Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for January 14, 2014

Planned spontaneity.

Wow, the Bergers even buy their linen’s from Greg’s dept. store, Lol!…

“Timid-Life Crisis”“Don’t Cry For Me, Australia (continued)”“Uptight Has Got Me Up, Tonight (part II)”or“Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk Of Magnesia (2nd cup)”

What’s on first.Who’s on second.Gunth, I’m sure, biologically, you’ve grown a pair.Now someone needs to kick-start them.

Gunther is doing some serious spontenaity planning…….

“I’m a Man” by the Spencer Davis Group“It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown-Or maybe Gunther’s style is more nearly:“Macho Man” by the Village People“Pencil-Neck Geek” by Freddie Blassie

I have to feel sorry for Gunther. His shyness is hindering the development of a relationship with Rosa.

P

Gunther & Rosa reminded me of the movie “Goodbye Mr. Chips” (1939) with Robert Donat & Greer Garson. “Chips’ was a shy person who because of his shyness. Some people thought of him as being unsociable. In the film after he ’rescues Greer Garson from a mountain top. Katherine (Greer Garson) remarks to her travelling companion that *”Shy people are the loneliest people in the world."*

Gunther – Be like Julius and just Caesar!

Gunther’s got a problem.

What are you? 11? 12?

Notice that when Gunther says he’s a total wimp, Quill doesn’t dispute the point.

Gunther will never change. He could try to be spontaneous as much as he wants, but it’s just in his nature to be the way he is. Sigh. . .

When you connect opposite poles that are both charged, sparks fly.

Gunther—Way to think outside of, but pressed tightly against, the box.

My Mom used to tuck me in bed up to the chin just like Gunth is, when I was 2 YEARS OLD.

Why does no one think that the upcoming theme is “Quill to the Rescue”? Gunther needs a mentor, a bro, and Quill would be a great one.

Gunth, the easiest thing would be to call her, go over to her place, and dump her, spontaneous and end of problem :P

A teenager’s idea of bold and spontaneous is a fast path to a crash and burn. Gunther is acting far more as an adult.than Rosa.

What the heck? Gunther is not a spontaneous person. Nothing at all wrong with that.

Rosa needs to accept him as he is, or walk away to find someone more spontaneous. Not accepting him is the emotional equivalent of dating a cop and then complaining that he could get himself killed, so he has to change his job. Nuts to that!

I hope Quill gets Gunther to realize that he’s all right just the way he is. Sheesh!

Rosa is a typical teenager.The problem with Rosa is that she expects Gunther to change.

The moment anyone tries to change someone will usually end the relationship.

Rosa is very unstable at the moment.If it were up to Rosa, she might wind up pregnant.

“Bold & Spontaneous.”. The Hell of it is that if Gunther does something bold & spontaneous that doesn’t work, the relationship will be more strained than ever. Maybe a good try if they go on a hike – a small mountain – and help each other climb over stuff. Gunther might do better at that than dancing… Anyway – Greg E – Give Gunth a break…

Gunther is just not ready to date at this juncture of his life.

As long as Gunther lives with Mommy, he will never be ready for a relationship.

Gunther needs to grow up and in order to do so, must leave the nest.

Until then, Gunther shall be known as “Mama’s Boy”.

What the heck does being first have to do with today’s Luann’s comic?

I look forward to reading the comments as much as I do reading the comic itself except for this very selfish one!

Rosa is barking up the wrong tree here. It would be a waste of the rest of her senior year waiting for Gunther to come out of his shell, because that’s just not who he is. She should find someone who will make her happy as a suitor, and she can just be pals with Gunther. I suspect that would make him a lot more comfortable too. He is who he is, and eventually he should come to accept that.

Luann and Rosa have something in common.They are both very horny and selfish young teenagers.

I don’t think Rosa is selfish. She started dating a guy she thought was interesting and kind. It’s turning out that the relationship doesn’t have chemistry. Either Gunther is just “not that into her” or is not ready for a relationship or their outlook on life is not compatible. She is giving the relationship a chance by telling him her concerns, in case it is more a matter of miscommunication or shynes. But she is obviously not happy, and should not be condemned for not marrying the first guy we , the audience, see her date.

