Old Enough to Love
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Sent in by Hayley, 20, Ireland
I have been a Backstreet Boys fan since 1996! I am a big fan of the boys!! All my memories of growning up relate to the boys! I was so lucky last year when I was on work experience in Pittsburgh, PA because I worked in room service and the Boys where staying there. Nick was first to order and I was so excited. I was going to meet my idol. When he opened the door, I couldn't open my mouth! I was crazy star struck at that moment and of all people Nick! The same thing happened with Howie and Brian! I kicked myself for months that I didn't talk to them and ask them all the questions I needed to know -- or just tell them how much of a fan I am. But then I stopped and realised that I was more lucky then some. Many fans have met them and some haven't come as close and I'm just grateful that I was a face that they seen that day. I think maybe they knew by the look on my face who I was -- that I was their fan. The Backstreet Boys know we are out here and still know that we, the fans, even as old as some may be, still love them and support them and their music! When I went to see them in Dublin 2005, I felt like I was 14 again! It felt great! Gawd, I cried like a baby when they came down the steps for The Call and it took me till More Than That to stop crying. I am so proud to be a mature Backstreet Boys fan and I'll never forget how their songs and themselves made me feel for the last 10 years.

Sent in by Sarah, 20, Location Unknown
My name is Sarah. I have been a fan since I was 11 or 12 and now that I am an adult, I know the true meaning of being a true fan. I have never turned my back on the guys just because they were spotlight for a while or because of AJ's stint in rehab or Nick's DUI incident. I love the guys because they are amazing musician's and I love their music!

Sent in by Colomba, 19 from France
It's not that old, but here in France, the BSB are considered like a boyband who can't sing and so on...and they are not famous anymore. Almost no magazines about them, no more songs on the radio, never invited to music events. So I dare not show anymore that I'm a BSB fan. When I was 13/14/15 I often wore T-shirts and the most important thing for me was that everybody knew that I was fan! I didn't care at all if someone laughed at me. But at this time most of my friends were fans of 'boybands' so they respected me, only the boys laughed at me (but I didn't care). But with time it has become harder. When I was 16 I went to high school (you go to high school at 16 in France). I had new friends and I told them I was fan. It was ok but I knew I'd better not talk too much about the BSB or they would have been fed up with me (but this is completely normal, as they don't like them, I respect that). I know some didn't say anything but laughed at me, inside. When I was 17, I had almost no more friends supporting me for that. At this point, I didn't dare wearing T-shirts (except 2 times in the year) anymore. My friends really began to reproach me being a fan by saying, "If you're still a fan of them, this means that you're immature. You're really too old for being a fan of them. Now it's time for you to stop loving them. Please, leave us alone with your Backstreet Boys," and so on... I respected the fact they didn't want me to talk about them, as they don't like them. So I stopped talking about them except for important things like, "I'm going to a concert," but they knew I was still a fan and kept on reproaching me for being a fan, pleased me not to listen to their music anymore, to remove my posters from my walls. This hurt me because as long as I don't listen to BSB CDs when they are not there, what's it matter to them? They wanted to choose the music I gotta listen to when I'm alone in my bedroom!! Thankfully, some friends respected my choice and there was another fan in my class, a fan of Hanson. We really supported each other. When I was 18, it was still the same situation, but a little worse. The reproaches kept on and I removed many posters from my walls, which made them happy (but not completely, as there are still some). Today I look at my bedroom walls and I know that if there wasn't this social pressure it would still be full of posters. Sometimes I regret it but it has become too hard. Everytime someone came into my bedroom, they would laugh at me (except some very nice friends & family). This is a pity but I never stopped being a fan in spite of everything. And it's ok because with time I've become 'less crazy' about them, 'less obsessed' and now my passion for them is just more private. I would say that I'm half ashamed/half proud. I don't talk about them to my friends but if, for example, there is a song on radio (on German radios) I can't help saying, "Hheyyyy, I loooooove this song, it's the BSB !!" lol ! And in my bedroom, there will always be some posters (the only difference is that there used to be more than 200 and now there are about 10, but big ones-). I sometimes wear T-shirts but only when I stay at home and so on... You know, my friends are not bad, they just don't understand me. They don't know what it's like to be a fan. Actually, I don't know if I'm too old or not...if I'm immature or not...I just know that, no matter what, I can't help loving the Backstreet Boys!! Keep the Backstreet Pride alive!! Comment from the Webmistress: You don't need 200 posters to show your BSB pride because I only have one poster of Nick in a frame. BUT -- you shouldn't let your "friends" tell you what to do. Who cares what they say? It's what YOU THINK that matters. If they're your friends, they should understand and NOT tell you what to do or laugh at your choices. Friends should support one another always. KTBSPA! - Maria

