It is without a doubt that music is a vital aspect of friendship. Even if you aren’t a “music person”, you probably have at least one song that really hits your heartstrings - even if you deny it.

One of my favorite playlists on my account that I have created is my Worship playlist. I live an hour and a half away from home and honestly driving through traffic can turn it into a three-hour drive. That playlist makes me feel so much better and keeps me in a positive mood in bumper to bumper traffic.

But something that I had never thought about was how special that playlist is to me. It explains my mood, my attitude, my emotions and I know I’m not alone in that.

I’ve recently started listening to the playlists that my friends have created and it is has changed the way I view music as a social object. It has opened up my eyes to see what kind of relationship people have with songs and lyrics.

Most surprisingly, I’ve seen people have playlists for their specific emotions. Multiple people have a playlist that embodies their “feelings”. Most of these playlists are composed of slow, sad music. Songs about relationships breaking apart, people feeling alone, and people seeking for help.

Why do we not go to these playlists and evaluate them? Why do we choose to look at music as a “thing” and not as a form of communication? How many people are crying out for help simply through the songs they are listening to?

Some people have playlists literally named “happy”. They are full of upbeat songs celebrating life and friendship. How awesome would it be if you as a friend knew what kind of music makes them happy and can play that music around them when they are having a bad day? Down to a specific song.

Music is so much more than notes, rhythms and words. It’s a way for people to express the things they are feeling when they can’t speak it. It’s a way for people to try and connect with others on a deeper, personal level.

My challenge to you is to take some time and listen to someone else’s feelings and emotions, learn more about them as a person, and figure out how to relate to them and create a deeper bond with them.