Billy frowned, having noticed the discrepancy himself. "The expectations we place on each other are the same on Earth, unfortunately. It may change in the future, but we're remarkably resistant to adjusting our attitudes."

He pulled his knees up to his chest, deep in thought. "Am I really...you're much more attractive than I am. As a woman, I mean," he stammered out. "You have all the desirable curves."

But maybe that wasn't everything. "A nerd is someone who is socially excluded for a number of reasons. We tend to be excessively interested in the sciences, especially machinery. Because of that, we aren't the best at interacting with other people. That social awkwardness creates a rift between a nerd and the rest of the community, especially if they speak using complex words."

Like he did for many, many years. And still does.