When talking about the drawbacks of reading, I jokingly said that reading causes a poor social life. And while there may be some truth to that, the opposite is also (paradoxically) true. While reading can decrease the number of relationships you have, it can also improve the depth and quality of those relationships you do maintain.
As we noted from the benefits of reading, the activity improves empathy and decreases stress. And those are two things that can benefit many relationships. You can learn from the example of fictional relationships—either what to do, or what not to do.
A study done by The Reading Agency in the UK shows those who read for pleasure have better social and communication skills, lower rates of depression, and improved self-worth. Unlike spending time online, reading books can give you greater resilience to social pressures and a better sense of self dependance. Readers better understand ourselves in relation to those around us.
Reading a good book can give you something to discuss, especially if it’s a common interest. Books can help connect people in several ways. Reading is also shown to make you appear smarter to others, which makes you more appealing to others.
Being able to recommend a good book to a friend is satisfying. “Sharing the books you’ve loved is one of the great pleasures in reading.” (Nancy Pearl) Not only are you enriching the life of someone you love, you’re also opening up the opportunity to discuss that book with that person.
Best of all, this applies to nearly any relationship in your life—children, parents, siblings, spouses, friends, etc. No relationship in your life cannot be enhanced by reading together.