I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out, talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder

This is an open love letter to a British girl group Little Mix. I'm writing it in English, because I have way more friends who'll understand my love for them in the english speaking world than there are in my first language world. Little Mix won UK's X Factor in 2011, and in my life they creeped in mid-2012.

Dear Little Mix, 

This was the first group picture I saw of you. I didn't fall in love immediately, but it didn't take long either. Your X Factor songs made and some still make me cry. (I just watched "Don't let go" and cried like I haven't had seen it 200 times before.)  I'm very sensitive when it comes to people making their dreams come true... And that's what you four amazing women have had the chance to do.

I'm 21 years young, a few months older than Jade. I'm still so lost in my life, but you have showed me things that I want to be able to do. I love your determination, how you don't give up. Nothing stopped Jesy from achieving her dream when cyber bullies tried to take her down. All of you have got crap because of your boyfriends, nowadays mostly Perrie, and she takes zero bullshit and stands up for herself. You're an item, a team, a band and you remind me of the times when I was in a (synchronized skating) team, when I had other girls to call my sisters (I don't have a biological sister). You also make me feel like home in your "fandom" - I've made amazing Mixer friends from all around the world.

I adore your music. Wings is to date the best first single for any band. It shows off your different singing voices and abilities, the lyrics are powering and it's catchy and upbeat. Since hearing it for the first day it premiered, I've loved it. It's me and my best friend's favourite song and it's kind of a guideline to how I want to live my life. Water off my wings, they said. I was like a proud mum when DNA came out. There's literally one song on the album I'm not too fond of, and that's exceptional for a record - to add, a debut record. DNA is a great pop album, and as Little Me and Move have showed us, I'm sure Album 2 will be a hit too. Little Me is literally what I need now, and you delivered at the rightest time of my life. 

I feel protective over you, but I know you don't need my protection. You're international popstars, travelling the world, helping and inspiring girls and some boys everywhere on the planet, every day. People look up to you, they love you, you've even saved some lives. I wonder what it feels like. I'm so crazy proud of you. You've taken in the fame so well, you don't seem to take anything for granted, you work for your success. And as far as I know, no one of you has done anything too stupid in front of the media. And for that, I congratulate you. Keep that direction .xx

Alexa Chung has said that girls can rule the music world, but only one band at a time. There's no question about who that band is at the moment. Your stage choreographics, lyrics, music videos and everyday outfits show you are strong, independent girls who can somewhat do what they want. Girl Power as they say. I look up to you a lot, but at the same time I feel like I could easily be your friend if I got a chance. I haven't seen you, haven't met you because I live in a small Nordic country I doubt you'll ever go to. I tried seeing you this summer though, flew to England for the V Festival where you were supposed to perform, but I don't know why you didn't. I also went to 1D's movie premiere but didn't see you there either. I wanted to go to DNA tour but unfortunately I had school stuff here. But I try not to give up, if you ever come to a country near me there won't be a reason I'm missing that.

And I love your style. Perrie is, along with Alexa Chung and Hayley Williams, one of my biggest style icons. I always watch closely what you're wearing, how your hair is done and get inspired. I often think "what would a Little Mix member do" when I'm picking my outfit. I own similar and exact same items of clothing as you do, and when I get told I "look like Perrie" or "Jade could wear that outfit" it's honestly the best compliment I can get on my looks. Stay amazing.

When my best friend or I are sad we tell each other that we should do things you would do or dress like you would to make us feel better. You've brought me and the bestie closer and I'm so grateful for that. I'm so happy you four exist. Some days I just am sad though because I won't ever do what you do but I've grown to know, partly thanks to you, what I want and could do. 

And I'm living by the lyrics of Move, "get your back off the wall / don't you get comfortable" - I need to step out of my comfort zone to reach what I want. I don't have a simple way to put what I feel for you (as you might have noticed), but let's at least say I LOVE YOU. And I thank you for all you've done. I hope I one day get my chance to meet you and tell you things. This year you've helped me through some really unpleasant things. THANK YOU. As we say in Finland, "kiitos".

Stay gold .xxxx

meri

Ps. HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY LEIGH-ANNE xxxxxo