This was a Comic-Con afterthought, based on my interactions (or lack thereof) with the opposite sex there. I've had a few of my geekier friends lament about why-oh-why they can't seem to get a date. I've compiled a "Top Ten" list of observations and advice, at least from the female (read: my) perspective:

1. Don't be a jerk. So the girl you're talking to doesn't know the details of the color palette used in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic book. She's at Comic-Con. She's at the Joss Whedon panel. She knows every episode of Buffy by heart and loved Dr. Horrible. Also, she's talking to you. Don't call her stupid.

2. You don't always have to be right. Sometimes, you're not. Deal with it.

3. Related to #2: while you can "agree" and "disagree," there is no "right" or "wrong" to personal taste. Trying to convince someone that they are "wrong" for liking a certain television show or programming language is only going to piss them off and is about as effective as trying to argue someone out of liking the color blue, even if you HATE Lost blue. Grr.

4. When someone pays you a compliment, return it. Particularly if you've failed at tips 1-3. Regardless of gender, this takes all geeks some effort (we are rarely complimented by the outside world, let alone the opposite sex), but it can be done. For example: "Wow! Cool lightsaber!" Right response: "Thanks! I like your Slusho shirt!" Wrong response: anything involving listing other ways in which you think you are cool and/or going into the soldering techniques used to make said saber. Actually, if you are talking to me, you can go into the soldering techniques. But ONLY after you have complimented my Slusho shirt, dammit.

5. On that note, if someone pays you a compliment, accept it. Constantly saying how ugly/fat/stupid/short/geeky/etc. you think you are is NOT the same thing as complimenting the other person. Nor is it a good way to show how "modest" you are. It is a good way to make you seem less attractive (and baggage-laden). Which is generally not good.

6. "Realistic standards" is a concept people who spend a lot of time in the fantasy realm have trouble dealing with. That being said, Wil Wheaton/Summer Glau are probably not going to call you tomorrow night, nor is the Norwegian guy (happily living in Norway) whose blog you read, along with 600 other people. Realizing this early on will save you a lot of wasted time waiting (or a restraining order, depending on how much trouble you have with "realistic standards") and will open up a world of dating possibilities.

7. If you like someone, you've gotta let them know. If that seems too frightening, at least talk to them every once in a while. This is my major fail point. Unfortunately, "I'm afraid I will say something stupid" and "I hate you" are two brands of silence that are so similar in flavor that you might as well just say something stupid. Otherwise that cute guy in your martial arts class is just going to think you're a jerk who hates everyone (ahem).

8. That person that you just said "I can't find a date to prom" or "why won't anyone go on a date with me" to? They were hoping you would ask them. Now they feel like crap because you've evidentially asked everyone else (including their best friend), but you STILL AREN'T ASKING THEM! Yeah, David, you! Stupid boy. (sorry, teenage flashback moment)

9. Sarcasm is nice and often a good way to show off your wit. After a while, though, it's as bad as silence. If you don't really hate everything, stop saying that you do every thirty seconds. Ahem, again me=fail!

10. Take heart! You are not the only geek in the world (see Comic-Con photos below). There is someone out there with a similar mix of geek tastes/faults. And they are looking for you, too!*

*Er... They are not looking for you through my blog, however, so if you found this through a "dating" search, please keep searching.