The 2021 Love Letter to Your Thesis competition was the biggest yet, with so many incredible entries! Here is the runner up in the “Most Romantic” category…

Dear Thesis,

You have always known from the start that I belonged to another. Our ménage à trois began on the same week as my marriage which you were determined I would miss, sending me to London chasing academic collaborators the day before. Then of course my love you wiggled your way on my honeymoon whining that we had a date that could not be missed.

My new husband, patient, strong and accommodating did not object when you introduced me to other lovers whom I caressed in bed in front of him, turning their silky pages embarking on deep affairs with other strong men whom I had just met, one called Marx permanently moved in.

It’s been nearly four years. Even when we spend all my waking time together, I never tire of you. Sometimes your words ring circles around my head and your possessiveness of me steals my sleep and infuriates my husband, but I wake up wanting more from you, knowing that you need more from me. I rush to you.

It has taken some time to get to know your family and I have loved every minute of meeting them gaining their guidance and support and engaging in their knowledge which I have needed throughout our tumultuous affair.

I have never felt like giving up on you, despite reducing me to embarrassing puddles of tears and tantrums at times, compromising my health but making up to me with chocolate just so that I could spend more time with you when I should have been walking in the fresh air. Instead, I remind myself of the awards we have won, the clever friends we have made and the people who champion us knowing that the affair will end soon, and my husband will be my exclusive partner. Many of your literary friends that moved into my home will stay and Marx will always have a place near my pillow.

When you have finally gone from my life, another nine months from now our union will be complete and our child will be born. My husband and I will have responsibility to nurture the child and ensure her voice grows strong in your honour. You my love have been the richest adventure of my life and I am eternally grateful to have met you.

All my love always.

Your muse,

Anon xxx