Backstory: I’m working on a Ph.D. in Medieval History. My mother despairs of me meeting “nice boys”.  When I met a promising chap at a Chaucer lecture, she wanted all the details.

Mom: By the way what is [he] studying ….is he also history?

me: no, philosophy

influence of medieval ideas on twentieth-century thought

Mom: Ah…..and yet can discuss Jane Austen too! A little scary, no?

me: only in a good way

and it’s kind of mutual

Mom: oh goody…

me: so the Nerd Scores are even ;)

Mom: Ha! I forgot that part of the “list”…

“Matching Nerd Score!”

me: yes, it’s very important