People who grew up reading avidly usually develop these 10 unique qualities as adults
Did you read a lot of books when you were a kid? If yes, then you might be a bit different from your friends. How so?
Well, reading books does more than just make you good at English in school. It can shape who you become when you grow up.
Remember those nights when you stayed up late to finish Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia? Those moments might have had a bigger impact on you than you think.
Curious?
Stick with us. We’re about to reveal 10 unique things about adults who loved reading as kids.
This should be interesting!
1. They have a vivid imagination
Growing up with books means you’ve spent countless hours exploring magical lands, solving mysteries, and embarking on epic quests.
This exposure to different worlds and characters often leads to a more vivid imagination in adulthood.
You see, when you read, your brain has to create images of what you’re reading about. This can make you really good at imagining things, which is a useful skill in many areas of life – from problem-solving at work to daydreaming about your next vacation!
2. They’re great communicators
Books are filled with dialogues, descriptions, and narratives that can give us a deep understanding of language and communication.
If you spent your childhood immersed in books, chances are you’ve picked up a thing or two about expressing yourself clearly.
You may find it easier to articulate your thoughts, write compelling emails or hold engaging conversations.
Not to mention, your impressive vocabulary could be the envy of your friends and colleagues!
3. They are empathetic
Reading about diverse characters and their experiences often instills a deeper sense of empathy in avid readers.
As a kid, I remember reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” and being deeply moved by the injustices Scout and Jem witnessed. It was the first time I truly understood the impact of prejudice and it made me more empathetic towards others.
Books have this magical ability to put us in someone else’s shoes, making us more understanding and compassionate as adults.
So, if you’re an avid reader, you might find yourself naturally empathizing with others in real life situations, just like you did with your favorite characters.
4. They have better concentration
Did you know that reading is a real workout for your brain? It’s true!
According to a study by Stanford University, reading increases blood flow to certain areas of the brain. When you’re engrossed in a good book, you’re training your brain to focus on one task at a time.
This might explain why as an adult, you find it easier to concentrate on tasks, even in a noisy environment or when you’re under stress.
So, thanks to all those childhood reading marathons, you might be better at focusing and blocking out distractions!
5. They cherish solitude
Remember those quiet afternoons spent curled up with a good book, completely lost in a different world? Those moments of solitude might have nurtured a love for spending time alone.
As adults, avid readers often cherish their alone time. It’s not about being anti-social, but about enjoying their own company and the peace and tranquility that solitude can bring.
Whether it’s taking a solo walk in the park or simply savoring a cup of coffee in silence, they find comfort and joy in these moments of solitude.
6. They have a lifelong love for learning
I can personally vouch for this one.
Reading books as a child, I was constantly discovering new worlds, ideas, and facts. Whether it was learning about the life of ants in “The Secret Life of Bees” or getting a peek into the Victorian era through “Pride and Prejudice”, every book opened up a door to something new.
This thirst for knowledge didn’t stop with childhood. As an adult, I’ve found that I’m constantly curious and eager to learn about different cultures, concepts, and skills.
Many avid readers share this quality – a lifelong love for learning that extends far beyond academic pursuits.
7. They’re comfortable with silence
Life isn’t always about constant chatter, endless scrolling on social media, or being the life of the party. Sometimes, it’s about enjoying the quiet moments.
If you grew up reading, you know what I’m talking about. You’ve spent hours in silence, devouring books, completely captivated by the story unfolding in front of you.
And you absolutely loved it.
As adults, this translates into being comfortable with silence.
While others may scramble to fill every quiet moment with noise or small talk, you’re perfectly at ease. You understand that silence isn’t something to be feared or filled, but something to be appreciated.
And honestly, that’s a great quality to have.
8. They’re more creative
Did you know that reading can boost your creativity?
According to a study, reading fiction can enhance creativity, making you more open to new experiences and able to think outside the box.
As a child, when you dived into books, you were not only enjoying a good story but also stimulating your imagination. Every plot twist, every character’s decision was an exercise for your brain to think creatively.
So, if you’re an avid reader who’s grown up to be a creative thinker, whether in your work or personal life, you have your favorite books to thank for that!
9. They have a strong sense of self
Growing up reading books, I often found myself relating to certain characters, understanding their motives, or learning from their mistakes.
This gave me a sense of who I was and who I wanted to be.
Whether I was cheering for the brave and clever Hermione Granger or introspecting with the thoughtful Scout Finch, these characters helped shape my values and beliefs.
In my experience, many avid readers develop a strong sense of self from an early age. They have a clear understanding of their values, beliefs, and standpoints, largely influenced by the diverse characters and situations they’ve encountered in their readings.
It’s as if every book read leaves an indelible mark on their personality, helping them understand themselves better.
10. They’re resilient
Life isn’t always as straightforward or as kind as the stories in our books. But here’s what reading teaches us – resilience.
Remember those characters who faced insurmountable odds, experienced heart-wrenching losses, yet managed to rise again? They taught us about resilience in the face of adversity.
As adults, avid readers tend to carry this lesson with them. They understand that life will throw curveballs, much like the plot twists in a gripping novel.
But they also know that they have the strength to overcome these challenges, to keep turning the pages until they reach the next chapter in their lives.
And let’s be honest, in this unpredictable journey of life, resilience is a quality worth having.
Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.