Dear Rob,
I am really sorry to have to tell you that it is too late to help you with this problem.
You have been displaying anorak and rivet counting tendencies for some time now, we did hope you would grow out of it but, clearly the little boy in you is too dominant.
The only solution is to carry on regardless, in the knowledge that you are not alone in this affliction and that there are therapy establishments around the country where you can exorcise your demons, temporarily, they NEVER go away.
As for romantic prospects......................they don't understand your affliction so I am afraid you also have a problem there.
Yours with deepest sympathy
Auntie Mayhem