How to Be Proud of Being a Nerd

Being labeled a "nerd" can carry social stigma, but it can also be a source of pride. Instead of rejecting the “nerd” label, you can embrace this label by standing by your passions and increasing your self-confidence. By embracing this label you can cultivate the attributes that make you unique and also teach others to be proud of their differences.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Increasing Your Self-Confidence

1
Make a list of your strengths and achievements. Knowing your strengths and your achievements will help you feel good about yourself and will enable you to find the confidence you have within.
- Write down your the things you admire about yourself, what you are good at, and what you have accomplished. If you need help, get a friend or family member to help. Keep these lists in a safe place, and read through them regularly. ^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Eliminate negative thoughts. You deserve to feel good about yourself. Eliminate negative thoughts you have about yourself and replace them with positive ones. Try to remember that, despite your problems, you are a unique and valuable individual.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Identify negative thoughts, such as “I am a loser,” “I never do anything right,” or “No one likes me.” Replace these thoughts with positive ones, like, “I am great,” “I am smart,” or “I have friends who love and support me."
3
Avoid negative atmospheres. If you can, try to avoid situations where you feel you are being treated badly or where you are made to feel badly about yourself.
- Instead, frequent places and surround yourself with people who make you feel liked, comfortable, and valued.
- Some places where you may feel people treat you badly are unavoidable. If you are bullied at school or at work, tell someone whom you trust like a parent, teacher, counselor, friend, supervisor, or school psychologist. ^{[3]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Surrounding Yourself with the People and Things You Love

1
Join a club. Find other people with similar interests. By surrounding yourself with others who are like you, you will create a positive, uplifting, and inspiring environment for yourself. ^{[4]XResearch source}
- For example, if you like learning foreign languages, consider joining a French, Italian, or Spanish language club. Or, if you like learning about environmental issues, try joining an environmental club. Look for these clubs at school, in your local community, or online. Joining these clubs and communities will help you feel supported in your interests.
2
Take a class. Try not to be discouraged, depressed, or enraged by those who ridicule you. Instead, get involved in artistic activities where you can express yourself, acquire a sense of mastery, and interact positively with others. ^{[5]XResearch source}
- Find a local painting, music, poetry, or dance class through your local adult education service or local community center.
3
Don't follow the crowd. You may be used to being labeled “different." Turn this into a positive: your unique interests give you the ability to see things differently and to be in tune with the things going on around you rather than conforming to the mainstream. Remember that being a unique individual is a virtue that many people admire. ^{[6]XResearch source}
- A way to stand out from the crowd is to wear an outfit, a hairstyle, or jewelry that reflects you and your interests, no matter how different you may look.
4
Help others in need. Aspire to be kind by offering to help others who are bullied or teased for being “different.” Knowing that someone else is on their side can make a big difference in the lives of those who are bullied. ^{[7]XResearch source}
- Offer to hang out with them or invite them to have lunch with you.
- Speak up for them if you hear someone teasing or bullying them.
- Help stop rumors and gossip about them by interjecting, if appropriate, when somebody badmouths them. You could say "Rob is really great - he helped me make new friends when I first moved here."
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Standing by Your Passions

1
Volunteer. Find your favorite local cause and volunteer. Finding organizations that are meaningful to you can increase your morale. It can also help you meet people who have similar interests and the same kind of passion you find in yourself.
- You can find local volunteer organizations through your school, local community, religious institution, online, or through a friend.
2
Apply for an internship. By applying for an internship program, you can get real world experience while doing the things you are passionate about. Remember that experience dating back to your high school years looks great on any job application. It shows that you are focused and dedicated; qualities that employers look for.
- Start by looking for local businesses and organizations in your areas of interest and see if they offer internship programs. You can search online, or ask a counselor, teacher, coach, or club advisor. You can also find out if family or friends know someone in a field that interests you. ^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Embrace your nerdy traits. Wearing nerdy clothing and not being afraid to learn more is not something that you should be ashamed of. Everyone embraces their hobbies, so why can't nerds? Finish that book you were reading or that code you were writing and be proud to be a nerd!
4
Celebrate. Today, geeks and nerds are becoming increasingly fashionable. The mainstreaming of geek culture has even resulted in geek protagonists. Just think of Seth Cohen in the TV series “The OC,” or the protagonists in the popular TV series “The Big Bang Theory.” ^{[9]XResearch source}
- Embrace your inner nerd or geek by celebrating “Embrace Your Geekiness Day” with your friends on July 13th.
- Plan to get together with your group of friends once a month to celebrate your interests and differences.
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Community Q&A

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What should I do when a boy just keeps bullying me and won't stop?
Ezra Sams
Community Answer
Notify the teacher.
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Why do so many people tease me about being a nerd when I want to learn more and I am a very curious person?
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They tease you because you're smart and intellectually curious and they are jealous because they know they are inferior.
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Tips

Remember to be yourself and embrace your quirks; they are what make you unique.
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Be kind, gentle, and compassionate towards others, especially fellow nerds.
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Joining clubs is a great way to do the things you love and meet new people who share similar interests.
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