People who are geeky tend to be smart, sensitive, deeply interested in certain topics, unlikely to know much about popular culture, and a little bit weird. Therefore, geeks made great friends.
When people have deep, abiding interests, particularly those that are a little different from the norm, they are interesting people. You might not enjoy their interest to the same degree they do, but you have to admit that they are not boring people as far as being like everybody else. They are unique and that can be really fun.
Weirdness is also an advantage. Some of the best things that have happened to me were because of weirdness-my own or someone else's. For example, one of the weirdest evenings I spent was in the house of a man who collected musical instruments-organs-and he had a Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ in his living room. The pipes took up two other rooms in his house. He also collected cigar store Indians. Now, that was a fun and unforgettable evening.
Smartness is nice in a highly technological world. I happen to love technology in some arenas, particularly as a teacher. I love how technology is motivating to my students and I enjoy finding new technologies and new ways of using technology in my teaching. Just recently, for example, I started using Youtube videos-what fun! So, that means when my colleagues need help with technology, I am a person they ask. That's fun, too. I like sharing my terrific finds.
Popular culture is not all that interesting when you get down to it. Someone is always doing something outrageous or relationships are ending or are starting. The only thing that changes are the names-the activities have been the same throughout human history. Big deal. Reality tv is unreal. Game shows where people degrade and embarrass themselves are gross but not really interesting. Give me a science show on PBS, please!
In short-people who are outside of the norm have life experiences that are also outside of the norm and this often makes us have interesting perspectives and outlooks on life. We may have an analysis of a phenomenon that you have not heard before-and that may shed some light on something you don't understand. So, tolerate our weirdnesses and enjoy what we have to offer!
