For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for May 24, 2018

“That isn’t argument, it’s verbal contradiction!”—Monty Python

Wish Lynne added thought balloons above Farley. I’d love to know what he was thinking.

parents always have the last say, young man… you just have to abide by them

Most “conversations” turn into arguments, especially between teens and their parents.

The open mouth and nose to the air in Panel 3 is a Charles Schulz homage, but Farley in the middle reacting to everything is Daisy the dog from Chic Young’s Blondie.

Back to fighting? Michael seemed to be pretty happy with his book selection yesterday. What happened? What are our choices?

1. Elly found out what book Michael planned to read and took it away from him saying it was unacceptable reading material for a 13-year-old boy.

2. Michael read the book hoping that Elly would shorten the 2 weeks with his compliance, only to find out that she would not.

3. Elly and Michael are negotiating with the use of a mediator, Farley.

4. Elly and Michael are playing a game of mirror/mirror where they stand opposite each other and mimic the gestures and posture of the other person while saying the opposite of what the other person is saying.

5. The storyline has taken so long that even Lynn Johnston forgot what it was about and she decided to start it over again.

“And that’s the LAST time I’m telling you FOR THE LAST TIME!”

Even Farley knows this doesn’t make sense!

A scene from my own life experience. (minus the angry slaps from mom)

When he said “This punishment is totally unfair” I would have said I agree so lets add a week and everytime you argue with me we will add a week………bet that would stop him.

Poor Farley. Having to hear and listen mother and son arguing by yelling and screaming. I know just a comic strip, but could become violent and scare bagabees out of Farley.

Michael could have won the argument had he employed this classic strategy, courtesy of Bugs Bunny:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-k5J4RxQdE

Farley the dog’s expression says more than the human “argument”.

Farley’s breaking the fourth wall with: “now that’s just perfect” expression.

Not hard to see where Michael gets his sanctimonious streak.

Farley in the middle is me when my brother and sister used to fight.

Simple solution would be to add a day to his TV fast for each time he argues. After a mont, he might catch on.

Why is Farley still alive I thought she took him to the vet to be put down

The only thing that works with teenagers (and some others) is the “Broken record” technique. You just repeat the same sentence over and over. They give up.

It becomes a question of who is being punished here.