When I was younger, I hated to read. I was easily frustrated when having to read more than just a paragraph and I didn't really pick up a book unless I had to, even that was a struggle. The older I got, the more I was required to read, the more I groaned at the task. That was until seventh grade, I was suddenly surrounded by books that I couldn't seem to put down and I enjoyed. From that point on I would gladly pick up a book and get lost in the world of literature in my hands. As much as my love to reading grew I still turned away from any boy who came into my life who had a joy for reading and I didn't share that joy of my own with anyone. Now, reflecting on what I've learned entering the adult world I realize that a boy who loves to read is exactly what I should've been looking for all along because of the qualities they hold.
1. Reading requires a specific amount of patience.
As most people know, any piece of fiction literature doesn't start off with an action packed scene or an extraordinarily captivating narrative. It's typically slow and generic, setting up the book's background, until about 50-100 pages in. This shows that he has not just the patience, but the understanding that getting to know you might not be breath-taking in the beginning but it will lead up to an amazing story.
2. It also enhances your vocabulary.
Reading will open up your vocabulary to words not usually used by most people in our generation and can correct misused vocabulary and improve diction. A boy who loves to read will choose his words carefully and speak with an elegance that is hard to resist.
3. Reading proves that he can hold an interest.
Story lines can often drift from the main plot or even have multiple narratives. Switching from main story to flashbacks to a change in point of view, he can follow the story and stay interested despite all the other changes, and keep from straying from the topic of interest, aka you.
4. It displays a sense of passion.
When you read a book, you fall in love with characters, places, time periods, and authors. Nothing is better than coming together after you both read the same book and listening to the amount of passion he speaks with. This sense of passion should reflect how he speaks about you with other people, and who doesn't want someone who speaks passionately about them when they aren't around?
5. He will teach you new things.
Despite whether you ask him to or if you even notice, he'll always be teaching you. From new vocab to life lessons and everything in between. Reading encourages people to learn and therefore encourages them to teach.
6. Solitude will be understood.
Readers like to be alone from time to time because reading is something you do in solace. It helps relax you and can even help you fall asleep. He will never question your need for solitude no matter the reason, he'll most likely take the opportunity to get some alone time as well and will wait for you to come back when you're ready.
So don't roll your eyes when you see a boy with his nose in a book. Chances are, he's a lot more fantastic than you think.
