Why Don't You Like Reading?
It’s undeniable that the habit of reading brings great benefits to those who practice it. Indeed, from childhood, both at home and school they try to instill in us the love of books. As adults, you hear friends and acquaintances affirming that reading is one of their greatest hobbies, something that they’re passionate about. For this reason, you may be wondering, why don’t you like reading?
In fact, if you don’t like reading, it’s perfectly normal to wonder what’s wrong with you. You might find yourself asking what screw is loose inside you to prevent you from enjoying such a highly recommended and apparently essential activity?
Furthermore, you’ve probably heard on more than one occasion that people who don’t read aren’t cultured or imaginative, that they don’t have a large vocabulary, and that they’re empty-headed or simple. How can you not feel guilty or inadequate in the face of such statements? Nevertheless, in reality, have you ever questioned the reasons for your lack of interest in reading?
Why don’t you like reading?
An inappropriate concept
Sometimes, the way that others try to instill a love of reading in you is inappropriate. They impose it. However, reading must be a pleasure, a space to let your imagination fly. Nonetheless, from a young age, you’re forced to read, focusing on how many pages you devour a day, making reading an exercise in limiting your freedom -when, in fact, it should be quite the opposite.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that many people grow up abhorring an activity that for so many years was an ordeal, a source of argument, and an external imposition. In fact, perhaps reading should be transmitted to children as an alternative for leisure and enjoyment. Maybe we should try to make them like to read, and not just have to read. Perhaps then, as adults, they’d relate differently to the written word.
Wide variety of options
Another important aspect is that you’re not always aware of the immensity of alternatives that you have. After all, reading doesn’t just involve the great classic novels or new books on the market. Reading isn’t even an activity that’s restricted to books.
We must bear in mind that each human being is different. We all have our own peculiarities, tastes, and preferences. For example, a large number of people love suspense stories. Or, perhaps everyone around you is talking about the latest science fiction novel. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t limit you to their tastes.
Think about what you like, what interests you? What makes you dream? Perhaps romantic novels or biographies of famous people are more appealing to you?
Or, maybe you prefer to read interesting articles on cooking, sports, personal development, or fitness. This is also reading. All of it nourishes your mind as much as the best-selling book of the moment would. Furthermore, it fits in with your own needs and desires.
When you’re planning to read, choose something that truly fascinates, excites, and interests you. Something you really want to find out more about. Forget the opinion of others. Read for you and only for you.
Representation systems
Not all of us have the same communication style. Some people are more visual, others more auditory, and others more kinesthetic. Some prefer to receive information visually, others choose to listen to it, and others choose to experience it directly. Therefore, it’s not realistic to try to group us all together.
If you don’t like to read, maybe audiobooks are a good option for you. Perhaps you find it more pleasant to receive the message aurally, and nowadays you can access numerous titles in this format. Or maybe writing is more satisfying for you if you enjoy actively working rather than passively receiving.
It’s okay not to like reading
If, after taking into account all of the above perspectives, you still don’t like reading, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t imply that you’re less intelligent, cultured, or interesting. Each person has their own personality traits and their own particular way of living.
Maybe you love playing sports, meditating, watching video conferences, painting with watercolors. Not everyone should like the same thing and that’s fine. We all have the right to choose how to achieve our own personal development.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- García-Rodríguez, A., & Gómez-Díaz, R. ¿ Leer con los oidos?: audiolibros y literatura infantil y juvenil.
- Aliste, M. E. R., Real, D. L., & Bravo, I. L. (2006). ¿ Eres visual, auditivo o kinestésico? Estilos de aprendizaje desde el modelo de la Programación Neurolingüística (PNL). Revista Iberoamericana de Educación, 38(2), 1-10.