What he said was, “It was good to see you working for a change”. If she interprets that as being called “Lazy, useless and stupid”, then she’s got some insecurity issues to deal with.
Ah yes, the old “I want to be able to insult you, because I find it funny; if it upsets you when I insult you, it’s your fault because you don’t find it funny like I do.” The excuse of jerks everywhere.
I know these are reruns and it was back in the day, so I guess back then a stay at home mom was given no respect. I would still smack in the back of the head!
And she’s never said anything he could take as an insult?I remember when an off-the-wall comment would generated a few muffled chuckles and life went on.Now, one innocent slip of the tongue can end a marriage or career!
Re yesterday’s strip: There was a Sunday strip once where she was interuppted in her housework (cleaning, dishes, squalling kids, etc) by a knock on the door. Answered door to find someone taking a survey. Do you have a job outside the house? No? Ok, as a non-working mother——-Final frame was a slamming door!
If you find yourself thinking or saying ’Can’t you take a joke?’ Chances are you weren’t funny and have slipped some unresolved hostility into your ‘joke’. Apologise and reassess your words, find out what made you think or say something so thoughtless..
You don’t need a marriage counselor to figure out this is the point where you say, “I am sorry”. Then followed by sincere displays of affection, a hug for example.
As I am trying to teach my youth group, if it hurts someone, it isn’t funny. I don’t want them to be ‘unable to take a joke’ – it’s a good way to BE bullied. But I think I’ll print out the last 2 days to help make my point.
I like this quote from “Ask Amy” the other day:“Things said in jest are often more revealing of a person’s true intent than the jester is willing to admit.”
legaleagle48 about 12 years ago
Of course she can — she married you, didn’t she?
shirttailslim about 12 years ago
John does show a bit of chauvinism now and then. He can’t see that a joke isn;t always.
kfccanada about 12 years ago
If he keeps this up, he’ll be sleeping on the couch for a month. Ellie deserves much better than this.
slug_queen about 12 years ago
’Can’t you take a joke?’ is the classic line of a bully…
psychlady about 12 years ago
He’s a joke, all right!!
sleeepy2 about 12 years ago
What he said was, “It was good to see you working for a change”. If she interprets that as being called “Lazy, useless and stupid”, then she’s got some insecurity issues to deal with.
flagfly about 12 years ago
When he says those things, he should be talking to the mirror…it’s a lot closer to home.
serenasakitty about 12 years ago
Could he take the joke if she said that to him?
hcr1985 about 12 years ago
Here comes the punchline..better duck, John!!!
sjsczurek about 12 years ago
Sure, everybody can take a joke – - – - when it’s played on someone else.
angusdad about 12 years ago
That’s right John, just keeping digging deeper and deeper.
summerdog86 about 12 years ago
He’s passive-aggressive.
lbatik about 12 years ago
Ah yes, the old “I want to be able to insult you, because I find it funny; if it upsets you when I insult you, it’s your fault because you don’t find it funny like I do.” The excuse of jerks everywhere.
patricia1.williams about 12 years ago
I know these are reruns and it was back in the day, so I guess back then a stay at home mom was given no respect. I would still smack in the back of the head!
Kathy M T M Premium Member about 12 years ago
I love “jokes” like that! Not.
tuslog64 about 12 years ago
And she’s never said anything he could take as an insult?I remember when an off-the-wall comment would generated a few muffled chuckles and life went on.Now, one innocent slip of the tongue can end a marriage or career!
tuslog64 about 12 years ago
Re yesterday’s strip: There was a Sunday strip once where she was interuppted in her housework (cleaning, dishes, squalling kids, etc) by a knock on the door. Answered door to find someone taking a survey. Do you have a job outside the house? No? Ok, as a non-working mother——-Final frame was a slamming door!
Thehag about 12 years ago
If you find yourself thinking or saying ’Can’t you take a joke?’ Chances are you weren’t funny and have slipped some unresolved hostility into your ‘joke’. Apologise and reassess your words, find out what made you think or say something so thoughtless..
coffeeturtle about 12 years ago
You don’t need a marriage counselor to figure out this is the point where you say, “I am sorry”. Then followed by sincere displays of affection, a hug for example.
jbarnes about 12 years ago
As I am trying to teach my youth group, if it hurts someone, it isn’t funny. I don’t want them to be ‘unable to take a joke’ – it’s a good way to BE bullied. But I think I’ll print out the last 2 days to help make my point.
amaryllis2 Premium Member about 12 years ago
Especially if this was one of the original-run strips, I understand better why Lynn Johnston is no longer married to her ex.
Emlyn Premium Member about 12 years ago
@amaryllis2: DITTO!
LindainOregon about 12 years ago
I like this quote from “Ask Amy” the other day:“Things said in jest are often more revealing of a person’s true intent than the jester is willing to admit.”
iced tea about 12 years ago
You’re walking on thin ice, John. Again I say: ;p
lbatik about 12 years ago
Well done on missing that point, sir.