Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for January 04, 2022

Her name block changed from Margot Fogarty to Greg!

Aboulomania is a mental disorder that is featured by crippling indecision, pathological indecisiveness or “paralysis of will”, linked with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish. Persons who have aboulomania are not able to make their own decisions and lack the willpower.

ABOULOMANIA?!?

Abo-what?

Bernice can’t read the sign on Margo Fogarty`s desk!

Butt out, Bernice. You’re on the verge of losing me as a fan, of which you have very few.

I have never in my career heard of anyone being diagnosed with aboulomania.

When Luann finds herself, she will leave Bernice Halper in the dust.

Ho hum. I’ll be back tomorrow.

You are getting real nasty Bernice.

I hope Mrs. Fogarty asks Bernice to step outside.

“Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your Life.The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.”From The Sunscreen Song

Margo Fogarty has not aged since High School.

Bernice, please learn humility before you try to help others!

Bernice there a thing called friendship and you are no friend to Luann. You want to control her you want to sabotage her.

Bernice the quack.

Greg or Karen Evans: knows big word. Dr. House: tells people what it means. Me: has to Google word. Luann and Phelps aka Fogarty: don’t ask Bernice what it means because its just today’s gag, which makes Bernice sad.

Wow, Bernice really is just a total piece of s#!t, isn’t she? She just pulled the exact same move Dennis Reynolds did on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia when he saw a therapist, after all.

Bernice, please. Britta Perry is NOT a role model.

G & K – Gimme a break! Today’s toon was way over the top.

BerNOTnice is headed for a big fall.

Google Search: Gotta admit the word fits Luann to a T – most of the time. She does know she wants to work with kids. Let’s see whether the former Ms. Phelps agrees considering Luann has decided on a job involving kids. Methinks Bernice is exaggerating a bit when she brought up this word specifically for this visit with the former counselor.

Aboulomania is a mental disorder that is featured by crippling indecision, pathological indecisiveness or “paralysis of will”, linked with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish. Persons who have aboulomania are not able to make their own decisions and lack the willpower.

After looking up the word Aboulomania, I have to concur that Bernice would be an expert in diagnosing that particular disorder. After all, she has displayed many of the classic symptoms associated with it plus probably several more that have yet to be recognized. Easily the most neurotic character in the entire strip imho….

I like it when writing sends me to look something up!

Aboulomania? No, I don’t. Do you, Mrs. Fogarty?

Leave medical diagnosis to the doctors, undergrad

Once again Bernice proves she is NOT Luann’s friend. What she is, is a smug, arrogant, egotistical A-hole. She’s trying to make herself equal to or even above Mrs. Fogerty in education and experience, as though she’s already gotten her degree.

I hope Fogerty tells Bernasty that she doesn’t know her butt from a hole in the ground, and kicks her out of the room so she can talk to Luann alone.

Swift kick in 3…, 2…, 1…

It’s nice that Margo is so happy to see them again. Now, Bernice’s “funny joke” about Luann’s difficulty in taking a decision is probably already a signal to Mrs Fogarty of her terribile, highly judgmental behavior. Let’s hope that by helping Luann she will see that Bernice needs her advice even more and will be able to do something. But Luann has matured a little over the years and now she may be able to hear and understand her advice better. Bernice… she may feel offended and withdraw into her beliefs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboulomania

Smug Alert!! Emotional depression “Bernice”. 10% visibility of empathy for surrounding areas and friends. Speak carefully out there!

I know that friends like to give each other a hard time, but all this negging from Bernice seems to be one-directional. Very rarely does Luann make snarky remarks to Bernice. And what’s worse is that Bernice doesn’t seem to grasp that there is a time and place.

When you are just chilling with friends sure whatever, give each other a hard time. When someone is actively trying to sort some shit out, that is not the time to be a jerk to your friend. And when that person has even gone so far as to seek some professional help to sort out whatever problem they are dealing with, that especially is not the time to be chiming in with your snark.

In what world does Bernice think what she is doing is helpful, funny, or appropriate? I do hope that Margo calls her out on it. Or even better Luann. Luann, please stop letting your friend treat you like this.

Poor Luann. She seems very lost.

So, now’s the time for Bernice to shut up and go away for a while, and Luann to sit with her old counsellor and tell her the whole story, step by step, working with kids, how she loves it, how well she was doing … etc., etc.

Seems like Bernice trying to come across as highly educated by using elevated diction and professional terminology with “Miss Phelps”.

I diagnose blind stupidity…. For Bernice. It says “Margo Fogarty” right on her desk..

“Why is the carpet all wet TODD??……I don’t KNOW, Margo!!”

Wow Bernice…keep making your friend feel like crap why don’t you?

Luann is suffering a serious complex about her life choices.

