When it comes to dating, we often think about the big stuff — values, future plans, and who gets to pick the next Netflix series to binge.

But music also has a role to play in determining compatibility.

Can you imagine jamming to the same playlists with your partner, or is it a constant battle of “Turn that off!”?

Music brings people together, it’s a social and romantic glue.

Music taste matters

Think about it. When two people vibe over the same tunes, it creates a shared experience that can deepen their connection.

A Bumble survey shows this. It highlights that 74% of Indians believe having a similar taste in music is crucial for compatibility. Music becomes a shared escape from daily stresses, a dancing experience, and a homemade karaoke night, among other things.

You get chills from a particular song, and so does your partner. That’s a shared moment of raw, unfiltered emotion that brings you closer.

But it doesn’t have to be some out-of-this-world experience. Music can turn everyday moments into intimate experiences. Think of jamming out in the car, going to karaoke, or dancing at home — these shared experiences strengthen your bond.

Music also provides a way to communicate when words fail. You can express feelings to your partner that you can’t express with words. Sharing a playlist can be an intimate act, almost like sharing a part of your soul. They allow you to see inside them and you get to understand each other better.

In this survey, 66% of the participants would be put off by someone with completely different music tastes. Just imagine a road trip with clashing playlists. Not fun at all!

In India, Bollywood music is hot, but also Indian classical, rap, hip-hop, rock, and folk music. The U.S. might have a stronger preference for jazz. You just have to find the right one for you and your partner and get a higher chance if you have a shared cultural background.

The melody of love

A group of researchers wanted to understand how music influences mate selection and social bonding in romantic contexts. They reviewed existing literature on music, love, and social bonding, and proposed a new model for this link.

They found that playing music shows cognitive and physical prowess, making individuals more attractive to potential mates. Think of it as a peacock’s tail in human form. But music also helps partners get in sync, enhancing their intimacy.

Music helps in all the phases of romance:

1. The attraction phase: to signal attractiveness.

2. In the relationship-building phase: to reduce uncertainty, enhance intimacy, and speed up bonding.

3. In the maintenance phase: by reinforcing commitment and intimacy.

Music isn’t just the background noise to our love stories, it’s a vital part of every phase of our romantic journey.

If we can better understand its role in love, think about how music could help in dating strategies and relationship counseling. It’s a tool to consider in fostering these love connections.

Tuning into love

Music might not determine relationship success by itself, but it sure helps to understand and connect with a partner.

It can start conversations, reveal personality traits, and create shared memories.

Music can be that glue that ties two hearts together.

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