If you knew me when I was a kid, you probably wouldn’t notice me much.
Why?
Well, right after saying “hi,” I’d run off to read my books and get lost in other worlds.
Sound like you too? Were you always caught reading as a kid?
Guess what? All that time reading actually made you who you are today.
Seriously, it’s given you some cool qualities that people who don’t read just don’t have.
Keep reading to find out what they are.
1. Big Vocabulary
If you’re someone who has a word for everything and can’t resist the urge to use it, chances are you’ve spent a good chunk of your childhood nestled in the pages of various books.
Having a big vocabulary is a common trait among those who have read extensively.
After all, every new book you read introduces you to new words.
Over time, these words find a place in your memory and gradually become a part of your everyday language.
You might even find yourself surprising others with the range of your vocabulary!
All in all, being a childhood reader often turns you into a sort of walking dictionary, always ready to pull out just the right word for any situation.
2. Very Empathetic
Thanks to the diverse range of characters and situations you’ve encountered in books, you’ve learned to see things from many different viewpoints.
Reading about various characters, their experiences and emotions, can make you more understanding of others in real life.
In essence, you’ve walked in numerous characters’ shoes, experienced their joys and sorrows, and this has made you more empathetic.
So, if you find yourself being the person who always tries to understand others’ feelings and perspectives, it’s likely because your childhood was filled with reading.
3. Dreamer
Oh, the places you’ll go when you’re a reader! I can’t count the number of times I’ve caught myself daydreaming in the middle of the day, lost in a world spun from my own imagination.
It’s something that started when I was young, primarily fueled by my love for books.
From Hogwarts to Narnia, Middle-earth to Wonderland, books took me on countless adventures, sparking my imagination like nothing else.
I remember once when I was about ten years old, after reading “The Secret Garden”, I spent an entire afternoon in our backyard, pretending it was my very own magical garden with hidden doors and mystical creatures.
Even today, I often find myself zoning out and letting my mind wander off into imaginary worlds.
It’s just one of the many ways that growing up with books has influenced me—turning me into a lifelong dreamer.
4. Always Curious
If you’ve grown up reading, your curiosity knows no bounds.
Every new book presents a plethora of new information, ideas, and perspectives, each one sparking a fresh bout of curiosity.
You’re always asking questions, wanting to dig deeper and learn more.
This is why you’re probably more open-minded and curious than most people.
After all, books offer a safe space to explore different ideas, cultures, and belief systems, cultivating a broad-minded perspective and an insatiable curiosity in readers from a young age.
5. Good Observer
Reading is all about paying attention to the details.
You follow characters through their ups and downs, noticing their strengths, their flaws, their dreams, and their fears.
You witness the subtle plot twists and the carefully hidden clues that slowly but surely unravel the story.
This habit of paying close attention to details in books often translates into real life too.
Maybe you’re the person who always notices when your friend has a new haircut, or perhaps you’re the one who can tell when something is bothering a loved one even when they insist they’re fine.
You’ve learned to observe and pay attention to the small things because, just like in the books you love, you know that these small details can mean a lot.
In essence, your love for reading has not just made you a good observer but also someone who cares deeply about those around them.
It’s a heartfelt connection between your reading habits and your relationships with others—a testament to how books can truly enrich our lives.
6. Good Memory
Growing up, I often found myself lost in the intricate plots of mystery novels and the complex worlds of fantasy literature.
Remembering all the characters, their backgrounds, the plot twists, and even the smallest of details became second nature to me.
It was like my brain was constantly playing a game of memory match with every new book I picked up.
This practice, over time, has helped me develop a pretty sharp memory.
Whether it’s remembering a friend’s birthday, recalling an important work detail, or even memorizing a new recipe after just one read-through, I often surprise myself with how much I can remember.
I owe this trait largely to my love for reading from a young age.
So yes, if you’re someone who people count on for remembering things, you’re probably a fellow bookworm who grew up surrounded by books!
7. Patient
Reading isn’t always a walk in the park.
There are books that take forever to get to the point, characters that test your patience, and plots that take ages to unfold.
And yet, as a child, you stuck with them. You waited patiently for the story to develop, for the characters to grow, for the climax to deliver.
This relationship with books taught you a hard truth: good things take time.
You learned patience. You learned that not everything will be instant and it’s okay to wait.
Whether it’s life or a book, you know it’s about enjoying the journey and not just rushing to the destination.
And that’s a lesson not everyone learns early in life—only those of us who grew up turning pages late into the night.
8. Likes Being Alone
People who read a lot as kids often learn to enjoy their own company.
They’re used to spending hours alone, engrossed in a good book.
This comfort with solitude tends to stick around, even as they grow up.
They’re also more self-reliant and less likely to feel lonely when they’re by themselves.
Reading not only cultivates this comfort with solitude but also helps develop these associated positive traits.
So, if you’re someone who enjoys their own company, it’s likely because of all those hours you spent alone with your books growing up.
9. Good Communicator
Growing up with my nose always in a book, I was introduced to a universe of different writing styles, tones, and ways of expressing thoughts and emotions.
This exposure didn’t just increase my love for words but also shaped the way I communicate.
And it’s not just about using big words or crafting perfect sentences.
It’s about being able to effectively convey what I’m thinking or feeling, whether through written words or verbal communication.
It’s about understanding the power of language and how to use it to connect with others.
I’ve found that my history as a bookworm has made me a better listener too, as I’ve learned to appreciate and understand different perspectives through countless characters’ viewpoints.
So yes, if you find it easy to express yourself and connect with others, your childhood reading habit might be to thank!
10. Loves Learning
Now, this is a big one. If you were a reading kid, you’re likely a learning adult. Books to us were like keys to a vast, infinite world of knowledge.
Every book was a new adventure, a new lesson. And that feeling of discovering something new was (and still is) intoxicating.
As we grew up, this love for learning didn’t fade away.
Instead, it expanded beyond books.
Today, we find joy in learning new skills, exploring unfamiliar topics, even understanding complex concepts.
We’re the ones who are always up for a challenge, who see every problem as a puzzle waiting to be solved.
But let’s be honest here; it’s not always easy. There are times when learning can be overwhelming—when the puzzle seems too complex or the challenge too big.
Yet, we persist. Why? Because we’re wired that way. Books taught us that there’s always something new to learn, and that the joy of discovery is worth the struggle.
So if you’re someone who can’t resist the urge to learn something new, take a moment to thank your younger self for picking up those books.
For it’s your love for reading that turned you into an eternal learner.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, growing up with books is more than just about gaining knowledge or developing language skills—it’s about shaping our personalities and our outlook on life.
It has made us patient and empathetic, curious and observant. It has taught us to value solitude, to communicate effectively, and most importantly, to never stop learning.
So here’s to all the bookworms who’ve grown into amazing individuals—may we continue to grow and learn with every book we read!
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