10 Truths About Dating a Bookworm

Bookworms often get a bad rap. We've been stereotyped as studious, bespectacled creatures who are socially awkward, unaware of the world around us, and perpetually hunched over words on a page. Sure, we are known to have broken hearts when we end a relationship with a book and its characters. And yes, we'd definitely prefer one of Gatsby's parties to a mediocre birthday bash. But our love of literature also gives us some rather unique qualities — ones that are especially great with regards to relationships. Let me explain.

Sure, bookworms are great people to have in your circle, especially if you're looking for a new book to read or series to obsess over. And you can count on your book-obsessed friends to happily drive a few hours to a reading and wait in a long line with you just so that you can meet your favorite author and have them sign your copy of their tome. But those who are lucky enough to date a bookworm get a special set of perks (okay, and maybe a few challenges — but the good stuff outweighs 'em, trust me). Here are 10 true things about dating someone who always has her head proudly buried in a book:

1. Our personal libraries are enormous

We've collected titles from friends, families, and far corners of the world. We can't bring ourselves to part with our books, which means that our libraries keep growing. When we move in with you, you’ll have trouble finding a place for your own paperbacks. Eventually, you’ll realize that it's just easier to buy your own bookshelf than trying to squeeze your stuff onto ours. Don’t worry, though — we’ll come shopping with you.

2. Our list of books to read — the "TBR pile" — is never ending

The first thing you'll notice when you spend the night at our place is the large stack of books near our beds that we've been meaning to read but haven't quite gotten around to yet. Sure, we're not done with the memoir we started last week, but that doesn't mean we can't plan ahead for the five books we'll be reading next! Unlike other women, we won't be checking emails or watching TV at the end of the night. Instead, we'll be curled up under the covers and reading. And if you're sleeping over and suffering from insomnia, you can just reach over and pick up a book from our nightstands.

3. We put books before movies

Want to take us out for dinner and a movie? We'll be ready in five. But if the movie you want to see happens to be based on a book, we'll need a bit more time — we'll insist on reading the book first before we can head to the theater. If you don't want to change plans last minute, it's a good idea to give us a heads up so that we can do our reading in advance.

4. Patience: we've got it

We followed Harry as he battled basilisks and navigated puberty. We've read novels that are literally half a million words long. We can stick with a series, a character, or an author over decades. We’ve got this waiting thing down to an art, which is helpful when you're late meeting us for dinner.

5. We know how to hold a great conversation

We've read so many different genres and authors that we rarely run out of things to say. Mention that Intro to Modernism class you once took back in college, and we'll want to hear all about your favorite modernist writer. Meet us for happy hour, and we'll tell you all about the drinking habits of Hemingway and Faulkner. Or better yet, read a book with us and we can discuss character development, imagery, and alliteration together.

6. Empathy is our strong suit

After spending so much time diving into the minds of different characters and having watched our characters develop over the course of a book, bookworms know something about putting ourselves in other peoples' shoes. In fact, a study showed that readers are better at understanding other people and their perspectives. So if you're going through a rough patch, chances are that we can empathize.

7. We won't forget stuff

Reading is great exercise for your brain, and has been proven to actually improve your memory and reduce the risk for Alzheimer's later in life. Us bookworms actually work out our brains every time we pick up a new novel, which keeps us sharp even as we get older. This means that we'll never forget important things like your birthday, or when the library books are due. Of course, that also means that we won't forget our anniversaries — so you better not, either.

8. We're creative

We've been exercising our grey matter for years, imagining what distant universes and far away lands look like as we read about them in our favorite adventure series and novellas. We've brought characters to life in our minds as we followed them on their adventures, and have travelled to the ends of the earth without moving an inch. So if you need help planning your trip to Europe this summer, or are having trouble communicating with a coworker, or just can't figure out where to put the couch in your new apartment, you can always come to us to get your creative juices flowing.

9. Shopping for us is easy

Even if you can't pull a Chandler and get your hands on a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit, you still have plenty of good options to choose from. A signed copy of a new novel from our favorite authors would be much appreciated. Tickets to a book reading would be lovely, too. Or, if we're being honest, any book that you pick out especially for us will show us you care.

10. We'll never run out of stories to share

Need to escape after a long day at work? We'll make you some tea and give you one of our favorite travel memoirs to help you get away, even if just for an evening. Want a good laugh? We’ve got some Saunders you can chuckle your way through on our couch. We will always have a good read to recommend, no matter what mood you're in. And you can be sure that we'll let you borrow any book you want from our libraries — just as long as you tell us what you thought about it afterward.

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