As a 22-year-old senior in college, I get a lot of heat for being so obsessed with One Direction. Luckily, I know I'm not alone. There's a whole society of us adults who get judged by our peers for lusting over these British/Irish boys' tight pants and high notes.
1D recently celebrated their five-year anniversary as a band by surprising fans with their first single without Zayn Malik. "Drag Me Down" was released in the wee hours of the morning of July 31 and is now their most successful global single launch ever. The hit single is currently No.1 on iTunes in 82 countries and set a new Spotify record for one-day streams at a whopping 4.75 million. So, yeah, there's definitely no reason to be a Directioner or anything ...
There are two kinds of adult One Direction fans. You're either the kind that fell in love with the boys the second they frolicked through the sand while singing about what makes you beautiful. Or, you're the kind that wishes you liked them sooner, so you could've experienced 1D in their prime (with Zayn). Either way, you've officially earned your "Dan Charles" title, and no one truly understands the struggles of being an adult One Direction fan.
When the cashier at Walmart judges you for buying a toothbrush that plays 1D songs:
When you request to hear "Steal My Girl" at the bar and overhear people complain about it
When you secretly think you have a chance at dating them because they're your age.
Harry (21), Niall (21), Zayn (22), Liam (21), Louis (23).
When you want to scream sexual innuendos at a concert, but remember there are too many little girls and their moms around.
When none of the cool merchandise is made in adult sizes.
When you find recent posters of 1D instead of when they were 17 years old.
When the boys release a music video, and you're at work or in class.
When your crush doesn't approve of your 1D-loving-lifestyle.
When you can't help but be a diehard fan because, well, look at them.
