Is music connected to your kind of relationship?
We are aware that music has several benefits for our body not just physiologically but psychologically, mentally, and emotionally as well.
When we feel down, we listen to happy songs to cheer ourselves up.
When we want to concentrate, we listen to Beethoven or Mozart.
Because of these beneficial impacts of music on our lives, we become more immune to diseases giving us healthier lifestyle.
But did you know that your music preference could also impact your relationship whether platonic or romantic?
Yes, the songs we listen to somehow determine the type of people we get along with.
This has to do with the personality and values that people with similar tastes in music share with each other.
Let me expound on that idea.
Music and relationship
A person’s taste in music is relevant in both platonic and romantic relationships for three reasons:
1. Music taste opens doors to closeness. Imagine yourself in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, say a club. People are dancing to the music then you find someone who seems unhappy with the environment just as you are.
One of the questions you can ask is if he or she doesn’t enjoy the music being played.
If that is the case, you may ask the person what type of songs he or she likes then if it’s similar to yours, you have an instant connection.
2. Differences in music taste can ruin relationship. If you’re seeing someone and you started planning about going to a concert then you realize that person listens to the singer you hated the most, would you still want to see her? Didn’t think so.
Imagine spending your lifetime with that person who keeps on playing the songs you hated! The only way you can fix it is if one of you tries to adjust to each other’s music preferences.
3. Music taste tells about someone’s personality. Whether we admit it or not, we tend to judge someone by the types of songs in their playlist. If we see religious songs in his or her playlist, we may assume that the person is spiritual.
In a study conducted with more than 30,000 participants, the researchers found out that people who listen to the same type of music have similar personalities.
The following are some examples.
Music and personality
This is a rundown of the song genres people usually listen to.
I know that each genre has sub-genres, but I will give you just the basic or the main categories.
Heavy metal
When I see people listening to heavy metal, I automatically assume they are rebels of some sort.
The hairstyles, the love for almost everything black, the tattoos, etc.—all of these give me an idea that they have the “bad boy” or “bad girl” image.
Prejudice, I know, but that was before I found out who they really are on the inside.
In the study conducted, researchers found out that those who love heavy metal are actually gentle, prospecting, and creative although, yeah, they can be introverted, unconfident, and intuitive.
It’s interesting how one can love Black Death and Baymax at the same time.
Classical
Serious and smart are the first two words that come to my mind when I learn someone loves classical music.
Coincidentally, the study results also state that people into classical music are reflective or a thinker.
Also, they usually have higher SAT scores compared to those who are into hip-hop.
Classical fans may also tend to be introverted, intuitive, judging, and assertive. They are also creative and confident.
No wonder the images of classical music players usually seem grandiose.
Rock
This genre may be subdivided into different categories, but overall David Bowie lovers tend to be intuitive and prospecting yet easygoing and selfish.
So these people are actually creative and imaginative, exploring various options they can think of, yet at the same time they don’t reflect too much on these thoughts.
Regarding the selfish part, though, I now get it why it’s hard to get a spot in rock concerts.
Jazz
If you’re a Nat King Cole lover, it may be that you are also highly creative, outgoing, intuitive, and assertive.
Jazz lovers are also reflective and liberal.
This is probably why jazz is usually an improvisation—the creators of it are not bound to strict rules and the like.
Pop
What do Michael Jackson’s, Lady Gaga’s, and Beyonce’s songs have in common?
Upbeat music, yes.
Another thing I noticed about pop songs is that they can be about any emotion.
This is probably why pop fans tend to be feelers instead of thinkers.
If you are one of them, you are also extroverted, turbulent, and observant.
Despite, however, the fact that pop has a wide array of songs and music, those who are into pop are considered less creative compared with other aforementioned music lovers.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that pop lovers listen to their playlist because they want to uplift their mood, as they are known to be lovers of happy music.
Hip-hop
If Jay-Z, Eminem, or Tupac are what comprises most of your playlist, then there is a high chance that you are also very extroverted.
You probably like singing along and dancing to the songs you listen to and that’s probably because you have a high self-esteem.
Aside from being an extrovert, you are also intuitive, prospecting, and assertive, which is why you tend to speak your mind without thinking deep and hard about it.
Looking for ideal partner?
I know there are other several significant aspects we have to find in a person we want to be with, but with all the pretense and chaos these days, music taste offers you with a clear sign whether you would want to get to know the person some more or not.
Slight disagreement in music taste may be mendable with a few adjustments, but total opposites may be a complete hard work.
So invite that someone over to your place, place your choice of songs over your trusty soundbar, and see how that person reacts.
It may be the start of something better or the end of something that is not meant to begin anyway.
About the author
Hi. Erin, a music adventurer, is the founder of YouthTune. She loves learning about music and audio devices, which she eventually shares with others so that they too can go on exploring the melodious world of music.
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There is so much truth to this. I find your descriptions of people who listen to the different genres so accurate. I’ve always naturally been drawn to guys who share my love for punk music. I need my guy to want to come to gigs with me. Otherwise, there is no chance of a relationship. That’s how I met my current boyfriend. I started talking to him randomly in the street because we both look like punks haha, I think he asked me for a lighter and we just started chatting. It was an instant connection. We’ve been together for over four years now though so there must be some truth to this!
I can listen to songs all day long. It just relaxes my body and gives me peace-of-mind from the hectic lifestyle. I love the way you connect music with relationships. And now when I think I never dated or gone partying with someone who doesn’t like my kind of music.
To tell the truth I am music maniac. I need the list of my favourite tracks when I am driving, motivational songs when I am doing gym, emotional songs when I am feeling low, the list goes on and on.
Anyways, I am not going to bore you with my list. Just wanted to say, Thanks for sharing the article it’s really thoughtful and got some great music-relationship advice. Have bookmarked your site for reading future posts. 🙂
Very interesting article on music and relationships, I know from my own experience how music has improved my health. I use music regularly to control my mood, like you shared in your article the type of music we listen to when in certain moods can make such a dramatic change in our lives.