The Love Hypothesis

by Ali Hazelwood

“You’re his girlfriend.” “I . . .” Really am not. But. Even if she had been. “Greg, I’m only dating him. I am not him. How would I have anything to do with—” “You’re fine with all of this. With him acting like that—like an asshole on a power trip. You don’t give a shit about the way he treats everyone in the program, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to stomach being with him.” At his tone, she took a step back. Chase lifted his hands in a peacekeeping gesture, coming to stand between them. “Hey, now. Let’s not—” “I’m not the one who failed you, Greg.” “Maybe. But you don’t care that half of the department lives in terror of your boyfriend, either.” Olive felt anger bubbling up. “That is not true. I am able to separate my professional relationships and my personal feelings for him—” “Because you don’t give a shit about anyone but yourself.” “That is unfair. What am I supposed to do?” “Get him to stop failing people.” “Get him—” Olive sputtered. “Greg, how is this a rational response for you to have about Adam’s failing you—” “Ah. Adam, is it?” She gritted her teeth. “Yes. Adam. What should I call my boyfriend to better please you? Professor Carlsen?” “If you were a half-decent ally to any of the grads in the department, you would just dump your fucking boyfriend.” “How— Do you even realize how little sense you are . .

THIS IS WHY PROFESSOR AND PHD RELATIONSHIPS DO NOT HAPPEN well one of the reasons