Last year, my boyfriend moved to Boston. I live in New York.
He comes to see me every weekend. I'm a very lucky girl. But we were the kind of sickeningly in love couple that spent every single moment together because we had so much fun together. He is my best friend, and I really never get tired of him (but ask me again in 10 years. The answer may be different).
Therefore, at first, I was extremely lonely. I found myself with a ton of time left over that used to be spent with him. But then I rediscovered what I'd seemed to have forgotten: books are such amazing companions.
When Nicholas (my boyfriend) lived in the same city, I was definitely not reading as much as I used to. But when I got to thinking about it, I realized that I have not been reading as much as I used to for probably the past six or seven years.
What better activity to devote all my free time to, particularly in the winter, when I am not inclined whatsoever to go out? Staying in and reading was clearly the best option.
Reader, I have not regretted it.
Books soothe you in your loneliness. They make you feel empathy, compassion. You get lost in them. Books can be great substitutes for boyfriends.
They can be irritating. Sometimes you need to stick with them, even through the boring parts, even when the going gets rough. Usually you'll find out at some point that it was worth it to stick it out.
Sometimes, things start out slow, and take a while to pick up. Sometimes you don't even realize you're in love until it's too late, and you're absolutely obsessed.
But sometimes you have to break up with them. Sometimes, they're just not a good fit for you. It's not them, it's you. But sometimes, it is them. Sometimes they never pick up the pace or they're just not intriguing or exciting enough.
Dating in New York City is hard. Reading doesn't have to be. Here are 11 books that make great dates.
So, get off OKCupid and start reading! At least with a book, you don't have to wait until the check comes to get the hell out of there.
What book do YOU think makes a great date? Let me know in the comments!
