There is this strange phenomenon that the entire family is depressed...what is going on?

I'm starting to like this monotone path problem...too bad I still like approximation algorithms as well. It's like this: I have to admit that I like a bit of both extremal combinatorics and approximation algorithms. I'm leaning toward approximation algorithms, but I'm afraid this is because of (1) I encountered hardships with extremal combinatorics and (2) I haven't seen any difficult parts of approximation algorithms. Now making a decision on an area to pursue is something that will affect me for at least three to four years, let alone the rest of the academic career...so I'm afraid to make a decision of that magnitude. More prayers are needed.

Two long phone calls tonight...