For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for November 02, 2018

uh… yeah

I have NEVER understood this kind of behavior, and I’ve seen it and experienced it a bunch…. anyone care to explain?

You can tell Elly’s feeling bad about herself. Otherwise she would not have let John ogle that waitress and get away with it.

I doubt very much he was ogling the waitress! It appears he was worried that she could hear every word of their very personal conversation. IT appears that Ellie was talking quite loudly. They should wait to discuss the issue at home.

I thought he already got mad? If not, then, good on him. He’s acting very mature and I’m proud of him for realizing that Elly is more important than a car.

I hate to see Elly set herself up like that!

I never really thought about it back in ’89 or whenever this ran….

but this time through, I’m noticing the little moments of John’s rather cruel behavior…. going off with her car was one, in fact.

There are times when he laughs at her, or puts her down, in front of the children….

like Sunday, strutting down the hall with Michael,

both smugly joking about how long it takes her to do their mending.

I’ve been surprised that I never noticed it or how she docilely tolerates it….

But today caps it off.

The accident was not her fault….

but she blames herself and openly invites his anger.

Way too much like physically abused women (which, I know, she’s not) who let their abusers convince them they deserve their beatings.

John is being really good this time,…

but Elly’s self esteem is dragging on the ground and pleading for “punishment” for a crime she didn’t commit.

Chin up, Elly!

Recognise your worth!

Well, it’s good to see John’s mind is in the right place. Hopefully, he can somehow help Elly through her guilt trip.

Now let’s see how all of this is going to be his fault. What we have here is a man who is happy nobody was hurt in the accident.

Reverse logic – always interesting to see confusion that results

My question is, “Why is she groveling and begging his forgiveness?” It was an accident. Get over it, fix the stupid car and move on.

I can see her point. She feels guilty, so she thinks she needs to be “punished”. Having John get mad and yell at her would fulfill that need.

Relax John, think about the accident as a Get Out of Jail Free card. Use it the next time Elly shouts at you.

Talk about projecting!

Since the accident wasn’t her fault, it seems she is getting more upset than you would think she would. She is being way too hard on herself.

Really? Anyone would want a dentist mad at them?

John did not “ogle” the waitress. He isn’t even looking at her!

Ellie’s behaviour , imo, smacks of reverse psychology……she places the blame on herself in order to hear John take her side and help her unload all that guilt she feels. Sadly, she doesn’t know when to let go of the topic so it still festers in her mind anyways.

And I still think John is not ogling the waitress! HE’s embarrassed that they’re having this conversation where outsiders can hear it.

John did get mad. He shouted “Not my SPORTS CAR!” in an earlier strip. Now he is over it. He is simply thankful nobody was hurt. That is a natural turn of feelings.