Q. “How are you?”
A. “OK, I’m working on my dissertation.”
Q. “How’s work going?”
A. “It’s fine, hard to get focused as I’m working on my dissertation.”
Q. “So I was watching the news, and I heard that…”
A. “That’s interesting, that may tie into what I’m working on for my dissertation…”
Q. “We’re having a birthday party for our daughter, can you make it?”
A. “When is it? I need to carve out some time this weekend because I’m working on my dissertation.”
Q. “What do you want to do for dinner?”
A. “I’m open to anything. Maybe I can tell you what I’m working on for my dissertation.”
Q. “Have you watched the last episode of the Walking Dead?”
A. “No, I haven’t watched much T.V. I’m working on my dissertation.”
Q. “You should call your mom, she’s upset you haven’t called in a while.”
A. “Does she know I’m working on my dissertation?”
Q. “Do you have any trips planned for the spring or summer?”
A. “Not sure if I can take time away, I’m working on my dissertation.”
Q. “Do you plan on having kids anytime soon?”
A. “I’m working on my dissertation.”