Girls: Can a PhD student date a "normal" girl?

[PhysGrad]

I'm a 2nd year physics PhD student. Most of my friends are also science and engineering grad students. The job demands hard work and long hours, but we keep at it because we're very passionate about the research we're doing and science in general. Unfortunately, the job demands so much from us that we don't have time to develop a passion for something else in our lives, so most of our free time together (outside of planned movies etc.) is spent talking about our research. My question for you ladies, particularly those in careers outside of science, engineering, medicine, etc., is could you see a successful relationship develop between a "normal" girl and someone already so mentally committed to a technical field, or should I stick to trying my luck with girls in situations similar to mine? Thanks.

[thatcrazygirl21]

I love you.

I honestly see nothing wrong with that. Education is important, well to me anyways. When you date, you just have to find someone who understands you predicament. When you find that person, they will try and make it work. I honestly could never ever date someone in the same field as me. That would be hard work.

Personally, I would make it work with you. I love science; I just wouldn't study it.

Just find someone who understands your situation because if someone likes you, they will find every way possible to be with you. And it's not like you'll be doing that forever either.

[PhysGrad]

Hopefully things will be less ridiculous after I finish my Masters. (doubt it, lol)

[thatcrazygirl21]

I doubt it too. Lol. I had a teacher who was going for her PHD in Economics and she spent more time in the books than in the classroom. I do wish you all the best of luck--education and personally. :D

[LilLana]

oh wow.. physics PhD student.. that's suchhh an attractive quality. I'm sure you'll be able to get a girl. You sound very social whenever you have time.. but also academically focused. Anyways, from your post, it doesn't sound like I fall under your 'normal' girl category since I'm studying Honours in my Pharmacy degree... so maybe my opinion is less weighted to a girl who isn't in the science research field. But in my opinion, I'm sure you will definitely have a chance with a 'normal' girl who understands your work committment.

out of curiosity, what's your thesis on?

[PhysGrad]

Well, I'm still the newbie in my research group, so no thesis yet. It's an experimental group studying Rydberg atoms, atoms excited to really high energy levels. The senior student I'm watching is studying how they react when they collide with other molecules to make "heavy Rydbergs." It's a good group that teaches me how to play with three really fun things: electronics, power tools, and lasers lol. Can you be a pharmacist right out of undergrad? I thought you needed a bit more school first.

[LilLana]

Yup, I don't know about America or wherever you are, but you can study a 4 year bachelor degree and graduate as a pharmacist. Your project sounds pretty interesting using lsers and electronics. I hope you're supervisor's helpful and supportive. My projects about cancer cells and their ability to metastasise.. It's really interesting but I'm stressing about my thesis now! haha.. no idea where to start.

[PhysGrad]

Yea, I'm American, and yes, despite the stereotype, some of us actually care about learning enough to occasionally pick up a book lol. My supervisor is pretty awesome! He's been doing this a while so he's got a lot to teach me. Your thesis sounds really tough, but really interesting! Best of luck on it!

[charizzle]

of course you can. my dad met my mum while he was doing his phd. and my mum has no background in science/engineering/medicine. she was my dad's barber's daughter back then LOL. they get along fine and he enjoys explaining his research to her...and to me too. hehe!

[charizzle]

forgot to include this part: it's very possible for you to find a normal girl, it just takes time :-) and some luck. I would definitely date you because I find brains sexy. and I love listening to interesting research and studies

[PhysGrad]

That's definitely encouraging! Up until grad school, most of the reactions from girls about my major ranged from bored dismissal to straight up intimidation, like I became something other than just another person simply because of what I chose to study. I'd like to hope there are girls around who curious about what I do but still can think of me as a guy too, and your story definitely helped.

[Anonymous]

oh please. I know plenty of PhD students, myself included (mathematics for me) and I'm busy, but I make time for a social life because I want it. you're just making excuses

[PhysGrad]

Fair enough. I've considered that as a possibility. Having it confirmed is helpful information.