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Imagine finding yourself with a free evening. You're feeling energized, eager for new things, and looking to shake up your usual routine of relaxing at home. Your options is your oyster! Would you choose a) going to a gig or b) being with a partner? The answer, as is often true with these sorts of queries, is plainly: “It varies.” Mature individuals might logically ask: what kind of the show? Who is the other person? Will it be expected to be enjoyable?

Not many would choose a intense rock concert if the alternative was a magical night with Jonathan Bailey. Yet change either end of the scenario, and it turns more complicated. Regarding the thousands surveyed asked this question by a live event company, no additional details was provided – and the answer came out unambiguously and heavily preferring concerts.

Research Findings Show Unexpected Trends

A global survey, interviewing 40,000 people aged between 18 and 54 in 15 markets, found that live music have become the world’s top form of entertainment, beating out sports, movies and – absolutely – intimacy. When limited to only one option of activity for the rest of their lives, a significant portion selected gigs, against going to the cinema (17%) and sports events (14%). They were also more than twice as likely to choose seeing their favourite artist in concert (70%) instead of sexual activity (30%).

You appear expecting to be delightfully amazed – and quite often you might find with another person's locks in your mouth

Context and Considerations

Of course it makes sense that a PR survey commissioned by a concert promoter would result so heavily in favour of live shows – and, with the speculative mood of a would-you-rather, if your preferred musician is, for example an iconic star, you can see why seeing him might win out instead of a ordinary situation. Yet this two-option scenario between gigs or sexual activity, clearly absurd even if it seems, is interesting to reflect on given the odd point we’re at with each.

The Evolution of Live Music Experience

Lately, live music participation has evolved into more than a shared activity but a intense competition. Major promoters appropriately highlight that large venue turnout has “increased threefold year-over-year”, and music festivals are fully reserved quicker than before. Merely acquiring admissions now demands detailed strategy, quick decision-making and bottomless pockets (or a generous credit card limit). Even if you manage, it’s not enough to merely attend and experience the event. There’s now an anticipation, especially for music enthusiasts, that you can boost your return on investment by attending more than once (even travelling internationally), learning the performance lineup beforehand and knowing your marks to follow and fan traditions established by previous crowds.

Many concertgoers report feeling scarred by their attendance at major tours: appearing as a scripted production of thousands of people, in which some individuals arrived unaware of the steps. The extended tour, producing huge revenue, demonstrated of the lengths to which people will go to feel part of a significant event and watch their preferred performer sing, even if the real performance seems increasingly less important than the production.

The Situation of Current Relationships

Intimacy, conversely – an accessible and available enjoyment – is in dire straits. Per contemporary studies, approximately 25% of people engaged sexually in an regular period, while just under a third were sexually inactive. Elsewhere, modern figures indicated that more than 25% of adults admitted to avoiding sex at all in the previous year, rising from smaller percentages in earlier years. In both territories, the change has been associated with less sexual activity in youth demographics. Juxtapose this with the market driving growth for stadium extravaganzas and the fierce battle for admissions. Certainly it's more complicated as a straightforward choice between either option – “do you prefer attend a huge concert often, or avoid intimacy?” – but it’s perhaps an sign of how people see the more dependable enjoyment.

Surprising Parallels

Relationships and gigs are more similar than you might think. Each symbolizes the commencement of a relationship, a practical trial of impressions or promise that could have built just in your mind. You arrive with a general notion of the probable outcome, but hopeful of being pleasantly surprised – and if it turns out satisfying or frustrating depends very much on how your vibe and anticipations correspond with partners. Quite often you could wind up with another person's locks in your mouth, and later be waiting around for a smoke and a moment alone by yourself. And, in both cases, substances and drinks can sometimes improve or lessen the experience (but definitely make the most dire experiences simpler to handle).

Seeking Harmony

The appeal to both gigs and sex hinges on discovering that hard-to-find balance between the known and the new, similarity and difference, effort and ease. Naturally it occurs infrequently – but it’s the memory of when it worked, the understanding that it can happen, that motivates us to attempt once more: to {