The Downsides of Dating a Nerd

Disclaimer: I do love him. I really do. However, no person is perfect. Neither am I. I'm just here to warn other people who are falling for that nerd to know what you're getting into.

There are many good sides to dating a nerd, such as chem help whenever you need it. To this day, I have never seen a football player, golfer, basketball player, swimmer, or whatever sport jock person effectively explain chemistry to where I can understand it. Andy can. He can also fully understand the whole "knight in shining armor" thing to the fullest, and occasionally posses and know how to use armor and weapons and show them off. Let's see a misunderstood troubled boy actually carry and put on chain mail. However, there is also a downside. That's what I have understood in the past few days, and like any other techy writer person, I have learned a lesson and have to blog about it now.

1.) Dungeons & Dragons, and other nerdly hobbies
Some play sports, some make music, but if you date a nerd, he will more than likely play Dungeons and Dragons, a role playing game in which you defeat imaginary monsters. And yes, this requires time with friends. But it's not a two hour practice or a four hour game, no no. This can go on from 5 pm to 4 am. More than likely this will take place at another nerd friend of his's (is that a word? oh well. You get it) house. In a basement. Where cell phone reception doesn't exist. Ever. So if you really need him, forget it. And not only does he spend a lot of time (Note: It may be every other weekend you go, and that may not be a lot of time for you. But the time you spend making your character and preparing for it counts.) there doing it, he will also talk about it. A LOT. With hour long explanations of the game's mechanics and how everything fits into one another. And yes, it's very complicated. Yes, you will find yourself stop listening and just saying "mhmm" when it feels appropriate. And yes, he really will care that much. It's ok. You do have hobbies you talk about too. Just be forewarned, all who enter the dungeon deal with this dragon.

2.) AP, Two letters of the alphabet that sometimes shouldn't be put together.
If you do indeed decide to date a nerd, you must understand that he will take advanced placement classes. These are college level courses that do require a lot of work in the class and at home. Be forewarned, the homework load is devastating, and there will be nights when you can't celebrate your anniversary because two forever long papers are due and he needs his mom to proofread them after he takes his ACT. And sometimes, study sessions are randomly held at lunch, and you're stuck with nobody to talk to. And no book to read. And ESPN on the TV. And a piece of crap cafeteria lunch and this feeling like life kinda sucks. So make sure you have a friend on hand (THANKS SO MUCH SUZANNA) just in case this happens. Because it will. And due to the excessive homework load, he will complain about it, so much so he could have done it, but he would like to tell you what happened in a play by play, and why certain subject teachers haven't taught it right and how they should teach it. So yes, they are tough classes that are APplauded. But sometimes, nerds want to take four, and decide to only semi enjoy one. Yes, yes, I know. You'll survive, but it does get rather irritating.

3.) They WILL be the new Jeeves
Because they're taking these hard and challenging classes, your significant other will be deemed as "smart". This factor increases if glasses are added. Therefore, if everyone has a question on the homework the teacher won't answer, there's one person who can answer it for them. And no, they cannot google it because that requires work. Yeah, you guessed it. So whether you're on a date, eating dinner, trying to tell them something really romantic and important, remember the phone can ring at any time. This can also apply to Dungeons & Dragons, home, or school. Or sometimes it's your own mother. It's awkward, annoying, and frusturation will build until you want to take the phone yourself, but they'll answer your calls too. Don't worry.

4.) They do not understand the complaining process
While explained earlier that a nerd tends to complain a lot, they do not understand the process of complaining. Since you are not taking these advanced classes, you cannot help your poor nerd with their poor problems. So you just keep your mouth shut. However, when you try to explain something, for example, the kid who called you some not nice things in Spanish or the girl who will not stop copying your notes and drinking from your water bottle in Chemistry, it cannot be explained to them that you do not want the opinion that you're antagonistic towards people. You simply want to whine. They will understand after a "look" and a "please do not make me mad right now" that all you want is a hug, shoulder, and an ear. NOT a mouth.

5.) No matter how much you want them to, that kid in Spanish gets away with it
I know he's bugging you, but he'll always get his way. Nerds aren't one for confrontation, so even if the kid's taken your phone, searching your messages, and the tumor in your finger (go with it) is throbbing and you feel like crying, the most you can hope for is a "just give it back, dude."

6.) Realizing how much you love them even when you're really, really mad.
Yeah, it sucks. Yeah, it's irritating, yeah you hate it. But I've lived through these a thousand times and shall do it again. I can't think of any other stereotype I'd rather date than a nerd. Andy is the love of my life, and I'm sure he could make a list of the Setbacks of Dating a Writer Weirdo chick. But we're in this together, and we tolerate eachother. Sometimes, we have to vent a little, but at the end of the day we fall asleep as the happiest people ever, because we have eachother. And that's the way it should stay. Please, nobody take this as an "I HATE MY BOYFRIEND" message, it was a simple lighthearted way of not fighting. It was a vent. I still love Andy more than anybody could ever know.

I heart my nerd!