For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for February 01, 2025

Michael was the same way at that age. Elly should be used to it.

I’d love to ask Grandma Carrie if Elly was like that at 14!

Manic depressive.

My 13-7 year-old daughter (a long tie ago) was being difficult. In my frustration, I said, “I hope you have a daughter just like yourself one day!” Her reply was a surprise: “Mom, what a terrible thing to say.” that ended the contest for that day. She had two sons, and still says she’s glad she didn’t have any daughters. One of the sons now has two sons, so she’s still spared that awful fate.

My sister made life hell for my mother growing up. My niece made life hell for my sister (payback!). My niece now has two sons and twin daughters which were born last year… I imagine they’ll make life hell for my niece! The “payback circle” continues..

shouldn’t those dogs have coats?

Why is it called a rinse when it adds color?

Since they are supposed to be Canadian, there is never any gray. Canadians spell it grey, such as in the Grey Cup.

A Sheepdog has a natural thick coat.

14 was the best year of my childhood; 13 was the worst. I guess it all hinges on fate.

Good retort, Elly!

Don’t illegal drugs cause mood swings like that? Maybe Elly needs to search Elizabeth’s room before April finds them.

Elly, keep reminding yourself that she’s a teen and will ultimately get past it.

As the saying goes, “Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from your kids.” I’m not only grey, I’m rapidly going bald…

I’m proud of my grey hair, I earned every one of them. Some of them the hard way.

Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids.

I grow the beard in the winter. It’s been getting grey. This winter, snow white. It’s a slow march from the cradle to the grave. As long as you’re not double-timing, I guess it’s OK.

The true cause of gray hair

Words used in the Patterson house:

Africa: A place where children would be happy to eat Elly’s bean meals.

Fourteen: The number of miles John had to walk to school.

God Forbid: Term to be uttered by the Pattersons if Elizabeth ever brings home an American boyfriend; doubly so if said boyfriend is red-blooded (in the U.S. military).

Noise: Any piece of music composed after 1969.

Respect: What Elly’s parents always got from her when she was a teenager.

If Elizabeth’s attitude gets any nastier she will have to change her last name to Warren.

Elly’s potato is leaking in the third panel.

Good one… LOL

I’m completely gray and am proud of it. I have seen more and more women let their hair go gray and they are happy they did. Saves them mone and their hair is healthier!!

Yep, binary thinking always has a cost, it does in 2025 too ! ;-)