You may think dating a book lover will be difficult, but we’re here to show you how you can breeze through every chapter of your love life!
Dating individuals who cannot live without reading books might pose a slight challenge at first. Bookworms, also known as bibliophiles, tend to spend as much time as they can with their books. They are the ones who cannot be parted with reading, no matter where they are: in trains, buses, planes, waiting in queue, waiting for their next classes. In fact, you will never see them not preoccupied because they will find time to peek into the lives of their favorite characters, wherever they may be!
You wouldn’t want to tear them away from their books. And given the nature of their hobby, you may sometimes feel like you’re the third wheel when your partner has a book in hand.
How can you date a bookworm?
You don’t need to be a bibliophile yourself to be able to enjoy dating a bookworm. Here are some ways you can dive into their world to make your dates mutually enjoyable!
1. Time to bring out that book bag and library card that has been hoarding cobwebs since you got it.
Not all bookworms date their fellow bookworms. And you are probably in this section because you are not a big fan of books, or even if you are a fan, you are not a hardcore, super fan like the person that you are dating. Don’t fret, though. There are surely a number of libraries that you can bring your partner to.
Research where the libraries are, their opening hours and what the requirements for membership are. When you have gotten the information, get your own pass. Your partner probably possesses their own card, but you can surprise them by bringing them there on a Saturday afternoon and spending the rest of the day there instead of watching a movie or dining out.
You don’t even have to feign enthusiasm for the same books. Go to the big format section or the art section, and grab some books with huge illustrations. You can even revisit your childhood by checking out the youngsters’ section of the library. An entire history of human thoughts and emotions can be in a library, so there’s no way you won’t find anything of interest!
2. Fancy a cup of tea? Coffee?
If there is something that goes well with reading, it will either be coffee or tea. Dating a bookworm will mean spending time in coffee shops or tea places that are cozy and welcoming readers. It would be a nice gesture for you to research about interesting coffee or tea places in the area, and spend some time with your bookworm there. An added touch will be to know their favorite drink before visiting the place so you can also order it for them. [Read: 50 date ideas to wow someone special]
3. Museums and art galleries
As long as there are snippets to read, your bookworm will enjoy visiting these places with you. A bookworm loves museums, art galleries and exhibits. You will never find a person who loves to read that does not want to enter these kinds of places. Another date idea will be to go visit these venues with them. Who knows, you might discover an inner curator in you.
4. Words, words, and more words
If there is another thing that a bookworm loves, apart from their monstrous book collection, it will be words. Therefore, you should start practicing on some word games like scrabble and boggle. If neither of you are into games, you can always come up with your own games by picking out obscure words or words from another language, and trying to define it in English.
Other than this, words will always be received warmly by your partner. So, on your anniversary or any other special occasion, why not write your partner a love letter or create a frames typography quote from one of his or her favorite authors? [Read: A guide to writing a romantic love letter]
5. Parks and open air spaces, or a cozy nook in your home
If you have already gone to every library and coffee or tea shop there is to go to, the next step is to date in a park or any open space, such as grassy lawns, where your bookworm will have a comfortable place to sit down for book reading.
It does not even have to be a park or a grass field, it can even be a place in your room solely dedicated for reading. All you have to do is to make sure there is comfortable seating and ample lighting and you’re good to go. You can even ask your book loving partner to read a book aloud to you as you lounge around.
6. Books and sun
Who says bookworms cannot read and sunbathe? For the more adventurous bookworm who braves the sun, the beach is a perfect weekend getaway for them. Just keep them covered by sun block and hydrated at all times, for they might not leave the shore until the sun sets. [Read: 10 romantic summer date ideas]
7. The cinema may or may not be your friend
Now, although this is kind of tricky, it is a win-win situation. Bookworms stay true and loyal to the books they have read, and they might feel a little bit off if you would like to watch a movie version of a book that they have read.
If your significant other likes the movie, then it would be a great date. However, if the movie doesn’t even come close to the book, there might be a problem. But don’t worry. Make sure that you have read the book as well, or have an idea what was not included in the movie, so you can turn the disappointment into a discussion. And when it comes to in-depth discussions about their favorite books, your bibliophile will certainly light up! [Read: Movie date tips for the perfect cinematic experience]
It’s actually a great thing to have bookworms for partners. You will know where to get them gifts for special occasions. And if you do not have the budget for books, as they can be very expensive as well, you can always bring them to a secondhand bookstore where they can explore the selections on their own.
If you do happen to have the finances for your book lover’s fancies, but you have no idea what they’d like, you can take them to the biggest bookstore you can find, and tell them that you’ll get them anything they want… As long as your budget allows, of course!
9. What do bookworms carry with them all the time apart from their books?
Why, book accessories, of course! Bookmarks, electronic dictionaries, book stands and portable night lamps are a couple of book accessories that your bookworm partner also likes. You can start a bookmark collection for your partner by buying bookmarks that are from the different places or countries that you have been to. There are so many book accessories in bookstores nowadays that it wouldn’t be difficult to get these items as well.
10. Build a bookshelf
If you know a thing or two about carpentry, or you frequent furniture shops, it would be a great gesture to build a personalized bookshelf for your lover. Customize it to fit their room and paint it in a color that they would like. Nothing is more romantic than handicrafts made from the heart.
11. Recreate book events
Your bookworm will have several favorite books or none at all, as they will probably say they like all the books that they have read. Chances are your bookworm will also mention some favorite scenes or a scenario that happened in one of their books.
Try to research about this scene or event and try to recreate this for your significant other. It might be as simple as wearing the same clothes as the book characters and listening to the same music, or something as grand as going to a different country where the book’s setting takes place.
[Read: 25 romantic ideas to make your lover melt]
These are simple steps that, when done for your significant other, can make the relationship more interesting in spite of not having the same passion for reading. Who knows, maybe your partner’s love of books will rub off on you, and you can finally understand why they go nuts for the written word!