Here is an interesting query via the FSP’s blog:
If you were sitting in a conference session trying to listen to Professor Z present her latest research results and to Dr. Postdoc’s inspiring attempt to impress potential employers, and you saw a couple of entwined twentysomethings sitting in front of you, snuggling and sniffing each other’s hair and necks, would you:
A. Think it was cute, sigh at the romance, and say “Young love, how special!”?
B. Avert your gaze and focus on the talks?
C. Snort in disgust and be very grateful that these young people were not from your institution?
D. Poke them and/or ask them to go somewhere else? (alternatives: toss something at them or do something else unobtrusive but possibly effective, without disturbing the session)
E. Other.
I’d think it was beautiful and I’d say to myself, “God, I miss N.” Then I’d think how great it was to see people who are not uptight and permanently miserable in an academic setting. After that, I’d write a post on the encouraging trends in academia.
What would you do?
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