Books

Can Reading Improve Your Love Life? This Study Says Yes

I'm a big fan of reading broadly and deeply, but can you read books to become a better lover? Popular dating website eHarmony thinks so. Based on a user survey, eHarmony found that men and women who listed specific books — such as Richard Branson's The Virgin Way: Everything I Know About Leadership or Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games — on their profiles received more clicks and messages than those who did not. This finding reinforces earlier research done by another dating website, MyBae, which published a 2016 report claiming that single folks found readers more attractive than non-readers.

And you know what? It makes sense! Much like fellow Bustle writer Emma Lord, I would never dream of dating someone who didn't enjoy reading. Even if you and your significant other don't like to read the same kinds of books, you can both reap the benefits of reading, such as increased empathy, improved communication skills, and a longer lifespan. If your partner doesn't read, you can still bond over books, but it takes a lot more work than just putting a really great title in their hands.

But that's putting the cart before the horse. If you're still on the dating scene, be sure to list your reading habits on your online profiles. You'll get more views and messages, and you might just catch yourself a fellow reader.