I agree. I think it's a combination of state-of-mind (inquisitive and likes learning) and aptitude. A PhD isn't essential. But it probably helps with the more technical stuff that science uses these days.

I think at most universities, the student would probably be supervised soley by the second supervisor if a relationship developed between them and their first supervisor. This may be a solution for your problem, especially if this girl's second supervisor happens to work in a different building

Sounds annoying. Favouritism should stop in infant school. Could you draw up a rota ffor use of machines, cleaning etc and innocently suggest that following this will make life easier for everyone?

Ooooh, thanks, both! They sound ideal: I will try them both out and report back

I'm taking my dad to London this weekend: can anyone recommend some nice pubs (real ale/historic type places)? Thanks :-)

What s nice colleague you have...hmmm. I hate people who make passive aggressive comments like that.

Anyway very few people I know got married in their 20's. Not that it matters either way.

Badhaircut, don't let this girl bully you (and making false accusations IS a legally recognised form of bullying). Speak up immediately.

I'm not sure a website selling hair straighteners would get me that excited.

Luckliy we don't HAVE to - yet. I expect that compulsion is on its way. Bloody bureaucracy!

I make schedules for 3-month periods: what I intend to get done by the end of each month, within that 3 month period. Of course, I usually find that I don't get the stuff done

Could be; anxiety and depression are often two sides of the same coin.

Keep talking to us anyway; that will help, if nothing else does

Oooh, stupid NHS link. Just type "depression" into the search box.

Hi Mokey:

You might be struggling with a form of mild depression; the feelings you describe do fit the bill. Not that I'm a GP. Check this page:

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=127§ionId=10

I would have a chat with your GP: depression is very common and treatable, and your outlook on your PhD may improve as your feelings lift.

If it really is just that you hate your PhD; then apologies in advance...just thought it was worth mentioning.

You could try writing to the Guardian's Money section. They love stories of institutional incompetence, and the rail system in this country is a shining example. It sucks.

Definitely with you, Xeno. I sometimes worry that I've lost the ability to feel anything except mild irritation.

But I went to a concert last night: it was a performance of choral music, like Handel and the Requiem, and although it was not something I'd normally go for, it has cheered me up immensely. The total change of scene has put things in perspective (at least temporarily). I'd recommend something like this when you're really wound up.