Sent in by Jessica, 19 from Olathe, KS
To me, being an "older" fan is something special. It shows that you were with them from the beginning and you stay true to them and yourself, because their music is such an inspiration to everyone. I for one have been a fan since the first time I heard "Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)!" I heard their rich beautiful sound and was hooked for eternity. I do get a lot of crap from people who know of my...uh, obsession I guess you could call it, although I don't tend to think it's that at all. Anyway, my little brother thinks I need to grow up, my mom likes their music, she knows all the words, but she thinks I should "expand my horizons" when it comes to writing BSB fanfic. My dad, well he's just glad I listen to music where you can understand all the words. LOL! As for my friends, they are mostly all with me, but definitely being in college and liking them, well it just isn't "cool!" And to all of those who say it's not "cool" to be a fan of BSB, I say this: Music is music. It shouldn't be who sings it or what genre it is. It should be something that makes you feel good, something that lifts your spirits when your sad, or makes you want to get up and dance, or think about life. If to us that is Backstreet Boys music, then great! If to someone else it is polka, well then so be it, but everyone should stop ragging on and on about people's music choices. If you are 19 years old and enjoy listening to Aaron Carter's music and you own two of his CD's, you should be proud to raise your hand and say "that's me!" If someone is ragging on you AGAIN because you listen to the backstreet boys, don't take it, just simply say, "make fun all you want, but that is the music that makes me happy and you can't make me feel stupid or lower than you because of it." Then walk away. That'll do one of two things: #1. They stop and apologize for the immature things that they have said to you and realize that they themselves need to grow up, or #2. They aren't as smart as you and will continue to rag on you more and more. It has happened to me both ways. But if it is #2. don't let it affect you, no one can make you change your mind and don't let them! It's just a shame they aren't as smart as us. So why am I proud to be a mature fan? Because even though we get a lot of crap, it's always good to be the one at the end of the day who looks more mature than the ones who made fun. Also, just the satisfaction of converting someone older that you to be a fan of theirs, well, that makes you appreciate life more. *smiles* You know who you are Melissa (25 yrs. old)! KTBSPA Forever!
Sent in by April, 20, Vallejo, CA
To me being an older BSB is about as good as it gets. Although I get a lot of crap from people that say I should have grown out of being a fan, I know I never will. The Backstreet Boys are the most talented group of men that I have ever encountered. Not only can they sing their butt's off but they are truly the nicest guys there are. Some perks that come along with being an older fan is the opportunity to see them in concerts more. I know that there are a lot of people that because of their age don't have as many opportunities. Because I am older and indepent I am able to travel around to see them and I can afford to go to as many concerts as I want. Also, being an older fan gives you a chance to give back more to the guys, especially through charity work. Last the best part of being an older fan is that they aren't afraid of us. While the younger fans are chasing them around, screaming covered in BSB gear, the older more mature fans are the ones that they aren't afraid of and are more likely to meet them. Believe me, I know from experience!

Sent in by Kristin, 20, Hanover, MA
I am proud to be an adult fan of the BSB for many reasons. Not only do I love their music, but I have an incredible respect for them as well. Five part harmonies are not easy to do at all, and yet, every day of their lives they sing them, and sing them so well. These gentlemen gave up 7 years of their lives to make something of themselves and earn respect of others. Although many still find them a "product", the number grows daily of those who respect them. I am proud to be one of the ones who respects the BSB, and I will for years to come.

Sent in by Nia, 18
I know I'm not that old, but as a college student, I get a lot of crap sometimes for liking BSB. I don't really care because the guys are a huge part of my life and I love their music. Of course, since I'm 18 and people say look 15 or 16, I don't have a problem buying teenybopper mags. But what really bugs me is the people who have never really listened to them and tell me they're gay or the s***. I just ignore that as an uniformed, uneducated response. I love the fact that there are so many BSB fans my age and older, it proves that these guys are not just for 12 year olds. This girl in one of my classes said to me "My 7 year old sister likes BSB" as if they are less talented because little kids like them. I'm glad that I can say I like them for more that their looks and not get laughed at. Yes, the guys are good looking, but they have more to offer than that. I was a fan for a while before I actually saw the guys. I became a fan because they have talent, plain and simple. I will never stop loving these guys, their music makes me happy and I can count on something they said or did to make me laugh when I'm down. I'm glad you all have this page, it is a place that mature people can go to find out about a true class act. By the way, I love Nick with all my might too. KTBSPA forever!!

Sent in by Blanca, 18, of Tampa Bay, Florida
I am really proud to be an adult BSB fan! I am such a BSB freak. I am so in love with all of them, especially Kev and Bri. They are so fine. I once met them and they were such sweetie pies. We talked for over 5 hours, took pictures, signed autographs, etc. I currently saw them in Spain, and will soon see them in Tampa. I live here so I have had many encounters with the guys. They are all so nice, humble, down to earth, sincere, and eager to and to be loved. I live half a mile away from Nicky. Peace and love for the world to see.

Sent in by Alicia, 18, of Ottawa, Ontario
As I am one of the younger adult fans, I think that the Backstreet Boys are very talanted. I am so often teased by people because I like them, but I don't care, cause I am a fan and proud of it. I am going off to collage this coming September and will continue to blast my Backstreet Boy music in my dorm. The Backstreet Boys have proven to be a very talented anmd respected group and deserve all the fame they receive. I myself have been a fan since 1997 and I respect them more now for their music, now that i am older and understand the messages the songs have. They truely are a great American Band who will most likly be around for many years to come. Hats off to all the older fans, who like them no matter what people say!

Sent in by Liz, 20 of Las Cruces, New Mexico
Hello Marie-Alicia. I am writing in regards to being an older BSB Fan! I have to say that I am NOT ashamed at all to be a fan! I started liking them my freshman year in college, I had just turned 18 and I didn't care. I used to hide it though because I used to get a lot of ridicule and I couldn't take listening to some of my friends bash on Nick! As soon as I saw them on the MTV Europe Awards, I instantly felt some sort of connection with them. I mean, I had liked them before, "Quit Playin' Games" had just come out and I loved it, but I'd never really SEEN them. Well, they won an award and then they performed and I was hooked. I fell for Nick Carter right there, and I've never looked back since! It's been almost two years since I started liking them and so many good things have come about from it! I've met some pretty amazing people along my little "Backstreet Journey" and we all are over the "teenybopper age"! Not that being a "teenybopper" is bad, but I know that they are human and I see their flaws. I loved that Nick said "dumbass" on MTV...cuz I say it all the time. They aren't perfect, no one is! It's easier to see when you're of an age where it isn't a crime to cuss...maybe that's why I like them so much. I know I'd like them if I was 12...but I wouldn't respect them like I do now!!! Thanks!