Somebody just sent me a link to an article entitled A Girl’s Guide to Geek Guys. It’s actually quite offensive. First of all not all geeks are into Star Trek. It’s a stereotype.
I’ve noticed there have been a slew of articles written of late that explain to women why they should find themselves a nice “geek guy.” Being a geek myself, I’m not entirely opposed to the concept of dating a geek. What I’m opposed to is an article that tells a woman that she should find herself a geek and continues to describe how to “snare yourself one” and “how to care for your geek”. Ladies, there’s a whole lot more to dating a geek than “feed it some Cheetos.”
While we do tend to share a lot of common culture, there is a wide spectrum of geekery out there. I’m not interested in defining more stereotypes here, so let me tell you a little about what to expect from dating me.
- I’m devoted
- I’ve never cheated on anyone. Ever. You are not likely to find lipstick on my collar. You can, however expect my 5 o’clock shadow to last 5 or six days at a time.
- I’m a workaholic.
- Above all else, this can become a problem. I work long hours. When I get home from work, I work. When I’m working, I don’t like me to be disturbed. If I am, I’m grumpy.
- I can cook
- I’m a foodie. I’m absolutely not satisfied with corn dogs and Mt. Dew (most of the time). I’ve seen almost every episode of Good Eats. I know my way around the kitchen and I’m very critical when it comes to cuisine.
- I play video games
- A lot. I stand in line for line for new releases. I play all night. When I’m gaming, you cannot draw away my attention. It’s not you. It’s me. Don’t be offended. Just let me play.
- I have no fashion sense whatsoever
- …but at least I know it. I wear blue jeans and t-shirts. I’ll make you a deal though. You promise not to keep me out too long, and I’ll let you dress me. Whatever you think looks good, so long as it’s comfortable.
- I don’t like Star Trek
- Star Wars, yes, the originals at least. I know the difference between the one with the bald guy and the one with the ship that doesn’t move, but that’s about it.
- I’m passonate
- I’m very good at what I do and I know it. I work very very hard to be so. I work so hard at what I do because I love it. It’s what drives and excites me. I may, on occasion, chew your ear off about some new technology you couldn’t care less about. Just listen and feign interest.
- I need to decompress
- This is a big one. When i work, I work hard. A productive work day for me requires long hours of uninterrupted concentration. When I get home, I need to decompress. I need to be left completely alone for 30 minutes or so. I don’t want to hear about your day. I don’t want to help you fix the whatever on your computer. I just need 30 minutes. Go away. I’ll be friendly soon.
That’s me. If you decide to take interest in dating a geek, which i recommend you do, don’t expect it to be all Twinkies and Redbull. We geeks are a mixed bag.
Note: this post has been reviewed for accuracy by my girlfriend.
It’s difficult to be misrepresented. Most people mistake my introverted orientation for shyness and meekness (which are deep-rooted emotional problems) or assume I am arrogant. It’s just hard for some people to realize that I am quite well without them.
That being said, as a geek, and a lower-rung geek at that, I too do not fit in any stereotype.
Like Dave here I am well-versed in the kitchen, am a devoted partner, and I’m passionate about my interests.
Unlike Dave I have never waited in line for a movie or game in which I’ve ever made a purchase (read: I keep Dave company).
I like Star Trek and Star Wars but only so much as I’ll watch reruns of “the bald guy” or watch a new ‘Episode’ in theaters once and only once.
I’m not a workaholic but I do work excessively at times. Maybe I am a workaholic.
I have a fashion sense but I dislike the effort that goes into utilizing it.
We’re all different and for the most part we’re all pretty stable, palatably handsome, and well-to-do, good citizens. Don’t pass us over, ladies. Except me, I’m engaged. Tough luck.
yep