what a lovely and considerate idea shani. I hope you think so too robber.

good idea. You can always use the extra text for future publications.

sourapple, have you asked for feedback? I think you are entitled to that.

I heard that some PhD students hire editors for their final product. I am not sure if this is allowed, but have you tried to find out? If it's allowed, you might even be able to get your University hire one for you because of extenuating or special circumstances?

I agree with Piglet. But don't create suspicion for your bf while doing this. Last thing you want is to ruin his trust to you and to his best friend. How about double-dates, can you introduce him to anyone and see how you feel in that situation? I agree with others too, so I won't be able to add much to this conversation. I wish you all the best in getting rid of these feelings and even one day smiling when you look back to this period in your life.

RogueAcademic, that's a good way of learning about yourself; can be very useful for future applications. I used to be able to get almost everything I applied for, but this is long before my 2nd academic life. I realise it is more competitive in academia and people you get to compete with are actually quite good at what they're doing.

sourapple, PinkNeuron, I think we understand eachother's feelings; I'm really sorry about your news too

Thank you all for great support. I will cheer up tomorrow and submit an application to another post that I've seen today

Thank you very much. I love this forum

I just imagined this picture of you going to the finance department of your university and giving them 5 puppies

I've just received a letter with the words "we regret that...". I am so upset, especially after a very good interview. Nevermind...

(by the way, thanks for the nice words rick. I think it was a good experience to be interviewed by a panel of people that strong.)

Great news. Good luck with the ESRC funding

still no news
I keep checking my phone, refreshing my emails and visiting their website as if it would help. How silly of me, but I can't do any work because of this psychology of waiting.

but on a lighter note, I too vote for putting that woman in room 101 Tricky

shelleyanne, it's a bit of a selfish comment but I'm glad I'm not alone. Do you end up spending more than you can afford too, without being acknowledged? Bills, supermarket shopping etc. I haven't received a single thank you to the gifts I bought to my bf's family since I started my PhD 3 years ago. They always assume it's him who bought the gifts so he gets the thanks I sometimes get a thank you for "choosing it". Not that I buy those things to get a thank you, but I still find it annoying.

I agree with you Tricky. I had "real jobs" too before and after my first degree; and PhD is more time-consuming, stressful and tiring than any of those jobs. It's like opening up your own business and doing all the jobs yourself (including admin and project managing) due to low-budget and lack of support.