Are You What You Consider To Be A "Nerd''?

So as the question goes. Nerd, geek, dork...we all know the kind of people we consider to be one of those names.

At school I used to get bullied and was called a 'nerd' by the other kids. I always wore my uniform properly, wore glasses, sat at the front of class, was the first to put my hand up to answer questions, a teachers pet...you know what I mean.

I was basically on my own. I sat on my own at lunch time, and whenever one of the kids in my form had a party i was never invited. I used to hate school and would go home and cry.

Now I'm older and at University and i kinda see it. I'm at work placement now and even though I can dress in jeans and a hoodie if i want I still dress smartly; sensible skirt and tights, polo shirt buttoned up and tucked into my skirt, glasses even though i usually wear contacts, hair sensibly tied up, plain black flat shoes.

Is dressing like that at 20 how a nerd dresses? Were the kids at school right all the long? Am I just a nerd?

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Tatsumi · 31-35, M

I consider myself a nerdling. A student of the ways of nerds, if you will. I was a total jock in school, but my best friends from before kintergarden were mostly nerds. Then, other stuff happened and I became something else entirely. Anyways.

Once you're in college, no one particularly cares if you're a "nerd" or not. Really, at my schools, I never saw anyone ousted or ostricized for being a nerd, at all.

I think that was namely due to your social ineptitude. Not necessarily your interests or adherence to rules. Those traits can be endearing, if the other kids liked you.

While social ineptitude is considered part of being a "nerd," it's really not a mandatory thing. There are a shitload of extrovert nerds or very socially successful nerds. I think that kind of condemnation against nerds didn't go past the 70s or 80s, after people realized, "Holy shit. These people are amazing and can create incredible shit that is both fun and practical. Love those guys!"

In any case, don't sweat the labels. You are what you are. And people will accept you if you try.

MaryJo1996 · 26-30, F

@Tatsumi Youre right, no one after high school really cares at all. Had a couple of funny looks at placement over how I'm dressed, but no bad comments. One guy even said I look cute and asked me out.