In Ovid’s second book on love, he is talking about how to find a lover. As part of his advice he says, “Blame whatever she blames; approve what meets her approval; What she says you must say; what she denies, you deny. Laugh when she laughs” (Art of Love Book 2, lines 199-201). Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong With Me” also shares a similar message. In her song, she shares how compatible that she is with the person who she’s in love with. She sings, “I’m the one who makes you laugh When you know you’re about to cry And I know your favorite songs”. She is sharing how she can tell how the person she’s in love with is feeling and knows how to respond.
One difference between Ovid and Taylor swift is that Ovid is trying to give advice to others, and Taylor Swift is talking about her current feelings. Even though their perspectives may vary, their message is still fairly similar. They are both sharing how having similar emotions are very important to a relationship. Being able to share your emotions and them being compatible to your partner are shown to be very important by both Ovid and Taylor Swift.
“Blame whatever she blames; approve what meets her approval;
What she says you must say; what she denies, you deny.
Laugh when she laughs; if she weeps, remember to join her in weeping”
(Ovid, The Art of Love Book 2, Lines 199-201)