Could you date someone who doesn't read?

[Zeiad Ehab]

It depends, I think it would be immature to decide If i could date someone or not based on If we share a hobby or not. If the person leaves me to read, then why not date them? Reading isn't my only hobby and It shouldn't be.

[Michelene Dlamini]

I dont think I could date someone that doesnt read. Knowledge is power

[Faithful Tourde-Akari]

I'm not so sure but I wouldn't really mind, it's just that we won't be able to connect if I'm really excited about a book and want to talk about it with someone or relate a part of the book that's funny to the person.

[Melissa Katherine]

As long as they don't have a problem with how much I like to read and that I like to spend money on buying books, then it's not a deal breaker. My fiancé isn't into reading. He just finds it boring and hard to pay attention. He prefers watching movies or playing video games. It's not an issue for us that I love to read because he still supports my love for books. We even recently bought a house that has an office with built-in bookshelves so I have a place to keep all my books. Sometimes I wish that he would read because I want to be able to discuss books with him, but that's why I have friends who like to read and am active in groups like this site or facebook groups where I can discuss books. It works out because he has interests that I don't like either. When he watches sports, I'll still sit in the room with him, but I'll read instead of watch.

[Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez]

It depends what you mean by "doesn't read". Doesn't read as in a hobby or doesn't read anything ever. Because those are two very different scenarios, and reading is sometimes a necessity.

My boyfriend doesn't read, at least not as a hobby like I do. Not because he doesn't like it but because his job and commute are exhausting and getting home to read is not something he can do. He likes audiobooks, as he can hear them while driving or working, and reads when is related to his job. I think that as long as we can have all types of conversations, and he keeps his critical thinking, I do not mind he choses not to read as a hobby.

[katlego Mogotlane]

I could date someone who doesn't read as long as they are open to learning from other people.

[Racine Lashley]

A couple of years ago, I would’ve said no without hesitation—being with someone who doesn’t read would’ve felt impossible. Reading has always played such a central role in my life. It’s how I unwind, learn, and connect with different perspectives. The idea of not sharing that passion with a partner felt like it would create an unbridgeable gap.

Now, I’ve come to realize that it’s not necessarily about whether someone reads but whether they can connect with me on a deeper level. If they can hold meaningful conversations, understand my thoughts, and engage with the ideas I’m passionate about, then I’d be open to it.

That said, I know there would still be moments of loneliness. When I’m excited about a plot twist, a profound quote, or a concept that sparked something within me, I’d want to share it. If the other person finds it uninteresting or can’t relate, it might leave me feeling like a part of me isn’t fully understood.

In the end, it’s not just about reading—it’s about finding someone who values the things that make you you, even if they don’t share the exact same interests.

[Bianca Bennett 2]

Honestly, I do not think something so superficial could stop me from pursuing someone if I truly had feelings for them. It is not a strict requirement but it would be nice to share an interest. Quite honestly I would not want to date anyone who would reject someone simply because they do not read.

[Bianca Bennett 2]

Honestly, I do not think something so superficial could stop me from pursuing someone if I truly had feelings for them. It is not a strict requirement but it would be nice to share an interest. Quite honestly I would not want to date anyone who would reject someone simply because they do not read.

[Emily_Stephens]

I could date a non-reader, and possibly even marry one if it was the right person in all other ways. But it would be really awkward not being able to discuss books/authors. Almost as bad is a child who (despite being read to ALL THE TIME when he was young) isn't much of a reader as an adult. He's otherwise a great human being, though, so I can deal with it. Younger child IS a reader, and I was so happy when we visited him at school, and as part of him showing us around he pointed out the hammock where he likes to read several times a week. Great kid!

[LysG99]

Hmmm, yes I definitely could date someone who does read. However, I would LOVE to date someone who does read. And if they don’t read, I would need them to be supportive and love my love of reading.

[Kim Bilodeau11]

I married someone who doesn't read much! As much as I would like to have fun book discussions with him, I understand that we have different hobbies, and that's ok!

[Blessing Obahor]

I don't really see how that would necessarily affect me that is as long as he does not talk down or ridicule my bibliophile nature, it would be OK. As a matter of fact, I'm married to an avid self help reader and I appreciate that as it makes him more open minded and knowledgeable about life.

[lwelizabeth]

No, I don't think I could. My entire family is enthralled by reading, constantly. Especially non-fiction and philosophy books that make you rethink what it is you think you know about the world. It's difficult for me to relate and connect with people who don't read, especially if they are not as voracious a reader as I am.

[Tales+Teacups]

Of course I could... as long as they let me rant about the annoying characters or gush about feet-kicking scenes.