Spinosaurus

No. Sacrifice is not a good base for a relationship.

Thesis would be more helpful for grad school. And I agree that a few accelerated courses in Arabic will not make you competitive enough in the professional field. But if you are sure that you'll need another language to get a job, and not sure you want to pursue grad school- go for languages.

Look for a roommate. Driving would mean being stuck in traffic, paying for gas, maintenance, parking. Have you considered biking? There are also shuttles, you can look into places close to the stops. Basically, look for a roommate, at least for the first year, after that- weigh your options with better knowledge and see what you can do.

Because he probably thinks you are strangely attached to your notes, and highly suspicious of friendly e-mails.

I would live away from my spouse for two years, but definitely not away from a six year old. I think both fathers and mothers have equal responsibility for the child's emotional health, and not having a parent around for two years is traumatic.

I would advise against getting a pet until you know where you'll be living for the next 5-10 years, what you'll be making, and what your schedule would be like. Frankly, I don't see how a new dog would work for a grad student at all. Time consuming, very expensive and challenging. I think volunteering is a much better option.

I have a question. Two out of three writers are on the admission committee at my first choice school. It seems inappropriate to give them anything before the results are in. I was thinking thank you notes and little presents afterwards, but on the other hand, it seems a bit weird as well. Any thoughts?