Last night, Liam and Louis represented One Direction at the Brit Awards. They were nominated for, and ended up winning, Video of the Year for "Drag Me Down." An indescribable number of things have happened since Simon Cowell formed One Direction on X Factor in 2010. Five albums, multiple sold out world stadium tours, record breaking album sales, numerous awards from AMAs, Brits, MTV Music Awards, just to name a few. Directioners have survived Zayn's departure and 1D Day. These are just a few highlights I can count off. With the recent official break of the band and Harry's leaving Modest Management, I feel this is an appropriate time to list all the reasons I have to thank One Direction.

1. Thank you for bringing me closer to my best friend.

Before I fell into the your (the One Direction) trap. I was close with my long distance best friend. But this band has given us so much more to bond over every single day. We spend hours on end talking about Niall and Louis. It never gets old.

2. Thank you for allowing me to embrace mainstream music without shame.

I grew up in an indie/alternative band scene. I grew up on the "emo bands." I still feel those are some of the more talented bands I have ever seen or met. But you allowed me to shamelessly love the radio top 40 music I am vocal about today. You opened my eyes to what I'd call the "non crappy major label music." If music is fun and you enjoy it, end of story.

3. Thank you for showing me boy bands can be cool again.

The era of the boy band reached popularity with NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys. Then the era died. You lads in 1D brought about a new era of boy band, one that is not so manufactured, clean cut, and synchronized in style and dance. They are COOL.

4. Thank you for showing me that, yet again, all the good things come from the United Kingdom.

One Direction, Doctor Who, The Beatles, Harry Potter -- need I go on?

5. Thank you for showing me how to be a little kid again.

Remember when buying all the themed stationary, singing toothbrushes, and cardboard cut-outs of your favorite band or movie were "in?" I found myself doing those things at 21-years-old with no shame. Thanks, One Direction.

6. Thank you for Arizona.

When the Where We Are Tour was announced, I found myself agreeing to fly to Phoenix, Ariz. just to see them with my best friend from Seattle. A boy band is the sole reason that brought me to agree to fly to Arizona, skip classes and experience them with someone who is like a sister to me. That is the power of music.

7. Thank you for introducing me (and probably thousands of people) to 5 Seconds of Summer.

I found out about 5SOS through Louis tweeting about the band. Then they get announced as your opener on the Where We Are Tour. Thank you for opening my eyes to those Aussies.

8. Thank you for creating your own line of perfume.

As cheesy as that sounds, your perfumes all smell so freaking good, ya know, to be inspired and crafted by dudes. The promotional video for each also provided tons of laughs every time a new one came out.

9. Thank you for helping me get over that boy.

What drove me to fall so in love with you? I was rejected by a boy I had a crush on after he kissed me. I saw you on the MTV Music Awards. The announcer calls out "One Direction," and I see you all stand up. It was love at first sight. I used my sad energy to fall for you and the music.

10. Thank you for giving me a true "celebrity crush" again.

Louis Tomlinson, how are you even human? I swear you are an angel. That is all.

11. Thank you for "Take Me Home."

I think I speak for all DIrectioners when I say how special that album is to all of us. No matter what releases have come after TMH, this album has held my heart. I blame all the slower ballads. I am a sucker for a sad love song.

12. Thank you for "No Control."

I think I speak for all of us Louis girls when I say, "We waited four long album cycles to finally hear Louis get the credit his voice has always deserved." This song is Louis' song. It would be nothing without him carrying the entire song. Bless you, Louis.

13. Finally, a simple thank you for the past few years of my life.

I have felt so much joy from anything and everything related to your silly band. I have cried, laughed, jammed the songs at maximum volume in my car,and bonded with friends over you. You have done so much. Thank you, One Direction.

14. (Bonus) Thank for taking hundreds upon hundreds of dollars from me.

I owe y'all one for that.