Some friends and I were having this discussion recently, and I was fascinated by the broad range of opinions. The stats were divided pretty evenly between reader and non-reader SOs, but people who were dating/married to readers were unanimously of the opinion that they would never again date a non-reader.

I can understand why.

In all the long-term relationships I’ve had so far, the men have been of the forget-the-book-watch-the-movie variety. Or “I’ll read it if I can learn something from it.” The last one read 30 pages of a book, and said, “Aren’t you proud of me?” Um, no.

Lately I’ve been meeting people who’re heavily into books, and it’s so great being able to talk to them about favorite characters and plots and hidden meanings and alternate endings. I think I’m beginning to lean towards the won’t-date-’em-if-they-don’t-read category.

My observation, and this could be totally off, has been that people who read fiction tend to have a wider world view and are more accepting of new ideas and novel concepts. Emotionally, I feel they’re healthier. Again, I have nothing to back this up but my own experience, but it’s part of the reason I now find myself more attracted to people who read. I feel like they’re more emotionally and intellectually mature, maybe.

As a writer, this affects me in another way as well. People who don’t read fiction will vehemently protest against “wasting your time” on writing it. “Novel?” one ex-boyfriend asked with obvious contempt. “Why would you waste your talent on a novel?”

If you’re a reader, you’re probably cringing and laughing. Because as informative as journalism is, it’s not what changes the world. Fiction is, and has always been, at the center of change. People who haven’t experienced the power of a good story don’t understand this. And if you’re a writer of fiction, this may affect you.

What do you think? Does your significant other read? Is it important to you?