I had an interesting conversation with someone recently who complained that his wife didn't understand his work. Apparently, she believed that since all of biology had medical applications that everything was the same. Yes, it's the kind of thing that will leave science people tearing out their hair and non-science people thinking, "What's the big deal?"
I blame this huge disconnect with the perception of what biology is and what it really is--to justification. If you want to get money to do your research, it has to relate somehow to human health. As for doing research for the sake of figuring out how something works--that reason totally wouldn't fly with the ordinary person.
I've never understood how scientists, engineers, etc., can marry someone who lacks the intellectual curiosity to have some idea of what they even do with their lives. I suppose a-roommate-plus-sex is better than nothing, but I'd think still so far from a satisfying situation.
Love conquers all? Opposites attract? Arranged marriages? Settling because all the other geeks are taken?
I don't understand it either--personally, I'd rather be alone than have someone who didn't understand me even if there were initially other perks. Cause when I'm 80, I doubt I'd be able to put up with some old guy who doesn't do anything except make ill-informed comments.
