Once upon a time I went to my first Taylor Swift concert. She walked past me, looked me in the eye, smiled, and grabbed my hand. It. Was. Magical. I mean life changing.

If you are a Taylor hater, then leave. Go. Right now. Taylor Swift is a genius. She is a glowing human being who has taught me a lot in life. I have loved her ever since the fifth grade, when I listened to “Teardrops on My Guitar” while staring out the car window, pretending to be in a music video. Here are a few of the many things this sparkling being of life that is Taylor Swift has taught me over the years.

Taylor Swift taught me to dance like nobody is watching. Don’t care what I look like. Don’t care if I am in the cereal isle at Walmart, or if I’m tearing up the dance floor at a wedding. Because I’m dancing on my own. I make the moves up as I go. Just like she told me to do. I just keep cruising, can’t stop, won’t stop grooving.

Taylor Swift taught me to always keep it classy. Whether in dancing (Definitely in dancing. I’ve seen the way some of you dance, and I can tell you right now, T.S. would not approve.), the way you dress, or just who you are as a person. Keep it classy, and you will never go out of style.

Taylor Swift taught me that moms are cool. Hang out with yours if and when you can. They give the best advice and make for the most delightful kind of road trip buddy. Especially if you are going on tour across the country. You will have the best days with them.

Taylor Swift taught me to be giving. There is always something you can give. You can give your time. You can give your knowledge. You can give your love. You can give me money to pay for college.

Taylor Swift taught me to bake. Okay, not really, I learned that on my own, but Taylor Swift taught me that I should bake. We bake together all the time actually. She even puts pictures of it on Instagram, except for some reason I look like some model or actress. Funny what filters can do to you. Bakers gonna bake, bake, bake, bake, bake.

Taylor Swift taught me that boys are nothing but trouble. Unless I get a nice one. But then he does something mean and we break up. But then I find another. And then he does me wrong. But that’s okay, because I just met this really cute boy and he seems nice. Just kidding. He wasn’t. I knew he was trouble when he walked in.

Taylor Swift taught me that I should get cats and name them after my favorite TV characters, Dr. Meredith Grey and Detective Olivia Benson.

Taylor Swift taught me that people will think things. People will talk about you. People will be mean, no matter how old you are. But don’t you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine.

Taylor Swift taught me to choose my friends wisely. You don’t need a lot of friends, just good ones. Boys come and go (unless he’s “the one,” then hopefully he will stay), but your girl friends are forever. Unless they stab you in the back and you have bad blood. It’s so sad to think about the good times.

Taylor Swift taught me that your best friend is a very important person in your life and should be treated like one. You should thank her for dragging you head first, fearless.

Taylor Swift taught me to dream big. You never know where God will take you in life, or what He has planned for you. Travel the world. Eat good food. Meet new people. Dance, sing, bake, wear dresses, hug people, and live this life to the fullest, cause it’s the only one you’re gonna get. And just remember, haters gonna hate, so just SHAKE IT OFF.