Sunday, May 10, 2009

Nerds make the best boyfriends?

I've just woken up from an induced minicoma (panadol seriously stops working after the prescribed hours... I jolted awake..) and I feel I have nothing better to do. Actually, that was a lie, I just can't be bothered looking for my economics text book... The laptop was just sitting on the sofa next to me (and I'm in bed).. I feel like one of those fat people from Wall-E. The people who are HUGE and have miniscule bones :D

This is a blog in response to Jason's post regarding an article he read called "Nerds make the best boyfriends". When I surf the net visiting random forums I've joined, there are often threads dedicated to talk about relationships etc. Sometimes I find reading about other people's situations in life quite interesting, and I've noticed there are alot of "IT'S NOT FAIR, WHY DOESN'T SHE NOTICE ME" and "SHE ONLY GOES FOR JOCKS" statements being thrown around cyberspace.

Okay. First of all, we have to clarify, what is a nerd? =_=: I've lost track the number of times people have used the word "geek" instead of "nerd". TO ME, a nerd is an individual who excels in academia.

Second of all, question. How does someone's intellectual level affect the whether they're a good b/f or not.. I don't really get it.

Thirdly, I'd like to change the topic sentence to "Geeks make the best boyfriends". Geeks are people who love their technology-games, computers, and comics (fanboys). Most aren't into pop culture and probably listen to gaming music, trance or Indie bands.

Yes, I've used a stereotype. But it's just a discussion. Like in economics, it's always easier to understand a concept by breaking things down, and using assumptions (which in this case, is using the stereotype).

Whether or not a type of person makes the best b/f really depends on the individual's standards, opinions and preferences. Oh and interests.

Using the assumption that geeks are comic/tech loving people, the obvious highlight of knowing a geek is that you can get an expert's opinion on some kind of technology. I agree with alot of what Jason says about disagreeing with the original article. Geeks don't necessarily make the best b/fs, or friends due to their different opinions and values. Taking Otakus as an example; when I see a guy walk down the street with strange clothes, make up, and hair done up anime style (cosplay), my automatic reaction is to think "What the hell?". Usually it's mainly because it looks bad, but even when it's aesthetically appealing, it's still strange.

Most people like to be normal. And these people usually want people associated with them to be normal too. Classic example, take any teenage girl from a novel/movie/blog.. how many times did she say "I WISH I HAD A NORMAL FAMILY", or "I WISH YOU WERE NORMAL, LIKE ALL THE OTHER MUMS" or "I JUST WANT TO LEAD A NORMAL LIFE... away from you freaks" x) So why would the majority of people want to spend a lot of time with someone who ISN'T normal (or at least doesn't look normal).

Personally, the same deal applies with guys who overstep the metro line. Fixing their hair all the time, wearing skinny jeans, resorting to using make up to hide blemishes... only until a couple of years ago, THIS TOO WAS VERY STRANGE. Because I'm old fashioned, I can't help but feel awkward when I see a dude walk past in skinny jeans and eyeliner. Once at the super market, I walked up the personal hygiene aisle, looking for my nice smelling Wella shampoo. I saw a pair of brothers talking about some hair clay or wax.. (or something of the sort) and saying words like "matté finish... sleek... retains moisture". ... What happened to the men of this world... ALL OF A SUDDEN, WHY DO WE, EARTH, HAVE SUCH A HIGH COMBINED OESTROGEN READING? Honestly, it feels like no new generation of boys are being born... instead they're replaced by woMEN. (geddit?)

Oh, this brings me to my next issue... behaviour. Some people find being "man" quite an attractive feature. Even encompassing a rugged complexion could win you some brownie points (winks @ Cheryl). What does it mean to be a "man"? It doesn't mean being an egotistical bitch who undermines the capabilities of others. No. It's actually more related to being forgiving, and being able to let go of things.. (erm. like.. "I shall not pursue this matter anymore"), being able to let go of some of that pride to do something nice for someone.

From my past encounters with geeks (and nerds :P) "man"liness IS ACHIEVABLE. They encompass the right type of manliness. However, different type of people see it having a different meaning. Some say manly = strength or braveness, it really depends on the individual. (Damn, I almost regret starting to blog about this topic. It's so hard to define everything.. because you can't.. ==; )

I'll keep this short and I might continue another day. It's making my head spin.

