While opposites may spark initial attraction, finding similarities with the person you like is … [+]
When you’ve just started dating someone, it can be exciting to realize that they’re into the same things as you. It can feel like you’re a perfect match, especially when the two of you share special hobbies or interests—contributing to a relationship that feels destined.
It turns out you’re not entirely wrong. A 2018 study suggests that sharing rare attitudes and interests is a powerful sign of interpersonal attraction. For example, check out this answer a reddit user gave when asked if they would date a person with exactly similar interests:
“I married him. Currently in bed playing games while watching anime, resting from a heavy gym session. While our three cats lie at our feet. Life is good.”
Shared interests don’t have to be unique to create compatibility—even shared passions can strengthen your bond. They can make the beginning of a relationship feel effortless, setting the stage for a promising future together.
If you and your partner share these key similarities, it might just be a sign that you’re made for each other and that your relationship is off to a good start. Here are three signs to look out for.
1. Similar taste in music
Music has a powerful way of bringing people together. Sharing a similar taste in music with your partner can be more than just a fun coincidence—it can be a sign of deep compatibility. When you both enjoy the same genres or artists, it creates a shared experience that strengthens your bond.
A 2011 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin shows that when people share similar tastes in music, it often means they share similar values, which makes them more likely to be attracted to each other and form strong social bonds.
Imagine driving along with the windows down and your favorite song playing. Without missing a beat, the two of you begin to sing along, creating an easy harmony not only in the music, but perhaps reflecting it in your relationship. Music, after all, often reflects our emotions, values and even personality. When you both connect to the same songs, it shows that you resonate with each other’s emotional world.
This shared enjoyment fosters a sense of unity and understanding, making it easier to navigate the ups and downs of life together.
2. Similar taste in hobbies
Another strong indicator that you and your partner are right for each other is a shared enthusiasm for hobbies. Whether it’s a love of outdoor adventures, an interest in cooking, or a passion for collecting rare items, engaging in similar activities can significantly improve your relationship.
“I met my boyfriend because we had exactly the same interests! It was hot for me, haha. We have been together for 12 years now!” one Reddit user said: “I believe that mutual interests will always give you a good ton of topics to talk about. There will always be friends with different interests that will bring balance and new experiences to your life. “
A 2018 study published in International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology found that when couples share a healthy and balanced passion for the activities they do together, positive emotions strengthen their relationship.
For example, when you both enjoy hiking, weekend plans are simple and fulfilling. When you’re both delicious, trying new recipes or restaurants becomes a shared adventure. These shared activities provide opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories, strengthening your bond.
3. Similar personalities
Personality plays a crucial role in how well two people get along, and having similar personalities can be a strong indicator that you and your partner are very compatible.
A 2007 study by University of California researchers found that couples with similar personalities tend to have similar emotional experiences. This emotional similarity acts as a bridge, helping to explain why couples with similar personalities often have better relationship quality.
Over time, couples who became more similar in personality also became more similar in their emotional experiences. This “emotional convergence” (where partners begin to feel and react to emotions in increasingly similar ways) was associated with greater relationship satisfaction.
Think of those times when you both naturally approached challenges with the same level of enthusiasm or when your shared sense of humor led to endless inside jokes. There may be times when you both find yourself laughing at how awkward you are in certain social situations or when you slip effortlessly into a playful, almost childish joke.
These personality traits, while subtle, reflect a deeper connection and mutual understanding that goes beyond surface-level interactions. This shows that you are naturally in tune with the way you perceive and react to the world around you.
This alignment creates a harmonious environment where both partners feel in sync, understood and supported, strengthening their bond.
Often overlooked, these signs of compatibility can reveal a lot about the potential for a lasting relationship. If you and your partner share these similarities, it could be a sign that you are truly meant for each other.
Want to rate your compatibility levels? Take it The degree of satisfaction in the relationship to know where your relationship stands.
