Why Reading Romance Novels Makes Women Smarter

[AlfaCentauro83]

I don´t agree with the premise. Romance novels are sometimes dull, predictable or unbearable. The way women suffer and accept everything for her love is not agreable. I prefer other type of books mostly sci-fi and fantasy. There has not to be logic or true.

[nagathachristie]

For most of my life, I read fantasy novels. My sister gave me a romance book and I was hooked.

But to be honest, I don't think genres matter.

I love romance books because they are unrealistic and I have time to be in fantasy super girly mode (I love historicals). It is an escape, but I also like how the characters can overcome obstacles (as in every book) and the outcomes are usually sunny (real life can be frustrating). They're also easy reads because I don't need to think too much. I don't know if it makes me smarter (sometimes they can affect my marks - good release dates tend to coincide with my assignments/test/exam dates), but reading more helps me pick up information fast and stay sharp.

[Din1905]

I agree with most of the posters who say that romance novels don't necessarily make you smarter. Then again, romance novels can be pretty varied and I think most of us are just thinking of the trashy novels when we think of romance. However, aren't many of Jane Austen's books romance novels? How many people dismiss those as not intellectually stimulating (I am thinking specifically of Pride & Prejudice, which is renowned for its witty banter)?

At the same time I have to admit I do occasionally read trashy (sometimes non-trashy but similarly cheesy) romance novels as a guilty pleasure because it provides for a fun escapism. I guess problems arise only when young teens (and sometimes idiotic older women) define their own romantic assumptions based on the unrealistic portrayal of romance in these books. I agree with the poster who said that Twilight is about an abusive relationship and I shudder to think of all the silly girls and women who are so engrossed by it that they cannot distinguish between reality and fiction, and a healthy and unhealthy relationship.

[nagathachristie]

Dinho1905 I totally agree. People that take these things to be true (such as Twilight) are in serious trouble. My friends look at me and wonder why I love romance novels when they are so unrealistic? I am aware that they are unrealistic and that's why I like them. If you are not aware that books do not have to portray real life, then romance novels don't make you smart. I think a process of thinking over how unrealistic something is can help people become smarter. I don't really care though, because I just want a happy ending. But there are a billion romance novels I hate, such as when the main characters have love hate relationship, or things are so cheesy. I definitely dislike bodice rippers too...

[laura_askew88]

I think we women need to be careful reading romance novels. Especially if you are married or in a relationship. Most of the time reality just doesn't pan out like it does in books and we can get disappointed in our lives. I'm sure many a relationship that would have worked out just fine has been ruined by a good romance novel.

[nagathachristie]

I'm not sure that you should be worried about girls thinking it is real life, because people are inundated with unrealistic messages every day. I'm pretty sure a few people know other people that believe that real life should be like a soap opera... so I wouldn't warn other people against it. They are guilty pleasures, yes. But not reading also isn't good. The point you should make when you discuss books with other people is that you acknowledge that these books are unrealistic. If some people do not get it...well... maybe they are just that way, clinging to whatever evidence that proves that these unrealistic expectations are real life. You can cling to so many shows and movies that also portray this (I'm still waiting for the day that I can afford that apartment in New York with my best friend, while my other guy friends live across the hall), so I don't think that it is that horrible.

I like historic romance for the reason that it is so different and unrealistic from real life. It's my time to ride into the sunset on my pet unicorn, navigating the rainbow highways.

And *wiggles eyebrows* women that read romance books more apparently get in on with their other half more (I need that source, or is that what I'm thinking?)

[Din1905]

(I'm still waiting for the day that I can afford that apartment in New York with my best friend, while my other guy friends live across the hall), so I don't think that it is that horrible.

Sigh, I miss that show...and that would be totally awesome to do!

[laura_askew88]

I like to read books that have romance in the story line, but I am cautious with strictly romance novels because I don't want them to make my life seem boring.

[Sveta]

There are good romances and bad romances. I feel that Twilight and Fifty Shades are negative romances, while those that have heroine as a strong and capable woman are good ones. It helps self-esteem and perhaps that there's someone for everyone. I do like realism thrown in though.

[saturday+deviant]

There are good romances and bad romances. I feel that Twilight and Fifty Shades are negative romances, while those that have heroine as a strong and capable woman are good ones. It helps self-esteem and perhaps that there's someone for everyone. I do like realism thrown in though.

I like this take on romance novels. You can't generalize a genre of books just because they value the idea of loving and respectful relationships.

[Misaela]

Couldn't it be just reading more? Does it have to be specifically romances?

[Age777]

Anytime you exercise your brain with reading it helps make you smarter versus letting your mind deteriorate. I don't think what you read really matters as long as you read.

[buddyroo]

I had my own phase of reading romance novels in college and I never thought it made me smarter. In fact I felt the opposite. That is why I stopped.

[L_Therese]

Arguably, engaging one's brain in any constructive application improves (or preserves) its ability to function, although usually this is couched in terms of studying a new language to maintain and improve memory function...

[talia_in]

That's an interesting question