Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for June 03, 2021

yeesh… Bernice sure handles things quite well, does she not?

Yikes! Don’t bite off Luann’s head, Bernice!

Quiet dignity and grace.

Well we’re off to a good start. I hope GnK continue with this dialogue.

Bernice is too tense to function right now. She needs a long, hot shower.

Creo que en esta situación quien ha actuado más como psicóloga mayor es Nancy. Esta Bernice con demasiado ego tiende a desaparecer en presencia de Jack y ahora también de Nil.

Luann should forget about trying to communicate with Bernice.

Because Bernice talks but she NEVER listens.

Instead, Lu should talk to her Mom about any “dirt,” concerning Bernice and Nul.

What little there is of it.

And instead of a goldfish, maybe Jack should have gotten Bernice a parrot.

Man! In the 3rd panel, it looks like Bernice has her fist clenched and is about to punch Luann….

Where’s that drink Nancy was talking about?

Bernice lost patience, and I don’t blame her.

Now appearing on a comment page near you: the shouting match between the “Bernice sure has a short fuse!” faction and the “Luann sure is pushy!” faction. When I started writing this comment, the “… short fuse” faction had just been quickest off the starting block. But I’m sure the “… pushy!” faction will quickly be at work to even the score, perhaps even as I’m writing this.

You’d think that after all these years that these two could read each other like a book.

So we’re back to Bernice the “I know everything” psych major. This may not end well.

She may have a lot of diplomas, but I don’t think she knows what she’s doing!

B’s fist smashes into Luann’s jaw in 10…9…8…

Bern has cracked.

The moment her psych training advances to the point that she is called in to observe hospitalized patients with severe mental illnesses, she’ll switch to a new major immediately! Assuming we ever, ever get there.

Bernice with a round house left to Luann jaw.

Since people keep debating whether or not Bernice and Luann can still be called friends, let’s have some definitions of terms, here. How do YOU define a friend?

What are the odds that Nils shows up on the Saturday strip with a gift for Bernice. I recall seeing a lips painting at the gallery. That would be appropriate.

You would expect Nil to come back into the picture before Sat.

Ok, I got it. Bernice doesn’t want Luann to know all details and tries to put her in her place by throwing psychology jargon at her to get her off her back. Luann still doesn’t know what happened. And what relationship, Bernice? You had ONE date and it ended with a small peck on the lips. That does not make a relationship. You only need to go see Nil and apologize for running off. You might want to let him know it was an impulsive act because he said some nice things about you. Trust me. He will appreciate your honesty. For once, do not pull the psych major act on him. Just be Bernice. That’s who he likes.

Glad you know about handling conflict resolution, Bern…

.

Reminds me of how Gunther was acting when Quilly was asking him about what all happened during his salamander hunt with Tiff. Me thinks their train ran off the usual track that night.

This episode has been like counting the straws in a broom. So much time and so little progress.

Isn’t it like 3 in the morning?

Bernice is starting to remind me of Lilith Crane…

Bernice is headed for conflict resolution? Maybe in a parallel universe, but not in Luanna Land.

Poor Nil.

Relationship conflict resolution? The only one conflicted is Bernice—Nil would be merely confused at this point.

The psychology major can’t read people. It would be an excellent thing if tomorrow Bernice got a delivery of a bouquet of flowers from the love struck Nil.

78 comments already, and I haven’t come up with anything witty to say about today’s strip.

Stop rushing me.

92 comments now, and I still haven’t come up with anything witty to say about today’s strip.

Stop rushing me.

So as soon as Luann walked in she shut down, Luann asked a question, she answered with her usual “I am a psych major” crap, spouted off some stuff about, “I am handling it, I acted wrong, I will apologize.”

So Luann started to ask when. All the haters will spout off that she should back off. Maybe so, But she did nothing to merit the venom spat in her face. She was trying to be helpful. Funny how some people resent that.

Bern’s own superiority complex makes her fail to see that she just did an inappropriate or at least disproportionate action AGAIN. In fact she sees Luann as inconsequential unless Luann is doing something she does not know about, or is with someone she is interested in. Otherwise Luann is good for making fun off with the former resident ‘do-gooder’ Delta, or just general contempt.

I will be surprised if she apologizes. In fact i was surprised the apologized to Tara, and that Tara accepted so readily.

So who was the actual better person? If Luann’s reaction were to burst into tears of frustration or just plain hurt, it would serve Bernice right for being such a bitch these days.

I think Bernice is still trying to make sense if the event. Does LuAnn need to know when so she can have front row seating? Friends give space when needed.

Wow! A lot of Bernice haters here!!

Bernice the so-called “rational” one is acting rather irrational and immaturely.

Bernice is clearly putting her “I’m a psych major who’s in full control of herself” for the benefit of Luann. But yeah, as someone has just pointed, she’s cracking.

Rather high strung, this one…

So Bernice can be nosy and bossy but Luann can’t?!?

Mind your own beeswax, Luann.

My god! Being a psych major means that Bernice can give out Mary Worth level of advice.

