...I always analyse them too much. I'm supposed to be filling in a form (today) giving "notice of intention to submit thesis" in three months time. My problem is that the form keeps saying 'the thesis IS ready for submission', and I need my supervisor to agree that 'the thesis IS ready for submission' (like I should have it ready three months in advance and wait around for the actual submission deadline to come, if it was ready for submission I would submit it NOW!!!). The reality is that the thesis MIGHT be ready for submission by the deadline, but it's more than likely that it won't be. What to do???

Hmm. I learnt that at assertiveness training too, and I thought it was an excellent idea until someone reminded me that there are people out there who would take great pleasure in the fact that you're annoyed by their behaviour (so I've never tried it).

re "I have never experienced anything like this" - I don't think I really hated anyone until I started my PhD i.e. during the last 4 years of my life I've met a few people who I dislike more than anyone I met before I started my PhD! I have often wondered why this, but as yet don't have any explanation...

ahem, see http://www.postgraduateforum.com/showmessage.asp?thread=5568&cat=16&keyword=crazy&newview=1&stype=TM&category=0

Have you checked ebay for the book?

I'm in your situation too westisbest - 4th year and have never enjoyed the PhD (and have been contemplating quitting all along). I'm not sure if being too scared to quit is the only reason I'm here though - I know I do still want to succeed with my experiments (and hence with my PhD).

I don't know how to reply to that now though

chrisrolinski - "I see"? Have I just learnt my first two Swedish words?

JRadetzky: echoing Sylvester and the personality disorder symptoms - I can relate to some of them too. I also relate to your high expections in a partner, and I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. It does seem a bit unfair when you can't find someone you think is right for you (and frustrating), but I don't think you should settle for something that doesn't make you happy.
Going way back to the start of your thread - am I right in thinking that you would be quite happy as a Christian if you could accept it intellectually? You said that Christianity expresses some things 'beautifully' but that you oppose Christianity. For what reason(s) do you oppose it?

I A Forest

The Good The Bad & The Queen - pretty good

"usually"

ditto the phone - it usuaully means an old relative is really sick/dying.

No, you don't have to go to everything - no-one keeps tabs on you, but if it's some kind of scientific society who funds your conference fee (IF you can find funding - it can be very difficult) they'll probably ask you to write a short report when you get back.
I don't think it's silly not wanting to go on your own - I have the same problem since I'm in a very small group. Ask the conference organisers if they have a registration fee for an "accompanying person" - I've seen that some conferences (usually the bigger ones) do this, and will organise a whole programme of activities for your accompanying person while you're at the presentations.

Thanks