7 Tips for Dating a Gay Nerd

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In 2000, The Broken Hearts Club introduced us to the "rarest of all gay subspecies" — the GN (Gay Nerd). Now, nearly fifteen years later, the GN is hardly rare. Heck, they're practically everywhere! And there's never been a better time to be out and proud — about being geeky! Between the success of Marvel's movie/comic book universe and the crazed anticipation for Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Batman v. Superman and Terminator Genisys, there's plenty to nerd out about.

But just because you can find a GN at your local comic book store/comicon/coffee shop/bar, doesn't mean you can jump right into dating one. Here are a few tips to dating your very own GN:

1. Know the difference between Star Wars and Star Trek
You don't have to even really like either one (although it helps), but you better not confuse a Wookiee with a Tribble. Here's a hint: Leotards = Star Trek. Lightsabers = Star Wars.

2. Be willing to play games
No, not the emotional manipulative type. Set up a game board or pick up a video game controller and watch your geeky guy's heart melt. Not a video game guy? Try Cards Against Humanity or Settlers of Catan. Willing to try a joystick? Try Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. And if you're into tabletop RPGs, well — you're probably a GN yourself.

3. Watch at least one geeky TV show
Really, with the amount of high quality sci-fi/fantasy fare that's on TV and streaming online these days, you have no excuse not to watch at least one. Shows like Game of Thrones, The Strain and Arrow have exploded past their geek audiences and into the mainstream, and for good reason. Watch at least one and it'll give you one more thing to talk about. Plus, there are some hot guys on these shows.

4. Read something — anything
GNs love intelligence, and dating a guy who has some brains is a surefire turn on. But that doesn't mean you have to be a librarian. Read an interesting news article or a funny blog post — it's great conversation fodder and shows you're open to learning new things. And if you really want to impress, try reading Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. Even just putting in the effort will make their hearts flutter.

5. Break out of the routine
It's pretty easy for GNs to stick to what they know. Find something outside of their comfort zone and give it a try. It's even better if it's something you love. A cooking class, a hike, a concert, a club, a sports event — sharing a bit of what you love is just as important as accepting what they love.

6. Smile and nod
Sometimes, you'll find yourself staring at your GN and realizing you have no idea what they're talking about. Are they gushing about the Large Hadron Collider? Nerd-raging about the dissolution of the Star Wars Expanded Universe? Geeking out about the latest Doctor Who casting announcement? Don't stress out about feeling lost — chances are, they just need a listening ear and a loving smile.

7. Be sensitive — but don't take their shit
It's likely that your lovable GN had it rough growing up. While it might be cool to be geeky nowadays, middle school and high school was probably a different story. Making them feel stupid for their geekery could open up some nasty wounds. But, on the flip side, don't let them make you feel stupid. GNs can have a tendency to be condescending. Don't let them make you feel bad for not knowing who Neil deGrasse Tyson is or for not knowing any members of the Justice League. (Hint: start with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman).

There you have it! Now go forth and find yourself a GN and let your adventure begin!