Why Reading in Public is the New Power Move in Dating, According to Emily Lyons

In a recent LinkedIn post, Emily Lyons discusses a surprising yet effective strategy for sparking connection: reading in public. Lyons highlights how a simple act can serve as a powerful icebreaker in both social and romantic contexts, challenging conventional notions of attention-grabbing openers.

Lyons opens by recounting a celebrity anecdote to illustrate her point: “Dua Lipa was at a dinner in Los Angeles when Callum Turner sat down next to her. He asked what she was reading. Trust, by Hernán Díaz. He had the same book going, and they had both just finished the first chapter. He said, ‘So we’re on the same page.’ They got married this year.” This story, as presented by Lyons, underscores the potential for shared interests, sparked by a book, to lead to significant connections.

The Rise of Reading as an Attractive Trait

Lyons points to a notable trend in dating behavior, noting that “Book mentions in dating bios are up 29%, and up 41% among women.” She firmly believes this trend reflects a genuine societal shift, stating, “Everyone has decided reading is attractive, and in my humble book loving opinion, they are correct.” According to Lyons, this indicates a growing appreciation for intellectual curiosity and depth over superficial gestures.

Beyond the Clever Opener: Authenticity in Connection

The core of Lyons’s argument centers on the ineffectiveness of generic or overly clever conversation starters. She asserts, “A bio is just a claim. Twelve years of matchmaking has shown me that the openings that actually work are never clever. They are specific and they are true.” Lyons elaborates on this by explaining that manufactured or generalized attempts at conversation often fall flat. “A stranger cannot start a conversation about the podcast in your ears or the scroll on your phone,” she writes, emphasizing the need for tangible, personal anchors for interaction.

The Book as a ‘Door’ for Conversation

Lyons proposes that a book, when visible, offers a natural and authentic entry point for conversation. “A cover facing up gives them a door,” she explains. This simple visual cue, according to Lyons, provides a non-intrusive way for others to engage, based on a shared or curious interest in the chosen reading material. She encourages readers to leverage this insight in various settings.

Practical Application: Reading in Plain Sight

Lyons provides actionable advice for incorporating this strategy into daily life. She advises, “So bring the book to the coffee shop. Or to the bar at the restaurant where you eat alone. On the plane, the park, the hotel lobby, the long wait at the mechanic.” Her advice is consistent: choose public spaces where the act of reading can be observed. Lyons concludes with a simple yet profound encouragement: “You were going to read it anyway. Do it somewhere with people in it.” This call to action frames reading not just as a solitary pastime, but as a potentially social and connective activity.