New Study Says Readers Are The Nicest People

If you've stuggled with finding kind, supportive friends in the past, it may be time to start choosing some bookish besties. At least, that is what a new study conducted by Kingston University in London would seem to suggest.

The study quizzed people on which form of media they preferred: books, television, or plays. They were then tested on interpersonal skills, including how much they considered other people's feelings and whether or not they were inclined to help others.

Those who chose books as their favorite source of media were more likely to act in a socially acceptable manner compared to those who preferred watching television. (In fact, television lovers actually came across as less friendly, less open-minded and less understanding of other people's views.)

The study even went one step further, by determining which types of literature had the biggest impact on a book lover's emotional intelligence. Do you love fiction books? Turns out you're more inclined toward positive social behavior. Are you a sucker for steamy romance novels? You're probably more empathetic. Do you love laughing out loud to humor books on the subway? You can more easily relate to others.

Of course, it's no secret that reading can lead to tons of hugely important life benefits like improved memory, reduced stress and even a longer life span but now it can help you score better relationships, too. As if we needed any more excuses to live life with our noses in books.