I’m not talking about sex, although she may be interested in that. I’m talking about being able to relax and enjoy a relationship – give and take – not taking all the work.

Whoever suggested that Gunther spontaneously go and break up with Rosa is right. It would move him out of his “victim” role: he is the actor, not the reactor. And Rosa wouldn’t have to feel bad about hurting a nice guy she does like by dumping him.

Of course, Gunther will not do this.

Look, Quill and Gunny, you gotta stop resembling Ernie and Bert to me, I can’t take it! If G grows a unibrow…-(I’m kidding.)

You can plan spontaneity.Seriously, it is possible.The way to do it is to absolutely stick to some randomising system.For example, choose every second option as “yes” and stick to it.Or go for a walk and at every alternate corner, turn left and then right.

Up before 1:00 PST taking my 2nd 32oz dose of MoviPrep for a 7:45 you-know-what. Can’t believe the # of posts in search of help for the G-man.

I’m not exactly sure what Quill can do, here. He can’t exactly cast a spell on him…

“Strong like horses, fast like ponies, with this spell you gain cajones!”

Gunther knows his problem full well, but for someone like him, doing anything to change his ways is extremely difficult. It will take a huge effort on his part, and any little negative thing along the way might scuttle his attempt. Who knows what will happen? The only good sign, so far, is that Gunther hasn’t given up on Rosa yet. We shall see….

And where are your hands?

@dajellybellyExcellent film referance!

plan your spontaneity well and long

Reminds me of TV show Dharma & Greg. He was so intimidated by her experience he planned the spontaneous lovemaking. Example, when Harvard LaCrosse wins by 2, it’s Cowboy night.

WAY TO GO!CONGRATULATIONS!!!WHATAGURL!!!!!!

All I can say is, Quill looks HOT!

Panel 2 is the extra 5 mins Gunther gave Rose. He had to listen to her complain.

Just the two of you. Quill can be OthewrwiseEngaged…. Let propinquity propinque!

Rosa could’ve been honest and just told him she needs some lovin".

Hey Pretty-Boy!Ya Wanna “Jump Start” Gunther?

Well TELL Him How YOU Made Luann’s Toes Curl.

Then RUN Like HELL……,

Gunther, be yourself man! Find a girl who appreciates you for who you are.

OMG! A senior in HS and Gunth is still wearing jammies! LOL

Soooo ready for this to get somewhere…

On the other hand, maybe Mommy needs to put some hot pepper in those cookies.

You’re a fub, kidAin’t illegal

You should be what you are, Gunth. And she should accept it or find someone else.

-AND FIRST FLAGGED. Please, STFU.

-Why waste a flag and so much anger that you end up with multiple posts on something as silly as this?

-enthused.

-Maybe not enthused, but he was listening!

-There’s a name for the onset of the realization that relationships don’t mean changing someone.-It’s called Growing Up.-You are 100% correct, and the irony is, so many so-called ‘adults’ have yet to figure that out!

Rosa, ask Gunth to a walk in the park. Then what happens, happens, but you will have to initiate it to happen. Just one kiss, and then another, and then one more. Isn’t this fun? One more. If you have to ask for one more after that, he’s hopeless. Move on.

-All they want from us is one thing. They use us, and when they finish, just roll over and go to sleep.-LOL

-let’s hear how you would have Greg build a new Gunther 2.0-A new Gunther is not needed. Gunther himself is unhappy with his inability to get past his shyness. All he needs is help learning how to (G-d forbid) communicate.

-Gunther does not need to spend any time trying to figure how to be “bold and spontaneous” with Rosa-It seems like Gunther’s big issue with Rosa is that he locks in on the first things she says, and then fails to listen to anything else --You have raised a very important point. Let’s hope Quill figures it out…

-He needs to go out and find a girl like Luann. That is sound advice Quill could give -Gunther doesn’t seem to want to live in the past. Unlike some people….

