I love a girl who reads. She thinks analytically. According to a study at Emory University published in Brain Connectivity, reading enhances your ability to analyze.

I love a girl who reads because she does hard things. She chooses to pick up a book instead of turning on the TV. According to Harvard Medical School’s Family Health Guide, reading, like other mentally stimulating activities, requires mental effort that creates new connections between nerve cells

I love a girl who reads. She will have a better memory. A recent study found that people who read are two and a half times less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Syndrome later on in life.

I love a girl who reads. She will live longer. Reading any kind of material—fiction or nonfiction, ­poetry or prose—for as little as 30 minutes a day over several years increased the average lifespan by two years.

I love a girl who reads. She isn’t as stressed. One 2009 study by Sussex University researchers showed that reading may reduce stress by as much as 68 percent.

I love a girl who reads. She is always thinking. Constantly having ideas, stories, and philosophy going through your head means never a dull moment. In addition, reading generally increases your scores on tests of intelligence.

I love a girl who reads. She has a big vocabulary. Each book you read adds multiple new words to your vocabulary. Books expose you to 50 percent more words than prime time TV, or even a conversation between college graduates, according to a paper from the University of California, Berkeley.

I love a girl who reads. She will empathize with others. A study done by the University of Buffalo concluded that fictional storylines open you up to new emotions and feelings. It also helps you to empathize with people, by understanding different cultures.

I love a girl who reads. She learns from the past. Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. The best way to grow is by learning from others mistakes.

I love a girl who reads because she is a rule breaker. She doesn’t need to be assigned a book in order to read it. She knows her education never ends.

I love a girl who reads because she will have her own ideas. She doesn’t let people tell her who she is or what she should believe in. If Ayn Rand heard you talking about the benefits of government regulation she would tell you straight.

I love a girl who reads because it shows she is hungry. She knows she doesn’t know everything and the unknown excites her.

I love a girl who reads. She fights for her beliefs and follows her vision. She will share her wisdom with you too.

I love a girl who reads. Because she could be anyone one of us. Just like you and me.

For all the girls who read.

This post was inspired by Cammi Pham.