Bottomline, I know a "Jock"ish type guy, you could say he is strong, and he is brave, but MAN? I'm not so sure. When we talk, we rarely agree on anything. being stubborn ( I am informed that it is a womanly trait) is the opposite of being manly.

On the other hand, I know geekish people who can control themselves and not talk back, because they are mentally strong and can hold back, refrain from making unwanted comments that could spark a nasty arguement.

It really depends on the individual.

Gosh I have nothing more to say today. My second dose of panadol is starting to kick in. My eyelids are feeling heavy again...

***

To all the mothers in the world,

THANKS FOR ENDURING THE HOURS OF PAINFUL LABOUR. If it weren't for these wonderful women, there wouldn't be really cute toddlers or baby to make funny faces at on the escalator (true story. explain another day). Most mothers give up alot of their children. I know my mum's given up alot for my sake.

Migrating to a new country, I can't even start to imagine how bad that would have felt. And what for? For a good place to raise kids.. and a good education.

My mum's the best. I complain about her alot, but that's because I'm a frightful teenager with raging hormones. When I was in primary school, she always helped me with homework. She knows where everything is in the house, baaah countless things.

Treat your mother to something nice this mother's day.... she let you live inside of her for 9 months... how generous is that :P she let you make her fat, puke and crave stupid food combinations like gherkins and whipped cream :D

Remember, something nice!

9 counterattacks:

Topher said...

Interesting. Yes firstly thanks to all the mums.

Secondly, yes, generalisations can't be made about a group of people's attitudes towards a relationship, but generalisations also can't be made about the other person's (in this case, the girls') reaction to whatever attitude is presented. Everyone has their own gig.

And just to clarify, I'm both expanding on and agreeing to what you said. Just in case. I've had people think I'm arguing with them when I've actually been agreeing before.

Mini said...

Since we're talking stereotypically, and because JRAH is known stereotypically having alot of geeks and nerds, then according to that 'theory', I guess the boys at your school make the best bfs =P

Anonymous said...

Yay, about time ^^

I really agree with your definition of nerds and geeks.

Nerds= ppl who study too much and pwn every exam.
geeks= ppl who are very into certain things that arn't quite socially accepted. Like technology, anime/manga (fanboys and girls), and you can even get chess geeks (shudders at the thought =.=").

Alot of geeks listen to azn music. I've never particularly like Indie. Appearance still seems very important and I'd still say that it's far easier to notice a "jock" or "metro" than a geek. I thought the whole point of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was to prove that point.

And 5 stars for your definition of being "man". Belle is like a teacher except she doesn't get paid.

Anonymous said...

And I still think sometimes you can't always stay silent because it might lead to arguement.

In a recent bones episode, Booth was criticised by Bones because he was always taking the blame for his brother's mistakes in an effort to protect him but the moral at the end of the episode was that if Booth always protected him throughout his life, his brother would never learn. Also, sometimes you really need to speak out for justice(???). Like if some person is being bullied, you sometimes have to do something or they'll never realise they are wrong and keep doing it. Being "man" is a combination of unlimited traits.

SL said...

I just watched that episode of Bones :D
Booth is a Man.
Bones is an awesome show.

Happy mothers day to your mothers (:

Anonymous said...

cheryl here ^^
i agree with belleo.. manliness is achievable..and FINE - ron ng is manlier than sammul chan in EU.. but ron's too rash at times.. sammul's alot safer =) and whether or not a guy makes a good b/f depends on their character and attitude..
but isn't stuff like manga quite socially accepted now?? so it wouldn't be THAT geeky, would it??

Jonald said...

NERDS/GEEKS 2^2 EVER!

:D

Z-hang said...

what is a nerd? a rusian....therefore rusians make the best b/fs? looool

Ok, seriously- agreed with what you've said on the individual.

As for "manliness" first thing that comes to mind would normally be muscles, or arnie [unanimously at leaders] - Taking Mr Woo's manliness study, Real men take initiative, in a way to grow and help everyone =)

hooray for mothers! =)

DG... said...

Interesting.

 
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