Just a little forewarning to any guy who wants to ask me out...

1. I spend most of my money on books.

I like clothes and shoes as much as the next girl, especially if they come from Torrid or Dress Barn. Let me loose in Bath & Body Works, and I’ll come out with more things than I can carry. But I don’t spend nearly enough time in those places as I do in the book section of Target or bookstores. And most of my credit card history is on Amazon books.

I buy them because they make me happy, and they take up just as much room as clothes, so there is very little difference as far as I am concerned. So, unless we are married or living together, you can’t tell me what I can’t do with my money.

2. I may or may not compare you to fictional men.

This is a true but unfortunate fact. I swear I will do my best not to, because more often than not, fictional men are just too perfect. I mean, no or very little flaws whatsoever. I’m not perfect by any means, so I certainly don’t expect my significant other to be. But, like most bookworm girls, there’s always the one particular book boy that checks all my boxes. I want to introduce him to my friends, but, of course, they can’t see him unless they read the book.

That is the one advantage you have—you are not fictional and my friends will meet you. But, I must warn you, they’re worse.

3. I don’t care if you are not a fan of reading, but don’t make fun of the fact that I like to or think it’s dumb.

Despite what others think, dating a guy who likes to read is actually more of a plus than a requirement. Dating a reader does not guarantee he will like the same kind of books as I do. There are those snobs who only read classics or Booker Prize Winners and look down at anyone who dare read a fantasy romance novel.

As for me, as long as my significant other at least appreciates that I like to read, I’m totally fine with him not liking books personally. Such as, if he prefers video games, I’m not going to judge him for it. However, there will be a problem if he makes fun of me reading in a not good-natured way, or tries to stop me from doing it altogether for more favorable (to him) activities.

4. Flowers and jewelry are not the keys to my heart—books are.

It’s not that I don’t like flowers or jewelry. I think most flowers are pretty. Problem is, I tend to get a stuffy nose if I’m around them. And, much like a cat, I’m attracted to sparkly things. If a guy gives me a necklace, one that is thoughtful and clearly shows he knows my tastes, I’m not going to turn it away.

However, if he buys me books off my Amazon wish list or one he went out of he way to a bookstore, picking one at random he thought I would like because he paid as much attention he could to my bookish babble, then I’m in the long haul with him.

5. Take me on a bookish date, and I’m yours.

Dinner and a movie is always the safest choice. For this girl: bring me to the bookstore, go with me to a book signing, or even act out a scene from a book I like, or bring me somewhere that has a significance in a book I enjoyed. To me, that shows he cares about my interests and wants to get to know me, even if he does not fully understand it.