being a woman maybe she is trying to get you to say how you feel or discuss things? maybe she doesnt know how to bring it up? a year isnt that long to get to know each other well enough but beware a break could lead to you just drifting apart and no reconciliation in the end because of that, as neither knows what to say anymore.

how do you mean pressure on her? for it to work if you stay? i know its hard but if there is no future then maybe now it the time to make the break to save both of you more hurt and upset?
can you see yourselves being together long term and being happy ?

if talking about the future is the barrier maybe you both need to just bite the bullet and sit down and discuss it. if you have something worth holding onto you can make it work, the question is are you both willing to compromise in terms of future jobs etc to be together?

i guess it depends if the issues are the phd or the stress of completion has made her question other things. do you see a future for you both ater phds are complete?

maybe the stress has just make her freak out about the future and what it holds? i am in a similar situation but im the one breaking it off, maybe she just needs the time to finish the phd and then hopefully things will be able to get back on track once the weight is lifted.

has anyone ever used a data entry agency to earn extra cash im getting desperate for money!

i know how unbearably painful break ups can be and nothing anyone says can help, but try thinking about the future and how bright it is for you, not easy i know, surround yourself with friends and family, get a change of scenery, keep telling yourself it will get easier, often being friends with the person makes it harder to begin with so try get some distance.
A PhD is important but if you need time to yourself dont feel bad about that, it will still be there when your ready.

thanks for all your comments.. im trying to see beyond her rudeness and understand why she is so against non phds.

I think what academics (not all obviously) need to realise it that maybe not everyone wants to do a phd. could it be that they are happy doing other jobs! sometimes i think academics think research etc is the be all and end all.

i just dont understand the 'im better that you' attitute when friends have worked equally as hard just because they didnt go to university and have a certificate to prove it!

hi all im a newbie on here.. and i have a problem! i used to often spend time with a fellow phd while at work however recently i have found her comments as to my other friends and partner a bit harsh and snobby. many of my friends and partner are not phd students, nor went to university however i have never even thought of this as a barrier to friendship.however whenever i chat to her about my friends and boyfriend she makes snide comments like 'well you have more gcses than all of them put together' and 'it must be hard socialising with stupid uneducated people' and laughs. has anyone else encountered this kind of attitude towards non academic friends etc? how do i tell her its just not nice or do i just distance myself from her as i find it quite upsetting.