I’m just going to say it: music is my one true love. I mean, sure, I’ve had crushes, relationships, maybe even a few “situationships” (don’t judge), but music? It’s been there through everything. Bad breakups, questionable fashion choices, and that one year I thought bangs were a good idea—music never left me.

Let me paint you a picture: it’s Saturday night, and instead of going out like a normal social person, I’m home in my pajamas with noise-canceling headphones on, blasting Bohemian Rhapsody. My neighbors are probably worried because I’m singing every part, including the guitar solo. But, in that moment, I am Freddie Mercury. Is it socially acceptable? No. Do I care? Also no.

Some people have a soundtrack to their life—I have hundreds of soundtracks. I’ve got a playlist for every mood, every weather pattern, and every minor inconvenience. Stuck in traffic? Boom—angry playlist. Feeling reflective? Time for some acoustic guitar and deep thoughts about life. Making toast? Obviously, that’s the “Breakfast Jams” playlist. It’s important to have a song for every occasion, even the culinary ones.

My friends sometimes question my music habits. They’ll say things like, “Do you really need a playlist called ‘Songs to Listen to While Pretending You’re in a 90s Rom-Com?’” To which I respond: “Yes, Karen. Yes, I do. And if you haven’t walked through a park with headphones in, pretending you’re Julia Roberts, you’re doing life wrong.”

Concerts? Don’t get me started. I will drop money on a concert like it’s rent. I once spent an entire paycheck on tickets to see a band I didn’t even know that well. But it didn’t matter—I was there, in the crowd, screaming along to lyrics I had Googled that afternoon. There’s just something magical about live music, even if you’re 5’2” and can only see the back of someone’s head for the entire show. It’s not about the view—it’s about the vibes.

And don’t even talk to me about genres. Pop, rock, jazz, classical—I love them all. Except maybe polka. (No offense, polka enthusiasts.) But even then, if the accordion slaps, I’m on board.

So yeah, I love music. Maybe a little too much. But hey, it’s better than my brief obsession with reality TV... right? Anyway, I’ve got to go update my playlist titled “Songs to Play When You’re Writing a Blog About How Much You Love Music.” Catchy, I know.

To all the music addicts out there