of blogs out there dedicated to different fandoms and endless content that lies within them (if you wish to create a blog, I highly suggest using Tumblr, as it is has the largest access of media for fandoms).

By the time I had created the blog, I knew I was entering the fandom. It was inevitable.

3. You discover your ships and find fanfics about them... Lots and lots of fanfics.

Discovering your ships is a journey. It's great, but it also kind of takes over your entire being, you know.

More often than not, there are many ships within a fandom. In my case, there are ships for every 1D member with every 1D member and people outside the band. There are some very intense (and I admit, a bit detrimental) ships in my fandom.

Despite some of them being problematic, once you find yours, ships give you a sense of joy and pride. It's something to fondle over and, no matter what fandom you may be a part of, I can guarantee there are hundreds of fanfics about your ship, and geared exactly to your taste.

Fanfics are just... An entirely new and beautiful world. You can find absolutely anything on the internet, it's quite amazing.

Personally, I like AU (alternative universes) the best because they read much like a short story. You are presented with a new world yet you are familiar – and let's be real, probably in love with – the characters involved.

You'll definitely run into your fair share of terrible fanfics, but the good ones make up for it, and can be kept like treasures in your heart.

Fair warning: The best fanfics will make you extremely, extremely emotional. Especially when they involve your OTP (one true paring).

(tissues will be needed)

4. You are always waiting for new information, new videos, new episodes, new interviews, new singles or albums, etc to come out.

A faithful fan is constantly on the lookout for new stuff. And when they find it, they make sure to check sources. There's nothing worse than a fan who will believe anything and everything that's released about the band, movie, show or book.

Sometimes you sit on your couch for hours, biting your nails and fidgeting in your cushion, refreshing your page in eager anticipation, maybe even breaking a sweat...

This is how you show your loyalty. You're always ready and willing to support whatever comes out next.

5. You feel the fandom in every part of your life.

You eat, sleep, and breathe the fandom. There is never really a time when you're not thinking about it.

You check your blogs whenever you have the chance; you (if it's a band fandom) listen to the music frequently throughout your day, or perhaps if it's not, you watch or read as much as you can; you daydream about meeting the characters or members while trying, and failing, to get some work done; you gawk at pictures when you should be paying attention in class; they are your first thought when you wake up and the last when you shut your eyes and fall asleep, only to have them enter your dreams.

Now, if you're not apart of a fandom, this is going to sound extremely dramatic and over-worked. It's not easy to understand any of this until you've joined one.

I mean, I've only just become a part of the 1D fandom and I already feel all of this.

These five things are definitely applicable to any fandom, but ultimately, the experience of a fandom can't be properly put into words. You just have to feel it for yourself.