No, I'm not a nerd.
Don't deny it; that was probably the first thought you had when you saw the article pop up on your Twitter feed.
"What idiot would pick books over relationships?"
I know.
Let me clarify a few things before we move on here.
When I talk about books, I'm not talking about the dry, 500-page ones your professors make you read.
I'm not talking about the ones where the text is so small that you pretty much need a magnifying glass to make sense of the letters.
When I talk about books, I'm talking about the ones that make you forget about reality for a little bit, the ones that give you a view of life you have never seen before.
I'm talking about the books that leave you speechless because they are written so well.
So why pick books over relationships?
Here are five reasons why:
1. Books won't get upset if you tell them you need some alone time.
Relationships are nice, but being together 24/7 is just not for me.
I crave alone time more than anything.
Whenever I tried to explain that to my ex, it usually ended in a big fight.
He'd say, "What do you mean you need time to yourself? Am I not good enough for you?"
Books don't mind if you put them aside for a little bit to focus on yourself.
They will patiently wait for you on your nightstand, and you can pick up right where you left off whenever you feel ready.
2. Books will never be mad if you fall asleep on them.
Don't lie; it's happened to the best of us.
Falling asleep on your partner can be break-up material.
For some reason, your partner doesn't believe you're falling asleep due to pure exhaustion.
He simply thinks he's too boring.
Yes, the movie might be good, but do you know how much energy it takes to keep your eyes open when you're tired?
On some days, I just don't have this kind of energy.
Books understand.
Sometimes you fall asleep in the middle of the page, and you know what? It's okay.
Just continue with it in the morning when you're well-rested.
3. It's okay to return the books you don't like.
It doesn't happen often, but every once in a while, I come across a book I just don't like.
I simply can't read past the first couple pages.
Life is way too short to read bad books, so yes, I am going to return you.
I'm sorry we didn't work out, but I think it's better this way.
Now, try the same with somebody you just met.
For some reason, you thought it would be a good idea to go on a date.
After a few minutes, you know it will never work out.
Now, I am not the type to blow you off after 10 minutes.
I will sit with you through an entire date, even if i can't stand you.
Would I love to return you for somebody I have more in common with?
Absolutely.
But since that isn't possible, I'm going to suck it up.
Oh, you want to go to the movies after dinner?
Sure, let's do it.
4. Books won't judge you.
It doesn't matter if you haven't washed your hair in a few days; it is completely acceptable to look like a homeless person whenever you are reading a book.
But, that doesn't fly in a relationship.
You kind of have to look acceptable if you're trying to keep your significant other around for more than a week.
More than once, I heard my ex say, "Are you sure you want to wear that for dinner?"
This won't happen to you with a book; I promise.
5. There's no such thing as too many books.
While in most cultures it is not acceptable to have more than one boyfriend, it is completely acceptable to read more than one book.
You are even allowed to read two books at the same time.
Chances are, they will never find out about each other.
I mean, how awesome would it be to switch between two boyfriends?
Don't lie; I know you've thought about it.
Do the same thing with books, and people will even admire you for it.
They'll say, "Dang, she reads two books at the same time. She must be the real deal."
