Avid readers, who prefer reading to engaging in other leisure activities such as watching television or playing sports, are often subject to a multitude of prejudices. Common misperceptions about those who love to read are that they are antisocial; they are also often referred to as the most boring people on the block and slandered as “bookworms”.
Those who are primarily seen carrying their current reading wherever they go often find themselves outcasts and eventually even begin to accept themselves as social outcasts. The disorder becomes more acute when the readers accept this irrational treatment that is imposed on them, thus alienating themselves even more.
Those who read regularly should spend some time trying to change common misperceptions about their kind. The reason for confronting such prejudices is that the responsibility of commercializing the love of reading and getting more and more people to adopt this practice, making reading a part of everyday life, is entirely in their hands.
It is the task of a person aware of the multitude of benefits that this hobby can offer the world to make the world see the light. It may seem like an uphill task, but perhaps all it takes is a little conscious effort combined with the wisdom of how to project your personality in order to influence others. Be subtly humorous and, when conversing with others, allow yourself to respond naturally and spontaneously. Just because you like books doesn’t mean you should share bookish tidbits at every interaction. One must learn to go with the flow and not redirect it to what one has recently read, something book lovers often do.
If book lovers project well, it will be apparent that such individuals are far more intellectual and understanding than those whose minds have not been exposed to the written word. Well-educated people are highly engaging conversationalists and are likely to add more color to any gathering because they have a broad base of knowledge and a unique perspective. More often than not they have the effect of widening the scope of any discussion, adding value and meaning to what would otherwise have been a very ordinary session.
The world would be a much better place if everyone read fiction, in particular. Fiction helps reduce stress and increases imagination and creativity. It also helps increase empathy for others, as the books invite you to walk a mile in the shoes of others and look at the world from varied perspectives. Reading books allows the reader to live multiple lives and gives the mind food for thought, allowing us to better use our brain cells and have a well-informed opinion on various topics. Taking into account all these positive points of reading, each bookworm must decide to influence at least 5 people throughout their lives to join the club. It is a good idea to start by trying to influence young children, as ideally they are not possessed by strong prejudices.