There’s nothing wrong with being a nerd or geek, and embracing it can be cool. But if you’re being labeled this way and you don’t think it fits, you can change how people see you.
Shower daily and wear deodorant. Brush and floss your teeth. Care for your hair so that it looks neat. Wear clean clothes that aren’t too wrinkly. Only wear makeup if you’re interested in it. Don’t worry too much about glasses or braces; most people don’t pay close attention.
Make sure that you choose colors that match. If that’s tricky, wear one color at a time paired with neutrals. To boost your style even more, try figuring out your season color and body type. This way, you can pick clothes that flatter your natural coloring and shape.
Embracing your obsessions is cooler than hiding them for fear that they’re shameful. Remember to cultivate other interests too. It’s good to have several interests to build a broader skillset and to have something fun to do if you get tired of one of them for a while.
Even taking a walk around the neighborhood with a friend is better than sitting around all day.
If you’re insecure about your nerdy hobbies, or if you think people may not connect with them, then try mentioning a more mainstream activity that you also enjoy (such as shopping, visiting the beach, or trying out new restaurants). For example, if you like to make websites, don’t say “I make the best web-pages without even using any programs. I make them with Notepad because I memorized HTML and I’m fluent in JavaScript, and I hate how the WYSIWYG editors force you to conform (conformity is so mainstream) and to relax I like to play MMORPGS, Warcraft on the Dalaran server, to be specific, blah-blah-blah. " Just say, “I like to use the computer and play videogames. " If they ask you specifically, say “I make websites”, or “I like to play Warcraft”.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should never take constructive criticism. There’s a huge difference between someone saying “I think you’re a loser” and someone saying “you keep interrupting people and you need to work on stopping that. "
Show respect to people who know less than you do. Instead of lording your so-called superiority over them, try being a friend and teaching them anything they’d like to know. Set boundaries if needed. For example, if someone tries to copy your homework, you could say “While I’m happy to talk over the subject, I’m not willing to cheat you of a learning opportunity by letting you copy my work. "
