LONGBOW1 - You're NOT a geek and there is nothing to be ashamed of for pursuing your hobby. Those who criticise or think badly of us are the real prats, not us.
Don't hide your interest, talk openly about it and you will find a lot of people warm to you and want to talk about it. I know plenty of professional aviation people - some in very senior posts - who collect numbers and thoroughly enjoy their hobby. I stopped writing numbers after a visit to the USA - 10,000 aircraft in a few weeks - but I still enjoy visiting airports and watching aircraft. More power to the "spotters" I say...