For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for August 21, 2023

Touching

Apparently they do not have fall breaks in Canadian universities, if Michael thinks they have to wait until Christmas to see each other.

no sexting in 1994

It’s hard being in love at this time in their lives. Going to college and worrying if he’ll find someone else.

I’m surprised that ‘it is the girl that is having the final thought’ usually it is the boy who wants to ‘stay in touch by touch’ ! ! !

Doesn’t Canada have some sort of “Thanksgiving” autumn holiday?

Going away to college, right after high school, it’s best just to make a clean break. When you’re in a new place, with new experiences, around new people, eyes tend to wander and things will happen. It’s no use pining away for your HS partner during your first semester (or year) in college, only to get that “Dear John” letter and then you’re REALLY busted up. But just to end it on a high note.

When I was 16 I was dating a boy who was a senior in high school. He was going into the army after graduation so we made the mature decision to break up. We left it as, if we’re both still single when he comes home we’ll get back together. I met my husband about a month after I graduated from high school. He probably met someone, too. To this day I wish him well.

I know what happens next, heh heh

Out with the old guy, in with the new.

Once he gets to school and see’s the variety of women there, he will soon forget what’s her name.

Sadly, most of the time, “see you later” means good-bye.

Though we gotta say goodbye, for the school year

Baby I promise you this

I’ll send you all my love every day in a letter

Sealed with a kiss

Yes it’s gonna be a cold, lonely school year

But I’ll fill the emptiness

I’ll send you all my dreams every day in a letter

Sealed with a kiss

I’ll see you in the sunlight

I’ll hear your voice everywhere

I’ll run to tenderly hold you

But baby you won’t be there

I don’t want to say goodbye, for the school year

Knowing the love we’ll miss

So let us make a pledge to meet in May

And seal it with a kiss

Yes it’s gonna be a cold lonely school year

But I’ll fill the emptiness

I’ll send you all my love every day in a letter

Sealed with a kiss

Sealed with a kiss

Sealed with a kiss

Sealed with a kiss

Canadians have long weekends at Thanksgiving, week off for Christmas, and March Break. We get a long weekend ( in university) for all statutory federal holidays. Our universities start in Sept and end around the end of April. A lot has to do with weather. We spend most of winter in classes. Fall break? That is when university STARTS here.

How different from today. In Michael’s time, he would actually drive away on his road trip to college without any chance of hearing from her for the duration of his trip. And then in many cases a few days would go by between communications while he was at school. Today, with texts and the advent of social media none of that would happen – for better or for worse.

No fall breaks when I was in college. I remember having Thanksgiving Day off then back to classes on Friday. Most professors scheduled a make-up class on Saturday for the classes missed on Thursday, which was tough in the sciences since most lab time was on Saturday.

I’m surprised this relationship has lasted as long as it has and I think it should be pretty obvious that college will be the end of it. Then again, I’m an old man, cynical and jaded.

I remember a 2 day Thanksgiving break during primary & secondary schools, but I honestly don’t remember if we had one in college. Probably so.

we all have those good intentions, but…

57 years ago, I was the one who left for college only returning for Winter and summer breaks, then I went east for summer camp counseling gig, one year in France, 1 year in WA. We’ve been married for 47 years this Sept.

Yep, it’s not the same. Sometimes the relationship survives and even strengthens, but often it just fades away due to the lack of in person interaction.

that’s an excellent comment in the last scene

The relationship of Michael and Rhetta is dead-da.

My high school girlfriend was two grades behind me, although we were less than year apart in age. It was tougher on her than me. I was very busy as a college Freshman (I actually had to study!) and I joined a fraternity so I had new brothers and a social life. She was stuck in high school for two years with no boyfriend, not going to dances or the Prom. Rough.