Bernice: SHUT UP! You just violated the code of ethics, and possibly the most important part: CONFIDENTIALITY. And you are in over your head. You’re not a counselor — you’re a freaking student. I hope Phelps-Fogarty cuffs you for this. Or, that you get an “F” in ethics. Anything to take you down a notch, knock you off your high horse.

According to the sign on her desk, it seems that Miss Phelps has married Mr. Fogarty.

Hey Bern, why don’t you ask her about your cynical hostility and snarkiness. Could be clinical depression.

Ms Fogarty will inform Bernice that Luann seeking help from a counselor about career choices means she doesn’t have Aboulomania.

definitely gone over the threshold into toxic friend zone.

“I’m at Moony Uni getting a degree in finding fault in others. I plan to judge other people for a living.”

Fixed it for you Bernie.

Bernice has just proved that she’s about as suited to be a counselor as she is to be an NFL quarterback.

“remember” if they are in their second year of college that was a whole 1 1/2 years ago. Also as a sophomore Bernice should still be taking lower division classes and likely only completed one Introduction to Psychology class.

Gotta Just Luv Me-World-People.

That’s Mrs. Fogarty to you, Bernice, you big fat jerk.

Luann needs to tell Bernice to take a hike. She obviously only came along to grind Luann into the dirt.

“Miss DeGroot, Miss Halper!”

Got to hand it to Mrs. Fogarty. She’s a professional and treats her former students as “adults.”

Now, Mrs. Fogarty.

For the sake of humanity, lower the well deserved Boom on Miss Psych Major/Counselor Wanna-be, Halper, and her tell that for the love of GAW, she needs to seek another career path IMMEDIATELY.

And when that is done, favor Us on how Mr. Phelps is doing. ;-)

Hamlet disease.

Luann needs to dump Bernice.

I hope Ms Fogarty tells Bern that she is not suited to be a counselor. Be a Psych major, don’t be a counselor. Then go on into law school and become a DA. Your judgemental behaviour will suit you there.

Bern needs an assignment to analyze herself as a patient.

Miss Phelps married Mr. Fogarty? There must be some huge scandal involved.

IN RE Bernice’s question: Uh.., uh.., IDK…

I hope this turns into a therapy session for Bernice.

Bernice is going to have fistophobia if she keeps it up

Had to look that one up! ;-)So Luann admits to searching for direction and is a bit embarrassed. Bernice is seemingly self-confident, but still asking for validation. Bernice has always been a puzzle to me. She sure spent years with Luann in her bedroom reading and tossing zingers. I think she uses rules and order as a security blanket, afraid to color outside the lines. Nil is good for her, but she may benefit more from these sessions than Luann, or just as much. We’ll see! ;-o

Aboulomania symptoms may include: 1. Avoiding spending time alone 2. Avoiding personal responsibility 3. Becoming easily hurt by either criticism or disapproval 4. Becoming overly focused in fears of being abandoned 5. Becoming passive in relationships 6. Feeling very upset or helpless when relationships end 7. Having difficulty making decisions without the support from others 8. Having problems expressing disagreements with othersLuann has difficulty making decisions, but none of the other symptoms apply to her. I hope Miss Phelps will set Bernice straight.

Bernice is insufferable! Ugh!

Perhaps Luann should diagnose Bernice. It certainly seems possible that Bernice could have Narcissistic Personality Disorder: She has an exaggerated sense of self-importance. She has a sense of entitlement and requires constant, excessive admiration. She expects to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it. She exaggerates achievements and talents. She is preoccupied with fantasies about success, power and brilliance. She believes she is superior and can only associate with equally special people. She monopolizes conversations and belittles or looks down on people she perceives as inferior. She expects special favors and unquestioning compliance with her expectations. She takes advantage of others to get what she wants. She has an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others. She behaves in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious.

Bernice wants to diagnose everyone else to avoid her own issues!

Aboulomania (from Greek a- ‘without’, and boulē ‘will’) is a mental disorder in which the patient displays pathological indecisiveness. It is typically associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish, and can severely affect one’s ability to function socially.Although many people suffer from indecision, it is rarely to the extent of obsession.

It’s not easy deciding what path to take. I took a year off after HS and worked. Then a coworker told me he was taking the civil service exam for police officer. They were free to take back then so I figured ‘what the heck!’ He failed, and I got a 97! I started in community college in Criminal Justice, found a job in security, and a few years later made it! I retired after 21 years. Loved every minute! It’s not work if you love what you do.

Well I’m back this morning. This strip doesn’t look any more interesting in the daylight than it did in the dark. 8^ )

Hoping for something solid tomorrow.

I don’t think Luann is obsessive about Paula Abdul.

