---
title: "Intelligence Now Ranks Among the Most Attractive Traits: How Reading Makes You Better Company"
description: Intelligence ranks among the most attractive traits in a partner. How reading builds curiosity, empathy and conversation, with six books to start.
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2026-10-30T16:30:17.490Z
updated: 2026-10-30T16:30:55.948Z
canonical: https://richbooksmagazine.com/article/reading-makes-you-better-company-6-books
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/pexels-3967013.webp
categories: Self-Development, Reading Lists
content_type: Feature
publication: Rich Books
access: members
schema_type: Article
---

One of the [dating trends of 2026](https://richbooksmagazine.com/article/slow-dating-6-ways-to-meet-someone-worth-keeping) has an affectionate name: the nerd normal. A major dating app found that singles now treat intelligence as essential in a partner rather than a pleasant extra. The preference is older than the label. When people across dozens of countries have been asked to rank what they look for in a long-term partner, kindness and intelligence have consistently come at or near the top, above looks and money.

On a first date, intelligence rarely means qualifications. It means curiosity, a good question, the ability to follow an idea somewhere unexpected and [a sense of humour](https://richbooksmagazine.com/article/what-makes-you-a-charming-man-boost-your-relationship) sharp enough to play with it. Reading builds every one of these.

## How reading changes the way you talk

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