Geek Counseling is public service for any and all geeks. Pull up a chair and have our Geek Counselor, Justin, help you with your geek issues. Have a question you’d like to ask? Ask away by sending an email to justin@pixelatedgeek.com. All submissions will remain anonymous.
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Hey Justin,
I have a date coming up for Valentine’s Day. It’s totally chill, we are just hanging out and watching a movie or two at my place. Which movies should I pick to show off my geekness and keep her interested? What food should I make? Beer? Wear? Help.
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Okay, for something so chill, you seem like you are freaking out a little. Dates at home are sometimes more stressful because of all the things that you have to put together to make it seem like a nice complete package, but don’t worry, buddy boy, you have the home field advantage.
First thing first: go clean your house/apartment/mother’s basement now…like this very moment. Don’t leave it to the last minute; girls can tell when you just pushed everything into the closet and plugged in an air freshener. Plus, it’s just nice to have a clean living area in general. Then, when date time rolls around, all you have to do is pick up a few things and fluff a pillow. Also, CLEAN THE BATHROOM. I cannot stress this enough. Just do it and trust me; every male bathroom is gross, and she might have to use it.
For movie selection, do not go into the hardcore stuff first. No Wrath of Khan, but pick something that has a canon story and is well put together production-wise. Batman Begins comes to mind as a great example of this. Or pick a movie that is exactly your brand of humor, some movie you love. This is helpful because it conveys what you actually like, and, if she sticks around during it and laughs too, then you have an insight in to what she likes as well. Of course, this is all assuming that she is not a geek like yourself. If she is a geek princess, then watch anything really: The Hobbit, a Pokemon Movie, or MST3K. The sky is the limit. I once watched the Cowboy Bebop movie on a date similar to this situation.
Food and drink-wise, lighter is better in most cases of first dates. You both don’t want to feel bloated from cheese stew on a first date. Also, check what she is allergic to or hates. This prevents you from killing or offending your date; according to my research, you are one-hundred percent more likely to go on a second date with someone if he or she is alive. It’s still winter at the time of writing this, so I wouldn’t go with something as light as fish. Perhaps steak? E-mail me if you want a steak recipe that will knock her socks off…if she is wearing socks, that is. Drinks of fermented nature should be offered, but never the forced or only option. Wear something a little above average: put on an Oxford shirt, and you will be fine.
Good luck, Geek.
– Justin