Rosa should let Gunther be who he is and find a man with the qualities she likes. Gunther is not even close to what she is looking for. Some meek, timid girl will love Gunther just the way he is. Don’t try to change people, there are 7 billion to chose from.

-One minor detail needs to be pointed out. -In a past life, you must have been a button-pusher of some kind. That’s a skill you bring to the present, but maybe you can outgrow it in future. Let’s hope!

Rosa is not any good for Gunter. He feels bad about himself after spending time with her. That is not a healthy relationship at all. He should find a girl who makes him feel good about himself.

Note in Date Book:Plan to be more spontaneous.

-All Gunther needs to do is remember two words: ‘Yes’ and ‘dear.’ And, remember that they go against alphabetical order.-Too much of a stereotype. More something I’d expect from our Mr. L than you….

-Right idea, wrong counselor. He should speak with Miss Halper.-

Miss Halper, however, has made it plain that she is not interested in counseling that deals with boy-girl issues. She is happy to help kids who are new at school, scared and lonely. She is happy to help kids who need to find jobs, kids trying to figure out what class to take, or even where their lockers are.-But Miss Halper rolls her eyes each time Luann wants to talk about ‘boy’ issues. How much help would it be for Gunther to try talking to someone about his ’shyness-with-girls issues if that counselor was rolling her eyes, sighing heavily, or making snarky comments?-

Besides, I’m not convinced that shyness is on the same order as the fear and depression a new student might be feeling. Shy folks need examples of how to overcome their own concern about being unworthy of the one they want. A role model would be more help than a counselor.

-wrestling crocodiles-Whoa….wasn’t that how Crocodile Dundee bought it? Not sure we need that much drama….

-What on Earth is a fub?-Let’s see. The first letter in the acronymn doesn’t apply to Gunther, because he’s not overweight. The second, which has to do with degree of, um, personal attractiveness or lack thereof, is a matter of judgement. The third may or may not apply to Gunther, since his parents may not have been married.-That’s what it stands for, but I don’t think it applies to Gunther, and it doesn’t really move the issues forward, anyway. So, can’t imagine why Dr Dave thought it would help, but it’s a free country….

-You should see the one I have for you.-Oops. Did I push a button?-I hope the box has a lot of mystery novels in it. Including some of your unpublished work….

I’ve said it yesterday, and I’ll say it, again… Gunther may not necessarily need to “improve”… only if he feels so, or especially if it would hinder him from functioning in society well.. he could be able to hold a job, as he shows himself capable in scholarly functions, and is capable with certain talents.. he may be able to function well in society, but just not a good match for someone like Rosa… one thing Quill could suggest is that he just face up to finding someone who would enjoy his level of comfort, who wouldn’t have a problem with his ways… – Many times, we seek to adjust to fit in with one segment of society, but perhaps as with the ‘ugly ducklling’ nuance, it’s our perceptions that need to change (though not always drastically)… if Gunther feels the need to change, then okay… but, even then, one should be who they are …. not what they are… so again, it could be that maybe he must come to terms with what he wants out of life… if he wants to progress to be more bold, then all well and good….. if he is only doing it so that he can keep Rosa, then fine, as long as it’s with an honest look at what he wants out of life… and I think that is what is missing…. we have yet to see what the guys’ ambition/goals/hopes etc. are, and perhaps this advice would do him best;

After this, then it will be clearer how best to “assimilate” or adjust after that point…

-and I don’t recall Gunther noting that “part of him knows” he’s sexually attracted to Luann as he did admit regarding Rosa -I think you may have meant this comment for Leviticus (?), since L is the one who keeps saying that Luann is Gunther’s future. That’s not anything that I’ve said!!!

That has to be a glowing testimonial to his qualifications on giving advice concerning relationships. ^That surely does! The one hurdle, though, is that Frank is among many characters thrown in to be the “clueless parent with ‘dumb’ advice” trope… it used to be that in the past, that advice turned out to be the one to follow, all along… but, unfortunately, as some like to point out, some things start seeming to be more old fashioned (though in essence it’s not, in the end)…. so, Frank is stuck in the role of being "wise, but ‘so uncool’ "….

