In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the Jonas Brothers’ breakout self-titled album (their first with Hollywood Records), we’re celebrating with a week full of JoBros features for our readers.

I was in middle school, living my best life as a tween girl who just got her braces off while others were still getting them on, when my best friend Jenna opened my eyes to three curly-haired heartthrobs that would turn my world upside down. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. 2007 through 2009 were the years I peaked – in terms of fangirl status, not hair.

Jenna was raving to me during lunch one day about a video the Jonas Brothers posted on this fancy new thing called YouTube, knowing I’d be into it – you know, considering my previous history with obsessing over Zac Efron and various American Idol stars. What can I say? She was right. Even now, I still love myself a good boy band to obsess over. But nothing, and I mean nothing, will compare to my days as an active member of the Jonas fandom. So yeah, it pretty much all started with that video that goes a little something like, “Hey I’m Nick Jonas, and you’re watching the Nick Jonas show – with Teddy and Mickey.”

From that day forward, I spent legit every waking moment of my life outside of school and sports lurking on fan sites and flipping through issues of J-14 Magazine until I could legit recite their quotes off hand. My bedroom walls were entirely plastered with posters of Nick, Joe and Kevin (with sprinkles of Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez). And of course, I’d watch and re-watch the skits they’d post online to the point where my friends and I would use their punchlines in conversation – on AIM and IRL.

Saying you’re a fan of the Jonas Brothers these days is basically like saying that you’re living in the past – like totally trapped in 2007. But listen, this fandom stands the test of time. It’s one of true passion, dedication and support. I already knew my mother was a saint, but she really proved herself to be supportive of me and my obsessive tendencies when she woke up at 3 AM to bring my friends and me to New York City. We didn’t meet them that day, but we did get to watch them through the glass windows of Good Morning America while freezing our butts off in the harsh winter air. Yup, we were that obsessed.

jonas brothers waving

Now that the sting of their breakup has subsided after all these years, it’s easier to understand and come to terms with. I totally get it. Disney Channel stars typically make pretty big career turns after growing out of the children’s network, and to this day, I’m sure they’re grateful. It’s Disney and their fans like me – who helped them skyrocket to fame. And that is precisely the reason why I think they could have thrown us fans a bone by just sticking it out for that fifth album – you know, the album that never got released.

Sure, the boys have all gone their separate ways – but just like they will always be brothers, a Jonas Brothers fan will always be a fan for life. Seriously though, even now, I could still totally fall into a trap of watching their hilarious skits from the beginning of time. And who could forget those early interviews, in which Joe refused to take even one question seriously? I’d like to believe they cherish those days as much as former fangirls like I do. I’ll always look back on the Jonas Brothers chapter of my life with nothing but pure joy and nostalgia. However, I will never quite get over the fact that by breaking up, they truly took my heart and put it on a shelf.

We’ll be posting exclusive JoBros posters, articles, and more for Jonas Brothers Week over on our J-14+ Facebook group. Join for a safe space to obsess over celebs the same way you did when you were 14.

Watch: See Joe Jonas’ Evolution Over the Years

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