Bernice wanted to talk to Nancy but not to Luann. That’s her choice. So sue her! And back off, Luann.

By the way, last week Bernice said tongue was involved and on tuesday she said it was nonconsensual… I guess she believes that Nil politely, non consensually and feeling forced opened his mouth so she could check his molars with her tongue.

Bernice is an elitist in training.

Luann is worried about Bernice, but she can’t stand her questions and yells at her. We don’t see Nancy here, but all of this is still happening right in front of her. I don’t think Nancy has ever seen Bernice like this before, her impression is probably negative. It appears that Bernice is treating Luann as if everything that happened was caused by her “push” saying that Nil was interested. I’m afraid in Bernice’s mind it’s all somebody else’s fault because she can’t be wrong… So sad. Nancy has to do something to calm her down!

Difference between theory and practice…

In 20 years, maybe?

Down, girl.

132 comments now that it’s the muddle of the night. Still haven’t come up with anything witty to say about today’s Luann strip.

Meanwhile, over on Off The Mark, a bunch of nails watched a movie so scary that some of them wet themselves.

“Stop rusting me.”

Major psycho is more like it……..

Bernice needs to treat Luann better. Remember who’s house your living in

It might be time for Lulu to seek a new BFF. Her old one has some serious issues.

psych major, major psych, what’s the difference?

Are you sure apologizing is a good idea? Right now, you probably made Nil’s week. If you go back and say, “Sorry I did that,” he’ll probably hear, “Ugh, I can’t believe I actually touched you, you pathetic, sweaty loozer.”

Y’know what I think is the worst part about Bernice’s reaction? It completely distracted me from the actual joke of the strip – that she thinks she’s good at conflict resolution but snaps when pressed for details. Maybe I should focus less on the implications all this has on their friendship and just think about whether it’s funny.

……Kinda.

I really hope Bernice switches her major. She may be “book smart” but she doesn’t seem to be able to properly apply her knowledge.

At this point, I think Luann just needs to go focus on making new friends, having her own experiences and let Bernice do the same. They’ve grown apart, and that’s okay. Check in with her from time to time, of course, but stop trying to recreate the friendship you had at 10 when you’re 18 or 20.

Best friends, my great grandmas keister.

Yeah, you’re a psych major…a freshman psych major. (Maybe soph, if you count real time) You don’t know what you don’t know.

I surmise I’m the only reader here who’s tired of what an insufferable scold Bernice has become.

Are we sure she is not a Psycho major? Wound a little bit tight there.

I’m getting really sick of Bernice’s attitude. She’s turned into a real harpy.

I don’t think I would like it if a girl apologized to me after giving me a kiss. Bernice should just let it go.

and they are still friends?

Bernice needs to find a different living arrangement, and read, Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgdqoMsLXaU

I always said the only people that study psych are the ones that are really messed up and trying to figure their own problems out.

This is feeling really toxic. I wonder if that is their intention?

Bernice has bar stool psychology. She likes to impress herself, and bore others.

Psych major, heal thyself.

Yeesh. Yes, Bernice, you should have had Nil sign an affidavit that he agreed to be kissed. God, I’m glad I enjoyed spontaneous romantic moments before all this crap came about.

Bernice is defining for us a part of her psyche that she can share with someone wise enough and experienced enough to help her sort through her feelings. She has been open and trusting with the perceived “safe,” matronly figure, Nancy. With Luann’s sudden appearance and press for information, Bernice has not made a decision to trust Luann… yet. Ergo the violent “shields up” response displayed as “Don’t rush me!”

All will be well soon enough.

I’m still wondering where luann1212 is hiding. This episode seems to be fresh meat for his take.

I’m missing Tiffany – she was so much more interesting than Bernice.

Next story line, please…..

Here’s hoping Luann will be patient.

Lord save us from ‘psych majors’.

I think we are supposed to believe that Bernice is in the wrong here (hence the setup with her psych major comments) but I actually understand her reaction. She really didn’t want to have this discussion with Luann, Luann kept (probably innocently) pushing the conversation and Bernice, who has been stressed all night about what happened and really wants to be left alone right now has a sharp response.

This arc retitled: “Bernice Snaps”

See the problem with psychology majors is most get into the field to deal with their own issues.

Sheeeesh!

The hussy is guilt tripping.

Bernice is always impressing nobody but herself with her undergrad psych major. She conflates ‘analysis’ with ‘judgment’.

Care to hear anything from Presto?

Care to hear anything from Roll the Bones?

Care to hear anything from Test for Echo?

Care to hear anything from Clockwork Angels ?

“Stop Rush-ing me.”

More like a psychotic major…

I like Luann!

It’s like Bernice saw Luann’s unearned confidence from yesterday and decided to outdo her. It’s amazing how quickly she can go from self-pitying to smug and superior, and right back again.

I love luaan!

Please let Luann find a genuine friend soon, so she can stop spending energy on someone who dislikes her…

Nice Mao jacket, Bern.

Running away from herself Bernice is; so what happens now?

The trope that psych majors are neurotic looking to self medicate seems appropriate.

