But it's only relevant if you buy into the system. I didn't care at all what other people think of me. I had the role of the extreme nerd, who didn't care about popularity or being cool.

Strangely enough, I became very popular when I was a senior. Perhaps it's because I was so confident being a nerd, and teenagers tend to envy people with lots of confidence.

For whatever reason, everyone knew me. I was the king of all the nerds at my high school.

Or, a legend in your own mind. " SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">

I had a similar existence. In my day there were "Jocks" and "Hoods". Needless to say, I was a hood, and an unknown hood till my Senior year. My popularity grew in proportion to my self confidence.

very hot but not really my preferred type

I thought I was imagining things at first, but then a few cute and popular cheerleaders started asking me out for dates. It blew my mind. I've never even talked to them or shared classes with them (they're too bimbo to take those advanced placement college classes in my high school). But they started calling me.

It's just bizarre. It's like one of them asked me out, and all of them started hording the opportunity like some precious commodity. They don't want to miss the chance to date the latest popular guy.

I didn't go out with any of them. I don't think I'll have anything to talk to them about. They're just doing it to boost their own popularity standing anyway.

In fact, I didn't start dating until I was in college, and I didn't have a girlfriend until I was in my thirties. I studied my brains out in college and medical school. I wouldn't have been the top of my class otherwise.

And (gasp!), I even gave up gaming in medical school. That's the kind of sacrifice I made for education.

Yeah, but I didn't need you to tell me that.

As a result of my higher education, I am making a comfortable living now. I earn more than $5,000 a week (U.S. dollar), and I like what I do for a living.

It paid off being a nerd in school.