For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for November 15, 2022

Well, Mike, you did say informal. I am guessing this is how John is when at home?

anything to not parentally embarrassed, huh, Michael?

And this was totally planned. Look at the grin on Elly. She knew what was going on.

That may be a little too informal, John!

Careful what you ask for, Mike!

Be careful what you wish for, Michael.

WOW, BEST DAD EVER!

My oldest, when in high school, invited girls over for dinner and he cooked the meal. It was fun to meet his girl friends.

When, as a young man, I went for my first meal with my girlfriend’s family, they got in an argument and the wife, who had a temper, stormed off. After a few seconds, I cheerfully remarked “The funny thing is, this is still way better than what my family’s like!”

Not that informal!!!

I have heard that it’s great fun to take the mickey out of your teens, and why not?

John should be wearing Gordon’s hat and have no shirt on at all..

get out the naked baby pictures!!!!!

I’ve never seen him look so bad!

Kudos to pop for great timing!

It’s awesome being a dad…. most of the time. We look forward to days like this when we hear dad said in 3 syllables. Da-aaaa-d!!

They don’t use cloth napkins in that house??

It also happened with Calvin when his parents got a rise out of putting him down. Then Calvin remarked about it to Hobbes.

Calvin: “You know those aged parents who write to Dear Abby saying about their grown children never call, write, or visit? Those letters really crack me up.”

What is Michael worried about embarrassment all of a sudden? Michael already embarrassed himself in the school picture. He can’t have it both ways.

Perfect. Just what she expects. Not exactly hill Billie’s, but definitely mountain Williams.

Ambushed, One of the reasons I never brought a girl to meet my parents.

Sometimes I want to take John out and chuck’im in the nearest mudhole ! ! !

NOT THAT INFORMAL!

The Pattersons: Canadian white trash.

John needs to be chewing on a piece of straw, rocking on the front porch and strumming ‘Dueling Banjos’ as Rita arrives.

Parents can be so embarrassing your WHOLE life.

Be careful what you ask for…

Did he use a redneck accent?

Just plop on the couch with one hand down the front of the pants.

That’ll show him.

He’s only trying to get a rise out of you,Mike.And quite successfully,I might add

Ah yes, a realistic depiction of life in a close knit family. Remember all of those Lizard breath comments, the quips to mom and dad? You will survive their humor Michael, a little older perhaps and a little wiser, but Rhetta will see it all for what it is. Life goes on.

Did you folks notice that Mike referred to the coming meal as “dinner” instead of “supper.”

There is only one perfect family, and they resided in the White House from 2009 to 2017. Ah yes, the good ol days of me, Masha, Salia, and my son (who looks like Trayvon).

If Rhetta’s overprotective brother is there, Elly can serve liver and onions. If the brother balks, the Patterson can break out in song to taunt him:

“Lorne, Lorne, Lorne down the liver!”

Not that informal Dad!

LOL.. Mike’s Dad did that on purpose…. too funny.

Be careful what you wish for…

John sure dresses niggardly.

Dad would never have done this; however, it’s certainly it’s something my Mother would’ve done, and probably did, I’ve just repressed the memory — LOLOL — She was such a character.

Dad will not let you down kiddo. He is informal, alright.

I’ve seen John dressed like that. Did he do it on purpose?