Ever since I heard her sing "You said the way my blue eyes shine put those Georgia stars to shame at night," I have been a fan of Taylor Swift. With such innocent messages of young love, "Tim McGraw" was easily a hit for me and, without exaggeration, pretty much everyone else. Taylor Swift's self-titled album came out when she was only sixteen years old, and many of the songs she wrote during her freshman year in high school. My freshman year, on the other hand, I was wearing bows in my hair and avoiding boys. For this, Taylor was my idol.

Finally, there was a girl that I could look up to. She dressed how I wanted to dress. She was polite. She was excited about her upcoming fame. There was nothing you could find to dislike about Taylor. She seriously grew up on a Christmas tree farm, how could you possibly hate that? Taylor was wholesome, an artist even my mom could like. Because of this, topped with a sparkly plaid fedora, I was lucky enough to make it to the "Fearless" tour. Hearing Taylor sing, watching her dance, I was in heaven. This girl had it all.

Now, things are different. People hate on Taylor for switching her style. People hate on Taylor for switching boyfriends. People hate on Taylor for standing up for what she believes in. Tearing down Taylor Swift is a game, a conversation topic. And you know what? I am tired of it.

I am, to this very day, an unapologetic Taylor Swift fan.

I love the country songs in "Fearless", and I live for the pop and alternative styles of "1989". Red lips are my favorite thing, and I dream of owning the iconic silver dress. And yes, before you ask, I am also into the pop remix version of "Tear Drops on my Guitar." It is good, and I will listen to it in my car, however, many times I would like. I also dance EXACTLY how Taylor dances in the "Shake It Off" video. Get over it.

To those who hate on Taylor Swift for switching style and genre, I cannot comprehend your logic. In 2006, Taylor's first single came out. 2006. Do you seriously have the same style now that you had in 2006? No? Great. Neither does she. People grow up, and they learn things about themselves. I learned that I should avoid wearing fedoras. Taylor learned she liked singing pop music, and that she is really pretty good at it too. The times have changed, as cliche as it sounds, and artists are more than welcome to change along with the times. This is nothing for you to whine about.

Before you even bring it up, I suggest you stop. Just like the rest of the world, I too know that Taylor Swift dates boys. Honestly, what did you expect? She is a girl in the limelight, and like the rest of us, she is more than welcome to date as she pleases. If you think she has had too many boyfriends, I think your nose is in someone else's business. Please give her some respect, and let her do as she pleases. Just like the rest of us, Taylor can change her mind in a relationship. It is a learning process.

Along with that, I do not care that Taylor blatantly writes about her love life. It is funny to me, that everyone hates on her for this, because it seems to be a tricky standard. Everyone wants an artist to write something honest and personal, yet when they do, they are torn to shreds for 'exposing' their personal experiences. If she has a bad breakup, like any other person, she can use writing as her catharsis.

Taylor Swift was my best friend. I was only nine years old when the song "Picture to Burn" came out, but somehow, she helped me through the worst imaginary breakup a 9-year-old could have. Honestly, I hated that stupid little pickup truck that I had never got to drive (or ride in for that matter). She taught me confidence in myself with songs like "You Belong With Me", because I really felt like I was the girl on the bleachers. And when I was old enough to have my first (non-imaginary) boyfriend, Taylor's lyrics about love flew through my head on repeat, all finally making sense. And with a new album rumored to be hitting the market this fall, you can bet I am ready to freak out over her music once again, all while ignoring the dissenters. Taylor says it best, "All you are is mean."