Obtaining that elusive Ph.D. - in every sense a marriage

This paper describes the author's perceptions on obtaining Ph.D. degree which is compared with marriage. One should seriously consider the quest for a Ph.D. as a marriage between student and topic and treat the topic with all the respect and passion that one would treat his or her living spouse. Three ways to get through those tough times have been given. A visual aid has been presented that shows how a typical Ph. D. student's happiness varies. Communication and presentation skills have been elevated above technical ability in a formula that relates these skills to the ability to succeed. The Ph.D. is demanding and time consuming. It requires independent thinking skills and dedication, many sacrifices, vision and trust, and of course, a little luck and also think the Ph.D. as an investment