Social Tips for Geeks (Part 2)

Continuing the lessons!

6. Temporarily let go of the urge to achieve absolute precision in speaking

What they mean here is like numerical precision when describing stuff. I know a lot of nerds and they don’t really do this, so maybe this is something that he does, or his group of friends do but I think this is something that’s probably not a huge deal. If you do it, just remember, estimates are ok in general conversation. If you’re calculating something for NASA, we want precision, but not necessarily during a casual conversation.

7. Don't correct anyone even when they're incorrect or imprecise

This is very true, I know it bothers me when people use the wrong word or tell a story incorrectly and I want to correct them so bad, and actually usually I do, but that doesn’t mean you should. If you want people to like you (and I only sorta care if people like me) then don’t correct people all the time b/c then you seem like an annoying brainac. Even if you really are an annoying brainac, you don’t want to see one to a group of strangers.

8. Don't use words that an 8th grader doesn't understand

Ok, I think this is incredibly condescending. I don’t think that b/c someone is a non-geek that makes them an idiot. They just aren’t a geek. And as evidenced by tip 5, there may be things that you don’t know that they do, it’s just different stuff, not better or worse. So yeah, don’t use all small words b/c that’s dumb, but don’t use the most elaborate words in your vocabulary b/c then you’ll just come off as a pompous ass.

9. If somebody asks you about your job or hobbies, answer in one sentence.

I don’t think this is necessary. You probably don’t need to go into crazy detail about your job, but don’t assume that if you work with computers or whatever that they won’t understand. When you talk about your hobbies, just don’t turn into a squid and you should be ok. Also, try to mention the more socially acceptable ones. If you dress up like a vampire once a week and drink blood, maybe talk about your music collection instead. It’s not not being you…it’s just highlighting the more socially accepted version of you.

10. If everyone around is enjoying the ambient music, background live performance, etc., don't jump in with any analysis

Don’t kill the mood. That’s my final word on this.

11. Never start a sentence with "Did you know that ..."

See number 8 about being a pompous ass.

12. Never start a sentence with "You should really ..."

See number 8 about being a pompous ass.