4

Unfortunately, this is not going well. It is a series of panels that further extrapolates on issues regarding significant miscommunication.

1. Luann means very well here in her attempts to get Bernice to talk to her about the situation. Unfortunately, Luann is not reading the contextual cues very well and is therefore not helping at the moment.

2. Bernice is very clearly embarrassed and worried about the situation, and she is NOT comfortable with talking about her worries and concerns with a peer . She was able to open up with Mrs. DeGroot…. most likely because she viewed Nancy as being “safer” to reveal her insecurities to…. because Nancy is perceived as a “parental” figure.

3. Bernice’s hollering at Luann here is unpleasant and wrong. It is very much in the same vein as how Gunther can also sometimes get very angry and upset. I think this sort of response in both Bernice and in Gunther hearkens back to their nerdy-studious-awkardness in childhood led both of them to be likely severely teased and/or bullied often. I do think this sort of OVER_REACTION is relatively common in folks who did experience that sort of bullying abuse.

It feels quite unfortunate here…. both Luann and Bernice should step back a bit and give each other some space. It would be helpful for both of them at this time.

I get it. This is a comic. Can we move on? This arc is just old and boring and …..Yea, I know. I could just stop reading. I am a creature of habit. I read the sporting news, I drink my coffee. I read this comic. Difficult to break the habit.

Still wondering. What did Nil think of the kiss. I imagine we’ll find out eventually.

I seem to remember that Bernice used to be much more likable, human, and normal. Almost a caricature now.

LuAnn, two words. Walk away. Go call Jack, Tara, Tiffany or even Faye. Go hang out with someone else, Sorry, Bernice is not the friend you thought she was.

Take a chill pill kid

Nancy requested privacy to talk to Bernice. She is the woman of the house and has that right. Luann ignored her mothers’ request and came barging in like she owned the world and interrupted, which was rude (as usual). Bernice acted like she didn’t want to talk to Luann about the date but I guess she really did because at first chance she started blurting out her psych major nonsense and then losing her temper (as usual). I hope this is all leading up to a full blown, permanent falling out between these two on Saturday! It is long past due and would be the best outcome for both of them.

If this is Bernice’s reaction to having feelings and expressing them, she may just want to skip ahead and start acquiring cats now.

I’ve heard it told that psych majors are drawn to the field because they want to understand their own weird selves…Bernice seems to fit the bill!

Always seemed to me that the Pysch majors (undergrad) were in need of a bit of help themselves.

IMO, psychs are the most screwed up folks of the bunch. They go to school to find out why THEY are screwed up.

Bernice would be a perfect prison guard.

Evans and Evans do remember Bernice has been on dates and kissed boys before, right?

Hey, don’t sweat it, Bernice. That was probably the most action Nils has had in the past decade!

I think Bern is getting too psycho herself for a career as some kind of therapist.

Bernice wants to spend some “Quality Time” wallowing with her Guilt.

I worry about Bernice.

She needs to enhance her calm first.

Relationship Conflict Resolution. I think GnK are having a tongue in cheek moment here as they are showing the two main characters obviously unable to achieve “relationship conflict resolution”.

Somedays, neither the protagonist nor the deuteragonist is likeable. Luann needs to learn to mind her own business, while Bernie needs to douse her short fuse….

Bern wields her psych major like a club. She will be an awful therapist because she does not listen. She argues, she snarks, and overthinks/assumes. No patience, no empathy. And her screaming in Luann’s face is not what friends do. Bern needs a therapist, not become one.

Well, that’s 397 comments up to now, and the discussion is almost identical to last night, around this time. I’ve been fishing for the last two hours, and only caught one pike (which I released) (I also cut the barbs off my lure hooks). Somehow, in the last two hours, I think my own story has advanced more than this circular discussion. As I said yesterday, all that matters is the simple story. “At Jack’s request, Bernice went to Nil’s art show, kissed him, and is now worried about what he thinks of her, especially since he said so many heartfelt things about her.” That’s the whole story up to now. It’s not about betrayal, privacy, fighting in the army, or conflict resolution.

Tomorrow: will Bernice’s tears dilute Monstro’s tank water, change the PH, and cause more distress for the little fish? Will Jack be back to the rescue?

:-/

Time for someone to call out Bernice for what she truly is: A snob.

Having a degree in sociology convinced me that most of the psychobabble is just that, babble.

A person who has a problem that needs sorting out doesn’t want (or need) two people trying to help at the same time which is what is/was going on. While I don’t support Bern’s outburst, Nancy was doing a really good job of getting her to “open up” and decide a next move when Luann burst upon the scene and announced that she alone could get Bern to open up which ended up having the complete opposite effect. I really hope Nancy can finish having her say but I fear she is out of the picture now.

Typical college kid. (or liberal) Has and education but not the commons sense or wisdom to know how to use it.

Delta James needed to stay in the comic instead of Bernice.. or have Bernice disappear the way Delta did

“I’m only asking because I care about you. I care enough to overlook your current state of mind…or mindlessness.”