Words: Laurel Melsom

With the 11th birthday of the world’s favourite and biggest boyband fast approaching; we asked our Instagram followers to share some of the lessons that One Direction have taught them over the last 11 years. From the funny to profound, That Fangirl Life, is here to share 11 Lessons That One Direction Have Taught Their Fans.

It’s Okay To Be Yourself

Sometimes when you say you’re a fan of One Direction you might face quizzical looks that you love a boyband; however, you’ve fully embraced who you are thanks to Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall & Zayn. You’ve seen each of the boys fully embrace who they are (especially over the last few years) and have started to dig deeper into who you are as a person as you grow older within the fandom.

Insane Tech Skills

It’s safe to say that some of these Directioners have CRAZY hacking skills. I mean who remembers the infamous hotel security camera hack of 2014 where we saw Niall & Harry running around shirtless. Whilst here at TFL we don’t condone this; we hope the FBI or MI5 have thought about hiring you.

How To Save Money

With there now being 5 separate careers we have to spend money on; it is safe to say as Directioners we’ve learnt how to save our money for when merch or tickets are dropped without any warning. I mean who else has got a saving pot entitled ‘Break in case of One Direction Reunion” 

Importance of Taking Care of Yourself & Your Mental Health

For 5 years we saw the boys work tirelessly going on back-to-back tours whilst making albums and when the news of why Zayn was leaving hit as fans we were all heartbroken to hear that being part of this amazing band was taking a toll on him mentally as well as physically.  As well in recent months, we’ve heard Liam’s account of how his time within the band dramatically affected his relationships and mental health; he now recognises that this is something he needs to work on. We’ve also had Harry say that he attends therapy to help with his own mental health as well as encouraging others to do so. It’s so great to see them openly talk about taking care of your mental health especially as men and for their younger fans to know that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

To Have Confidence In Who You Are

With lyrics like “You don’t know you’re beautiful” and “Baby, you’re perfect” how can you not feel confident in who you are? Nothing beats putting on Little Black Dress or Girl Almighty and feeling like you’re the baddest, most confident person in the world. Yes, it may only last for the length of the song but for those couple of minutes, you’re on top of the world.

The Importance of Community – ‘If You Ever Feel Alone, don’t…”

One thing that amazes us here at TFL is the community that comes with being a fan of any artist; especially One Direction. From Directioners starting fan projects for concerts (looking at you San Siro) as well as Project No Control. We’ve also been told numerous stories here as well as on the podcast at how being a fan of One Direction has brought fans their best friends into their lives. From becoming mutuals on Twitter or Tumblr to now attending concerts or 1D club nights together; it’s true what the boys say “If You Ever Feel Alone, dont…”

A Passion For The Music Industry

It’s easy to see the 1D fangirl to working in the music industry career path; it’s happening more and more lately and we LOVE TO SEE IT! Take our own Issy for example; now a budding music journalist who wrote her whole dissertation about being a fan of One Direction. When you hear the boys talk about their musical influences, you know you’re heading straight to Spotify to check them out. I mean who else is patiently waiting to see if Louis’ new management label has any job openings? 

No Matter What Hard Times You Go Through, You’ll Always Have A Home In Their Music

Tough day; listen to One Direction. Best day; listen to One Direction. Average day; listen to One Direction. It would be difficult to count the number of times we put on 1D’s entire discography to improve our mood when having an awful day or just when we wanna dance around our rooms to What A Feeling. Their music instantly makes you feel at peace and as cliche as it sounds at home, no matter where you are in the world. 

Their Math Skills Need Improving

It’s funny how 18 months feels like 6 years? Well what can you expect after they all left school early to be part of the world’s biggest boy band. We can probably all say as Directioners this is where our distrust of men might stem from thanks to this ongoing lie we have of them being on ‘hiatus’. 

Love Whoever & Whatever You Want

As the lyrics go, ‘All I know, at the end of the day, is you love who you love, there ain’t no other way.’; showing us that it’s okay to love whoever and whatever you want. We’ve seen this through the boys discussing more of their passions outside of music (Liam with his NFT project, Louis with his football, Niall with Golf, Harry with his fashion/acting & Zayn with his art); as well as them supporting pride month and giving fans a safe place at their concerts to feel themselves.

To Dream Big

11 years ago today the level of success that One Direction would achieve probably never even factored into their minds as they went through the bootcamp process at Wembley arena. However they all believed that they had what it took to reach their dreams of being a singer; if they didn’t none of them would have submitted that application form or attended that first X Factor audition (okay it was a bit touch and go when Zayn refused to do the dance audition but hey he still made it). The boys have shown their fans that no dream is too small and with a little hard work (and maybe the help of social media) you can make those dreams a reality.

With so many other life lessons we get through their songs and interviews as a band and now as solo artists, it’s safe to say One Direction are one of the bands that will hold the test of time as role models (just don’t bring up *that* video of Louis and Zayn).