The old adage of “It gets better after high school” offered comfort to children who have their lunch money stolen and their heads thrown down the toilet doesn’t really seem appropriate in 2021 anymore. In fact, Not only is life better in school these days, but these nerds are fully aware that if they continue to do what they are doing, it will only get much better after graduation.
Over the last decade or so, it seems like the nerdy way has turned into the cool way. The habits and practices that geeks have indulged in for so long are not only paying off dividends, they have become the aspiration of so-called “cool guys” everywhere.
10. Running a Website
Not many really knew about HTML and CSS a decade ago and more importantly, nobody cared. Today, running your own website proves you are tech-savvy. And, connected to the World Wide Web, learning either of the two coding languages is better considered than knowing how to order a beer in Spanish. Software like the easy website builder makes it easy for you to create your own website, even if you are one of those losers who still doesn’t know what jQuery is.
9. Blog
In a vein similar to the above, blogs used to be the sanctuary of the heartbroken techies. Today, if he hasn’t blogged about his recent trip to Rome, it’s better that it never happened.
8. Comic Book Heroes
Peter Parker and Clark Kent are uncomfortable fools because those guys appeal to their readers who similarly want to throw away their glasses and dive into the sky to national adulation. Batman, Iron Man, and Deadpool may have come up for a cooler demographic, but the point is, no one is embarrassed to be excited about the next Marvel or DC extravaganza.
7. Star Trek
In fact, Star Trek used to be a favorite among geeks that “Trekkie” is now synonymous with “nerd.” However, the 2009 JJ Abrams remake made sure only the lamest kids on the playground didn’t know about the Kirk vs. Spock fight.
6. Quantum Physics
As space travel moves from the realm of HG Wells to Richard Branson. Actually understanding things like quantum physics and the Fermi paradox is something to brag about (and seriously, the Fermi paradox is by far the coolest thing on this list). If you don’t take note of anything else, read about it and stun his mind.
5. Staying In
While some go to hang out in a park to smoke a pack or two and drink a few light beers. But the cool new kids feel right at home with the warmth and refinement of their World of Warcraft character. In fact, even spending the weekend playing video games is no longer incredibly unpleasant.
4. Awkwardness
Chandler Bing, Seth Cohen, all those guys from The Big Bang Theory … the lovable loser is now the first guy in the bar. The bigger the bow tie and the more shy the flirt, the better.
3. Thick-rimmed glasses
From the most handsome man Johnny Depp to the richest actress Meryl Streep, chunky Millhouse-style rims are totally alluring.
2. Muddled Fashion
Hipsters may be wearing your dad’s oversized wool jumpers and your sister’s leggings now, but nerds have been doing weird things like that for years.
