There are many dates only geeks are geeky enough to suggest, and some of those are amazing even for non-geeks. But some geek dates aren’t welcoming to the non-geek crowd. But this doesn’t have to ruin the experience. These risky ventures to geek havens can be made enjoyable for anybody with some skill.

Sci-fi and comic book conventions

The sight of women dressed and aliens and fat men in spandex will scare any person, but those less familiar with our culture will be particularly put off. Make sure you dress normal, maybe even a little up (we’ve talked about sport coats as casual wear, this is the perfect event to wear one with a comic booky shirt). This way you show your fun and mature side at once. Spending your time will be challenging - you have to let your date pick what to do based on your suggestions. There should be no waiting on lines of any kind except for food or the bathroom. Unless your date is dying to meet Storm Trooper #6, make your way to the retailers and treat it like a geeky flea market.

Comic book store

I always consider it a right of passage for my serious relationships to see my comic store, mostly to see if it scares them away or worse, if they think Rob Liefeld art is good. If your comic book store is having some big event, like Free Comic Book Day, bring your date along for an innocent afternoon of pizza and geekery. Let them pick something out and buy it for them to try out. No pressure, but leaving a store with something always makes the experience more rewarding.

Gaming tournament

There is no way to make a date fun if you are competing, but if you’re just there to watch, the company can be welcome. Whether it’s tabletop or video games, watching anyone of skill can be impressive and this is the perfect time to talk down your skill and make your date feel better when they play games with you.

Geek movie

Can’t wait to see the biggest sci-fl flick of the weekend? I’d avoid bringing a date. You want to pay attention to the movie, not your date. That’s spells trouble if your date wants to pay attention to you. This is why I had to see Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow twice.