Sometimes my gamer friends want to go out and I tell them no because I don't want to be seen with them in public.
Are you embarrassed by them?
I'm afraid of being ridiculed by other people for hanging out with nerds.
If they are your friends then you shouldn't care what other people think. Treat your friends with respect when you're out in public with them.
This must be weird to you. I mean, right?
It is kind of weird, yes. You shouldn't be disrespectful of your own friends and should treat them with respect.