For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for September 16, 2021

Leave it to Dawn and Elizabeth to suggest a sweater for Candace that is the same kind formless, shapeless clothing they wear, that covers her body down to her wrists and up to her neck. If they took a look at Candace they would see that she favours tight clothing that shows off her figure. Not only is Candace not too fat to fit in that sweater, but they could probably fit two Candaces in that sweater.

Is this going to be a story about an eating disorder?

If you say you’re too fat, Candace, then go on a diet (one that doesn’t involve starving yourself).

It might be just an excuse because she can’t afford that outfit, but I agree that possibly in only her mind she maybe does think herself as being fat, though obviously she is not.

Teen girls have the worst perceptions of their bodies and tend to admire Hollywood actresses, singers, and social influencers for their bodies and how they dress. They have yet to realize that each woman is different and unique. It will take Candace years to realize it. I teach high school and I see this all the time. Some of them go overboard with the make up and hair color. They flaunt in their violations of dress codes and go braless, wear low cut tops, Daisy shorts, etc. Guess what? My time, that would excite the boys. Nowadays, they don’t even look. After all, it is everywhere. In movies, magazines, in their own homes (some mothers do that too), The boys in my classes were born into that world and that is normal to them. It has been a reality check for me. I wonder what the future looks like for my 2-year-old granddaughter.

That’s not true, I think her friends should talk to her about it, because even they look surprised!

Uh oh, is she dyslexic?

Candace, if your fat, I’m Mama Cass

it’s true

Hate to see when a teen feels that way. But, mostly the problem is that even if the mannequin is on a platform it’s 7 or 8 feet tall.

I wonder what they meant in Canada by the style and color being 18 excellent? It can’t be the size, since that looks too small to be size 18.

These girls do not understand Candace at all

Spoiler alert… Spoiler alert… Spoiler alert… Spoiler alert… Spoiler alert… And now here we get to see the beginnings of the revelations of how terrible Candace’s home life is…

Too fat? Are we moving into anorexia?

Too fat? Are we moving toward anorexia?

It’s always funny to me how females can be thin as a toothpick and still think they’re fat!

Body image is a thing. Sorry about that.

She literally had the same body as the mannequin.

Bad thinking.

So is this going to lead to a secret revelation that she’s bulimic?

It starts young. I often think we are told we aren’t “good enough” (be it weight, looks, school,etc) so we will accept less than what we deserve.

I wish I was as “fat” now as I thought I was when I was their age. SIGH.

Bad form and a problem at the same time….

Oh good grief! Just buy it in the right size. Besides if you don’t buy it, Elizabeth won’t be able to borrow it from you…

Here we go, another “Lesson from Lynn” arc. I can tell I am not going to enjoy it.

The ribbing on this sweater is designed to make it form-fitting. Back in the days of my youth the phrase “sweater girl” referred to a buxom young woman in a tight-fitting sweater. This sequence is clearly about anorexia.

The whole obsession with size and shape has gotten out of hand. Get and stay healthy. Size 0 is not anything to aspire to unless it comes naturally. See your doctor if you have questions regarding your weight.

Oh, okay, NOW I remember Candace……

I beg to differ, Young lady.

Could Candace be anorexic? I don’t remember, but Liz & Dawn could end up being life saving friends. Always loved this strip!