I met my current boyfriend in a Chemistry 2 lab at the local state college over two years ago. We sat right across from one another, and I didn't realize he was also in my Physics 2 class. I quickly learned he was, in fact, planning to major in Physics once he started at UF in the Fall of 2015. I too was on my way to UF that fall and very excited. My boyfriend wants to be the next Albert Einstein (though he's much too shy to say anything of the sort).
Here are some things that I have picked up along the way about what no one tells you about dating someone who loves the science behind physics as much as he does, as told by the great Sheldon Cooper!
1. It's a lot of studying
Well okay, this one is probably a given that everyone knows. Physics is hard stuff and it doesn't always come easy. You really have to enjoy the art behind the formulas and understand how they are used both in theory or in real life. I know my boyfriend spends at least 20-30 hours a week doing homework, and I wish I was kidding. There's a reason why my boyfriends family calls him Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory.
2. There are different avenues of physics to pursue
Before I even took a physics class, all I understood was that physics is what made engineering make sense. Here at UF, I took Statics and learned that "Engineers put into practice what Physicists theorize." There are different paths of physics one can take, like Astrophysics, theoretical, practical, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics. Pretty much anything you can think of, there's some branch of physics that covers it.
3. You can do almost anything with that physics degree
You can go be a researcher, a lecturer, a professor. Some are invited to large conferences to discuss their works; they publish papers or work on theory. You can go on to be an engineer, and from what I heard- it is easier to go from physics to engineering than it is to go from engineering to physics. Go figure!
4. Unfortunately, you'd need at least a Master's Degree or a Ph.D. in order to "do" any of the cool stuff
If I have heard ANYTHING while dating my boyfriend, it's how much schooling he still needs to complete before he can actually acquire a job... Or even do research. He wants to go all the way to complete his Doctorate degree. I am pretty sure you'd need one of those before you can even think of teaching physics at the college level to young adults.
5. You hear a lot about theories and why/how a particular problem works out
Trust me, it's just as interesting as watching paint dry, nor does it make much sense.
6. They get really excited when they figure out how the problem works
This one.... holy smokes. I think I have heard every range of excitement when it comes to physics problem sets, and the sense of accomplishment he feels once he "got" the problem and completed it. It's kind of adorable.
7. They aren't the most social
I am not saying every single physics major is like this. It just happens to be my experience. They don't always like to go to loud parties or anything, but they will indulge in some good old-fashioned small intimate parties at home with a couple of good friends. They might not talk too much the first few times of meeting new people, especially if they don't know what to say. Once they warm up to the people though, you can't get them to be quiet!
8. Physics majors are definitely dedicated/loyal
You have to be when this avenue of science is something you want to study and make your life's work all about. They do not typically give up when something is extremely hard and will work around a problem until it has been completed and understood to the best of their abilities. This also speaks volumes in terms of relationships.
9. They can be your biggest fan and ally
Since they too know the struggle of working very hard for a long time (from Undergrad to finishing a Ph.D. can take up to 10+years!). They will always be there to cheer you on and make sure you are getting what you need to get out of the courses you're taking. They can help you study more effectively, even if it's just by talking out what you're having problems with, just like they do.
