Jealousy is a very destructive state - you sound consumed by it... stop. It will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

May I also point out that ladies like to be flirted with! Attached or not, it is actually very healthy.

A few years ago I went to a club in London with someone and we 'mingled' seperately for a while. I got cornered at the bar by a very persistent individual, but without anyone at my side it was difficult to get away. After a while I spotted my date not too far away enjoying watching me squirm, safe (and happy) in the knowledge that we would be leaving together WITHOUT the 'chancer'!

Toast with REAL butter (has to be) and very hot, sweet tea.

Hey - another idea: (crown)

404 - I personally crown you as 'Smiley-Master of the Universe'!!

Now, if we could just get them added to the short-cuts...

PGFT?

what's significant about 909, 404?

That's great, fluffy

lol x

don't you feel the collective virtual love from this forum, sylvester?

think of the big picture, quick

I've always found cramming useful! All the best x

So sorry pea. Was in a similar situation but during my first degree and with a new baby! I was NOT, however, going to let ANYTHING stop me from graduating (finally paid off the loans a couple of years ago!). One thing I've learned is that dark times pass... you WILL come through this - and WITH your phd xx

H - it was my dad that pushed academia too, although, being his first child I was supposed to be a boy! lol - I think he would be proud of me now.

Otto - I'm always impressed when people pick up a second language like you have. I hope you're happy here and eventually feel 'at home', although i doubt it ever will be truly 'home'.

When I go to Poland it feels like i'm going home, until the journey back... that feels like coming home too!

Yup. When the world's asleep I get the peace and quiet required to generate my best work. I don't know how or why, but I surprise myself when I re-read what I've written the next day! Maybe we're possessed by ghosts of students past...

Fingers crossed! Hey - that's another challenge for you 404 - could you (or the PGFT) do a 'fingers crossed' smiley?

What's with all the Xmas smileys sylvester? Are you planning ahead - with a 'good woman' top of your list for Santa?!