Why men love women who read

Last Saturday I was fairly sure I knew the type of women men seek; those women have good hair, fantastic bodies and tend to be glamorous. Whilst men claim they want the girl next door, I suspected the real truth was they want a reincarnation of Kelly Brook. I often fantasised about men wanting tall, brunette, small-breasted girls who are addicted to books, fancy dress and chips and I was – to my great relief – informed by a man I know that the perfect lady is indeed a woman who reads.

This gentleman explained the attraction in greater details: at Christmas, on her birthday, Valentine’s Day and any other anniversary or celebration, she is the easiest person in the world to buy for. But it isn’t just about easy gifts, books also provide endless talking points between couples because they can generate non-stop conversations.

My experience of what men want is not usually so off and I have discovered that a girl who reads shows the following qualities: she is inspired, she explores others lives and takes a genuine interest in people.

Other reasons to date a girl who reads were also imparted to me: she will encourage your children to develop their imagination and realise their ambitions. She will have seen straight-talking women and be galvanised by heroines who are confident and driven, rather than those who can dress well or believe romantic movies will come true. This inside source also revealed that he felt that women who read could express themselves more easily, and he pointed out how nothing annoys some men more than lines such as “I am fine.” So, I queried further, he stated he wants opinions and not boredom, a conversation rather than a smile and this is all obtained from ladies who, yes, read.

The top tips to be a woman who reads – apart from the obvious – is spending your money on books, Amazon is a great place to do this. Or, if you want to save yourself some well-earned cash, dig out that library card and treat it like your credit card. What’s more, certain branches in London offer free DVD rentals as an incentive once you have borrowed a certain number of books. Make sure you check out your local branch for details.

Always carry a book in your handbag; it is a brilliant way to spend your time when waiting for a friend or on the tube. Books can make you feel charitable and by buying some great reads at your local BHF or Oxfam or RSPCA, you are a friend to the animals as well as a literary credit!

And if you want to hear it from a man, click here to see Mark Grist’s take on Girls who read.

Paula de Burgh