By now, we all know Taylor Swift has a special relationship with her fans. She’s been chatting to her supporters person-to-person since the dawn of social media and was one of the first artists to engage with fans via MySpace, so her social media interactions have undoubtedly led to her ginormous worldwide fame.
It’s not just ‘Thanks y’all’ stuff, though. Taylor genuinely takes the time to get to know her supporters, and sometimes when she sees them struggling, she’ll offer words of advice and support. Something she is really very good at.
Her latest ‘you go girl’ moment happened on Instagram, where she offered sincere, empathising words to a fan who being bullied and concerned about the first week of high school. Repeating the same sentiment she sings about in her new single Shake It Off, Taylor wrote:
‘Reading this made me so sad because I love seeing you in your videos and photos being so happy and wide-eyed, like the world isn’t as harsh and unfair as it actually is. I hate thinking about your pretty face covered in tears, but I know why you’re crying because I’ve been in your place. This isn’t a high-school thing or an age thing. It’s a people thing. A life thing. It doesn’t stop. It doesn’t end or change. People cut other people down for entertainment, amusement, out of jealousy, because of something broken inside them. Or for no reason at all.
It’s just what they do, and you’re a target because you live your life loudly and boldly. You’re bright and joyful and so many people are cynical. They won’t understand you and they won’t understand me. But the only way they win is if your tears turn to stone and make you bitter like them. It’s okay to ask why. It’s okay to wonder how you could try so hard and still get stomped all over. Just don’t let them change you or stop you from singing or dancing around to your favorite song.
You’re going into high school this week and this is your chance to push the reset button on how much value you give the opinion of these kids, most of whom have NO idea who they are. I’m so proud of you and protective of you because you DO. If they don’t like you for being yourself, be yourself even more.
Every time someone picks on me, I’ll think of you in the hopes that every time someone picks on you, you’ll think of me… and how we have this thread that connects us. Let them keep living in the darkness and we’ll keep walking in the sunlight. Forever on your side, Taylor.’
T-Swift wrote a similarly heartfelt message to a fan going through that universal ‘unrequited crush’ thinga little while back, when it became clear she could rival Dr. Phil with her counselling. However, Taylor’s messages are truly empathetic and relatable, so are probably truly changing the lives of everyone she speaks to. Pass the tissues, will you?
Picture: Getty
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.