As to the jammies, I think young guys usually wear a tee shirt and boxer shorts or pajama bottoms to bed. Tee shirt may be optional. Alas! I may be wrong, it’s been quite awhile since I saw any men in my bedroom. (Sob!)

Luann had a talk with Rosa about Gunther (11/12-11/17, 2012) so it’s not like she didn’t know what was ahead. Now it’s up to Quill to help Gunther close the gap.

And the other part of it is will the pace Gunther adjusts be at the frequency that Rosa desires?……

-“Social Anxiety Disorder” can be treated-Again, let’s put on some brakes here. That’s a serious psychiatric situation, and I’m not sure what Evans has shown us for Gunther really qualifies. Someone with that disorder is supposedly unable to even go to a dance, let alone have problems once at the dance. And they are supposed to suffer so much fear in advance of an event that they actually have physical symptoms before and during, like heart racing, problems with breathing, shaking, excessive sweating, and so on. We haven’t really seen that with Gunther.-

It’s one thing to talk to a counselor, or look for advice from a mentor (especially when you didn’t grow up in a situation with an adult who you could use as a model.) It’s another thing to throw pills at something.

Ok, thanks, but I don’t think our friend agrees….

So… would calling Rosa at 1:30 in the morning be spontaneous enough?

I’m thinking maybe we need a little “Cyrano de Bergerac” action here (although this would totally be a TJ kind of idea, now that I think of it).

Thanks a lot, Argy. Now I know I am a fub. The first letter is my own fault, Second related to Neandertal ancestors. Third involves a four day pass, Mississippi law in 1948, two committed eighteen year olds, the wrong mother present to give permission to wed, and identity theft.

-Knute has already helped(?) Gunther with dancing lessons, sooo-A highly imaginative solution! I like it!!!

And now Mr. Evans is embroidering pillows with his name!

♪♪Despararo, why don’t you come to your senses?Come down from your fences,, open the gate.It may be raninin,, but there’s a rainbow above you.You better let somebody love you,, before it’s too late…..♪♪

I have that record, on 12-inch RED vinyl.It’s hilarious.

Anybody who also follows Herman mat have noticed I was first post at least once. The diffis, my post was related to the strip, and I felt nocompuilsion to rub everybody’s nose in it,

Advice which would be totally wasted as long asLuann is fixated on Quill. Nor do i think he would be likely to offer this particular advice if any were asked for. Unless he really has nofeelings for Lu….

“It seems as if a large percentage of the commentators here go out of their way to find something to offend them. Usually I fill the bil”-And we appreciate how well you do it.

Gunther is one of those people who NEVER does anything without a though out plan and 2 or 3 back up plans. Never leave ANYTHING to chance. Him and Rosa have nothing in common.

“Wrestling an alligator maybe?”-Nah, he’d have to come down here to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana for that. (Texas should have a few, but I haven’t heard.)

“I don’t sterotype people. I just put them in the box they belong”-That was good

Comics were initially intended for children

“And the young-at-heart.”-So I’m not an interloper after all???Great, although I’m not sure in my case it is young-at-heart and not going-senile-Not that I minded being an interloper.The heart wants what it wants.

If you do something on the even hour or the even half – hour, it will not look that spontaneous. ^People think the “time lady” was predictable, but not so…Whenever I called and she gave me the time, even though she told me it was going to happen, she always left me wondering when I was going to hear that “beeeeep!”….

You’re trying Too Hard, Gunther! Rosa’s right, you know! Quit planning your life down to the last iota; listen to your inner-self and let your feelings flow free…Withoutobsessing! Give yourself a Chance!… ;)

So we should run the kids off?

I thought “Luann” was a strip about kids…

But are they REALLY adults drawing them or fellow kids-at-heart?.So confusing.What would Calvin do?

Steve Irwin?Not crocodiles, a raysting or manta, me forget

Good job!

It’s “Tooth Hurty!”…

As long as he doesn’t look to Luann, who now belongs to Quill.