The Geek’s Guide to Dating

Brimming with references to Star Trek, Firefly, and Pokemon, this dating guide by popular blogger Smith is aimed at an ever-growing population of self-described male “geeks” . Smith, who addresses the reader as “Player One,” provides tips on how to “hack” online dating profiles, the proper etiquette for approaching women on Facebook and Twitter, and the best locations for meeting like-minded women in real life. He walks readers through a first date simulation, outlining effective conversation strategies and topics to avoid. Smith does a great service for both sexes by disabusing men of the concepts of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl and “the friendzone,” while also discouraging “idiosyncratic ‘trademark’ wardrobe items” such as fedoras. He does, however, explain how you can achieve Han Solo’s “roguish but classy” style without attracting “unwanted attention in a cantina.” Smith further contends that the Cylons of Battlestar Galactica make good dating role models and that a Magic: The Gathering deck is a perfect metaphor for compromise in a relationship. He also covers moving in together, meeting her family, and proper break-up techniques, with Futurama’s Bender providing an example of what not to do. With Smith stressing understanding and respect for women, this is a welcome alternative to the “pick-up artist” phenomenon courting this same demographic. (Dec.)