Thanks DanB!

I find it hard that people don't see it as a valid reason - if I said I was at work in a job on a weekend then I wouldn't have this reaction

I wish I could say (like Mista G) that it was inspiring - kinda makes me want to hurl thinking that I'll (hopefully) do that one day

Really beginning to realise that no one outside of academia understands what a PhD involves in terms of the time it takes up; they think I sit around all day reading books and avoiding 'proper' work

It's especially annoying as a PT student. People keep complaining that I never go out or visit them in the evenings or at weekends, but that's the only time I have to study. They refuse to believe I spend every spare second on my research

We got married during my Master's - I don't recommend planning a wedding whilst writing up a dissertation LOL

I know what you mean about the attitude of some other academics; they act like it is a big sordid joke and that it is acceptable to make fun of your relationship. I try not to take it too seriously, but if someone questions your academic ability or the strength of your marriage then it sometimes get upsetting.

The other thing that annoys me is that the academic who had the biggest problem with us actually married a PhD student in one of his former departments - hypocrit! There is another couple (lecturer and PhD student) and no one bats an eyelid. I hate the way it is OK to sleep with a PhD student, but a relationship with an undergraduate (who could easily be the same age as a PhD student) is unacceptable and pervy

WHO CARES ABOUT WORK!!!! You should be out celebrating

Everyone was really uncomfortable and critical of us at the start, but as soon as we got married suddenly everything was fine and everyone accepts us, although I still get upset by some of the jokes. I worked really hard to get a distinction in my Master's and I feel that a lot of people don't appreciate that - they joke I must had help or special treament, but in fact I think all my work was much more rigorously checked than any other student because the department knew I was with my husband

I like the term 'fans'

Everyone thinks it is a very naughty thing to do, but it is very common. You already have a common interest with your lecturer as you obviously care about the same subjects, so it is hardly surprising if you get it on! It's tough when other people find out though(EVERYONE always jokes 'so...did you get a First')

Can I have a glass of your champers???

Do they?

WHOO HOO!

Avoiding writing that all-important chapter!

Our institution is the same - you can decide whether your supervisor attends

I think promoting the involvement of the student in choosing examiners (particularly internal) would be important - I can think of a few lecturers in my department that I don't want to have anything to do with my PhD and I feel their personal opinion of me would affect their treatment/assessment of me

I like the idea of tape-recording the viva BUT you have the issue of whether this would put off students i.e. would they be more nervous being recorded and so perform worse than if they had not been recorded IYSWIM

GOOD LUCK - if you get nervous just think or Orlando