I’m a sucker for boybands and British accents and apparently, that’s a crime.

Time after time, I’ve been told that One Direction is a talentless, manufactured excuse for a band whose fans are overly obsessive, 12-year-old girls who have no taste in music. Now I may be overly obsessive, but I’m 99 percent confident I’m 17 and I’m 100 percent sure that shaming someone for their taste in music constitutes bullying. Sure, music bullying technically isn’t illegal, but to reference a little document called the Declaration of Independence, I’d like the opportunity at my own “pursuit of Happiness.”

Therefore it is my contention that we, the Directioners of the world, should be able to enjoy our undying love for five British (and Irish) boys in peace.

We all have our so-called “guilty pleasures” — that one artist or TV show we’d happily place on a diamond-encrusted 24-karat gold pedestal in our rooms, yet are absolutely horrified at the thought of someone finding out (which is why the pedestals are hidden in our rooms of course). When asked about my favorite singers or shows, it pains me to admit that at times I’ve betrayed my boys and succumbed to the bullies, throwing out names that are universally accepted as “legitimate” to avoid the disapproving frowns and mocking criticisms. But I shouldn’t feel the need to do this. We shouldn’t feel the need to do this.

We shouldn’t hide what we like just because “society” deems things as “uncool” or “embarrassing.” Instead, we should embrace our guilty pleasures — but without the guilt. The term “guilty pleasure” should be taken away in chains, locked in a steel safe, and dumped to the bottom of the Dead Sea. We shouldn’t have to justify what makes us happy; happiness in itself should be justification enough.

I understand One Direction is not the most talented act in the world. Yes, part of their fame comes from their gorgeous jawlines and sexy accents. But is there some law that dictates it’s only okay to like a musician based off their music and that it’s not okay to like them for their looks, personality, or (gasp) philanthropy?

So after a long deliberation, I’ve come to my own verdict that there are actually two guilty parties here: One Direction (for stealing my heart) and to a lesser degree, anyone who attacks another’s “guilty pleasures” for lack of a better term.

Nonetheless, I’m sure my friends, family, frenemies and strangers will continue to make fun of me for liking One Direction. But while they’re using the same highly profound insults like “Your taste in music sucks” or “Go listen to some real music,” I’ll happily admire Zayn’s impeccable rifts, Harry’s cheeky personality, Niall’s infectious smile, Louis’s sarcastic humor and Liam’s angelic voice while screaming “Story of My Life” off-key at the top of my lungs.