Thanks so much for the thoughts, it really helps to know it isn't just me being over sensitive or touchy. I keep trying to tell myself it isn't but I still seem to need that validation because the issue is so painful.

Open Eyes and Confused, I think you are both absolutely right. I think my friend does see psychology as more about abnormal behaviour/mental illness than having a scientific basis. I really struggle to understand how he doesn't see that studying the human brain is an essential aspect of the subject and that it isn't all about 'mind over matter' or such like. He's had bad experiences, not due to mental health issues, but due to physcial problems that were not believed or understood. I do understand that but I feel he has become so fixed in his views that he struggles to see different.

He does respect me and would never tell me not to study or work in this field. My problem is not knowing whether I could be with someone who disregards everything I believe in. Open Eyes, like you say, I'm not sure he is interested in anyone else's views although he has attempted to listen but always reverts to his original viewpoint.

I have a lot to think about. Thanks again everyone.