Literature over lovers, stories over sweethearts or, if we want to throw it back to 2013, books over baes. Whatever alliteration you choose, I think there’s a great value in picking words over worries (sorry, I can’t stop) this Valentine’s Day.

Eric Selinger, an English PhD holder and professor at DePaul, has an immense passion for romance in literature, similar to me. Despite our book bond, Selinger did admit he disagreed with my stance on picking literature over romantic human connection — which, as I’m saying it like that, does in fact sound a little crazy.

“They’re just too different to say that one is better than another,” Selinger said. “That said, if I had to choose between living the rest of my life without reading a book and living the rest of my life without my wife, I’d drop reading in a heartbeat. Might lose my job if I did that, since I’m an English professor, but I’m still picking my wife.”

Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m single! Selinger made me realize that I am heavily biased, but that’s why you’re reading an opinion article. 

Therefore, if you have a partner, soulmate or whatever other pet name you chose to call them, this may not apply to you. This goes out to the people who, while reading this, are probably stressing over whether or not their situationship will send the infamous “you up?” text on Friday, let alone ask them to be their valentine.

I’m targeting the people who, like (the old) me, are juggling entirely delusional relationships with current crushes yet simultaneously hoping their old fling will realize they can’t live without them.

I promise, I am healing from my past delusion. And I mean that! One of the ways I’m doing so is by incessantly consuming literature, whether that be in a novel, short story or poem. 

When February rolls around it’s hard to not feel the love in the air when you hear people making their romantic plans, see restaurants featuring heart-shaped pizzas and see articles on the old Valentine’s Day episodes from your favorite show.

You shouldn’t be trying to ignore the festivities, or label yourself a Valentine’s Day hater, when a good book may be all you need.

Much of Selinger’s research focuses on love, desire and literary pleasure; he knows his romance. And why people enjoy it.

“One reason would be that they enjoy it if they’re already connected to love as a topic—if, for example, they’ve internalized the idea (from songs, from movies, from family life) that love and romance are important and meaningful things,” Selinger said. “They might like it because of who it lets them be, vicariously.”

As much as I’d like to say I prefer books due to their inherent ability to transport me somewhere else, I simply like being in control. I never have to worry if I’m reading into things too fast, I can always understand what’s going on and — heaven forbid — if I need it to end, I can shut a book a lot quicker than I can plan a breakup. The pros will always outweigh the cons, something the lists I made for my exes could never relate to.

After trading out my typical thrillers and classics for my favorite love poems and romance books this month, I haven’t had a single desire to go on a date. As millennial as this may make me sound, the men in books are better. And I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Ashley Edmunds, an employee at The Last Chapter Book Shop, has been passionate about reading since she was in sixth grade. Now, at 23 years old, she can say without a doubt that she is a romance enthusiast. Edmunds just loves knowing that “no matter what, it’s gonna work out and it’s gonna be fine” as she reads.

“Just getting to pretend I’m someone else, or somewhere else, for a couple hours a day is wonderful; I love it,” Edmunds said. “It’s a good escape and then I’m back in the real world where men just aren’t the same, they’re not as good.”

How could you not love something that allows you to run away from the daunting “wyll” Snapchat messages and haunting DMs. Reading books, not Tinder profiles, is truly the best form of escapism — that’s something many readers agree on.

Even if you’re not necessarily choosing it over your partner, picking up a romance novel this holiday is still open for the couples. Similar to Edmunds, Madelaine Ramirez finds reading as her escape yet shopped in The Last Chapter looking for her next read with her partner by her side.

“[Reading] is like my getaway, for sure,” Ramirez said.

I choose books because I don’t have to worry about rushing to finish or having to ask my novel, “what are we?” 

I can say with similar confidence that I’d more enjoyably wander a bookstore for hours before I ever willingly spend that time on Hinge subjected to potential suitors holding fish.

I will acknowledge one con: a book obsession can get pricey. But, it’s not often that they are more expensive than a DePaul one-night stand. If you’re spending upwards of $50 on something, let it be a gorgeous hardcover with sprayed edges — not on a one-time little white pill.

Related Stories:

• Chicago’s romance-centric bookstore gears up for Valentine’s Day
• Romance novels aren’t for your grandma anymore
• Editor’s picks: Valentine’s Day edition

Stay informed with The DePaulia’s top stories, delivered to your inbox every Monday.