Update: Not one week after posting this, I got into a relationship of sorts. I met a girl at a department event and we started seeing each other on a daily basis. The future with this one is bleak, but nevertheless, I had forgotten how nice a distraction from research is, nevermind the challenge! That said, I think I need a few weeks over before the next fling! Otherwise the thesis will never get done. Must departmentalise!

PhDbug,
The alias has nothing to do with who I am, just thought of something quick that would be sufficiently anonymous!
I certainly agree with your take. I thought it might be unusual...maybe not. I watch my flatmates and the ridiculously (long) periods of time they spend with their significant others. I don't think I could handle that. What a damper on productivity. I realize I sound like a robot or something, but it's true! I've also noticed that being with someone can make me lazy because they have a weaker work ethic and the laziness tends to be contagious.

W.

Hi all,
First off, I love this forum as it's about the only place where I realize I'm facing the same issues as everyone else in my shoes. Now for the topic...

I'm more or less out of a long term relationship and have been for a year. 90% of the time I feel like the single life is best and allows me to focus on research/writing. 10% of the time I desperately want some companionship. But dating takes so much effort. I know this sounds really sad, but I've just found that if I meet someone I'm interested it uses up too much of my mental capacity. I'm thinking I may just let the next 1.5 years elapse in the single state and worry about it after. I'm sure the odd casual opportunity will come along ,)

Also, as prospective prominent researchers, we'll tend to move around a lot in the first decade of our careers. How do people in committed relationships cope with this issue (i.e., the inevetability that at some point it's going to be significant other vs.career)? It's one thing if they are a nurse or school teacher and can't find employment anywhere, but quite a different story if they're a specialist.

Not so much a question as a rambling...

Cheers