From Mr P. A. J. Bondarenko, MRPharmS
SIR,-While surfing the net the other day I happened along an internet dating service (americansingles.com). Just for fun I decided to fill in the form (you know the type of thing - throw a pebble into the pond and see what happens). I was incensed when I came on to the question dealing with occupation. Although hundreds of alternatives were listed, "pharmacist" was not one of them. Even in America, I thought.
On sleeping on it, however, I realised that the Americans may not be so dumb after all.
Can you imagine a first date with a pharmacist? Woes on the remuneration front (how is one to impress on a first date?). Complete inactivity from our professional body (excepting its property acquisition skills). Can you imagine the worry lines due to long hours and stress? The negatives are numerous; the positives, very few.
It seems that our cousins overseas were wise in omitting this pathetic group. I decided to put "plumber" instead - now that should give rise to a great first date!
Peter Bondarenko
London W5