Miss Degroot! I remember you. Boy, do I ever remember you.

A therapist who is so unobservant she doesn’t even notice the name of the person she is talking to. Yeah, I’m not giving her my co-pay.

Luann:

1. teacher, but grow up and be realistic that it means learning forever,

2. sociologist specializing in children’s issues (still have to learn),

3. traveling clown for children’s hospitals (no idea about continuing ed for that),

4. speech and theater major leading to, yes, children’s theater programs (first note),

4a,b: theater and art double major, or theater and music double major leading to same (first note),

5. counselor specializing in children’s issues (still have to learn)

Bernice:

1. Middle school teacher

2. Lion trainer

3. Teaching nun

4. Almost anything other than counseling others

5. Drill Sargent (old style)

Bernice is a toxic narcissist…agreed?

I thought I had Aboulomania once. But I wasn’t sure.

Greg does a really good job of capturing the nuances of Bernice’s personality today. Arrogant, prideful, self-absorbed. She approaches Mrs. Fogarty as an equal and shows off with clinical terminology. Too bad all this makes her "best friend’ feel worthless and unimportant. Someone needs to buy her an EMPATHY shirt, but then, we wouldn’t get to see these clever depictions of a totally narcissistic personality.

Bernice! Shut up!

Does anyone know why Bernice is acting this way? It started when she moved in with Luann.

I have a feeling Bernice is going to be eating some crow.

Bernice, counselors don’t diagnose, they help people. I hope Mrs Fogarty comments on this to Bern, e.g. suggest that she use her psych degree for some other purpose.

Bernice is a younger version of Peggy Hill.

Line I would most like to hear in tomorrow’s strip from Mrs. Fogarty: “Where, or where, did you go astray, Miss Halper?”

Line I would second most like to hear: “Do you not know how to read a desk nameplate?”

Berniece is about to stick her foot in her mouth. Something tells me Mrs. Fogarty will NOT be impressed.

Aboulomania, a new word for me. Or maybe not, I might have seen it before. Oh, dear!

Here I thought Brandon was just old, now I have a name for how he leads the Nation, Aboulomania.

I think it’s very sad that Luann signed her friend up to accompany her for moral support and that so-called friend doesn’t hesitate to belittle her to make herself appear superior. I used to like Bernice. Now I just want her gone. Wonder if that’s the writer’s intention.

I’d say Bernice does calumniate Luann.

I diagnose Bigheadoasspainusmania. Do you concur, Luann?

Is Bernice independently wealthy? How much money does she think a councilor makes?? And for all her Moony U education, has she done a debt to income ratio on her future “career”? Given the very high on the job burn out rate among councilors, what other “careers” might she be able to pursue with her degree?? Those are questions smug Bern could/should start bugging a councilor about. Now. I’ve wondered about all this before. Overall, I think it would do Luann some good to at least “take a break” from hanging out with Bernice and see who she is on her own.

Aboulamania is quite common

Aboulomania

Mental Disorder

Aboulomania is a mental disorder in which the patient displays pathological indecisiveness. It is typically associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish, and can severely affect one’s ability to function socially. Although many people suffer from indecision, it is rarely to the extent of obsession. The part of the brain that is tied to making rational choices, the prefrontal cortex, can hold several pieces of information at any given time. This may quickly overwhelm somebody when trying to make decisions, regardless of the importance of that decision. They come up with reasons that their decisions will turn out badly, causing them to over-analyze every situation critically in a classic case of paralysis by analysis. Lack of information, valuation difficulty, and outcome uncertainty can become an obsession.

Wikipedia

Berniece’s version of a joke.

Go to the expert, then put thumb on scale.

Why does Luann continue to have anything to do with such a snarky, snobby, arrogant, and insulting “friend”?

Hilarity ensues.

Aboulomania. The inability to make a decision.

Which was caused by having Bernie as her best friend all her life.

“taking some classes at the JC”.. the statement suggests that Luann doesn’t even see herself as being enrolled in a degree program.

So the narcissist is calling out Luann for not having her life mapped out at age nineteen. This waste of skin of a “best friend” is probably becoming a counselor just so she can feel superior to someone on this planet.

Keep in mind who is the counselor here, Bernice.

Margo Fogarty: Good for her!!

Miss Phelps is now Mrs. Fogarty, finally! And her first name is Margo! Who knew?

Bernie’s diagnosis is pretentious, but may well be correct. “Miss DeGroot” is terminally indecisive and retrogressing daily….

Bern, the most important part of effective counseling is learning to be an active listener. Memorizing the DSM is not that important.

I agree, but prefer to call it Cathyism.

The older bernice gets, the less I can stand her. I can’t wait to see her get knocked on her a** (IRL, figuratively, w/e).