That’s great, Elly, a real leap forward, as long as you don’t take into account the fact that John works to pay for the food you’ve just cooked, the appliances you’ve just cooked it on, the house in which you live, the furniture on which you’ve sat while eating…
Elly is just one of those people who prefers to see the glass as half-empty, when she really has quite a cushy life: they have a nice house, their kids never struggle with money in university (which they all attend) because John and Elly bail them out whenever they need help, they can afford to travel without the kids regularly, she doesn’t have to work if she doesn’t want to, they get new cars whenever they need them (never second-hand), they extend their house and redecorate regularly, her husband buys her a store because she wants to own one. Elly doesn’t even need to clean because they can afford cleaners:
http://catalog.fborfw.com/indexid.php?q=7075
Anyway, the price of coffee has risen by 70 cents since this strip ran, but at least the food still costs the same:
http://catalog.fborfw.com/indexid.php?q=3990&Submit=Search
I was going to stick up for her until the last panel. She always has to blow it.
Just quit being a vindictive drama queen and stick him with the kids and the dog for an entire day. From early until late. You won’t need histrionics to prove your worth. It’s twice as much as his! He’ll know it in one day, not with a dinner check that seems more like you ate breakfast for two at a diner.
$15.95? That’s $11.00 American back then. Where could you go out and find dinner for four for $11.00 in the 80’s?
It’s not HIS money! Quit being HIS doormat, and set him straight for once!
I agree with Mrs. Luke. It sure isn’t only his money, and the reasoning that he paid for the food, appliances, etc is for people who have rocky marriages/partnerships. Seriously, they are in this together (or should be), and they need to act like it. All week I’ve laughed at the drama and smiled at the quips, but the thought that money belongs to only the person who has a paying job is ridiculous. Tell that to any divorce lawyer and they will laugh at you.
Both lines of reasoning are destructive. She’s yelling at him unreasonably. He made the “It’s my money” comment but then apologized for it and for the stereo. As far as I can tell, he’s the only one who apologized, and she hasn’t let go of it. Buying her an electric can opener won’t do anything – the problems are all in her head right now, and until she gets herself straight, she can’t even have an honest conversation with John about what’s not right.
By the way, dads today do a lot more than perhaps they did when this strip first ran. Most dads I know cook, take kids to practice, coach (yes, that counts as domestic work because it’s putting a lot of time and effort into the kids – trust me, it’s not because the dads are into the sports that much), clean, do yard work, take out garbage. That meme about “let the dad stand in her shoes for a day” is a generation late. We do, and we know we’re good at it.
I’d like to know what this poor man ever did to deserve her?
He gives her a compliment (which is something you can’t put a dollar value to) and she throws that in his face. I’d be booby trapping the stairs if I were him.
yes he should get her a programmable digital can opener using laser beam technology operated by a remote so she can open cans while lounging on the couch watching soap operas and eating bon bons
Agree with cdward 100%. That comment by MrsLukeSkywalker was a generation late. As a Dad, i do more “with/for” my kids than my dad ever did “with/for” me and my sister when we were growing up . And I’m not complaining about it or patting myself on the back, either. That’s just the way it is now. Two parents work - two parents have to share ALL the “home work”.
Well cooks do get a salary unless they volunteer in a shelter. Try saying that in a restaurant. “I’m the owner and I buy the food. You shouldn’t have a salary.” ;)
Being a stay at home mom is not an easy task. Cooking and chauffeuring. You’re on call all the time. You can’t have a conversation when one eye and ear is always available to listen and see the kids. It’s boring as hell. The adult conversations are mostly about how brilliant your kids are etc etc etc. I rarely have an enlightened conversation with the other mothers.
It really helps for sanity if your husband gives you breaks now and then. John should set aside money each week for Elly as mad money for her to do as she pleases. It’s less guilty that way. My husband doesn’t stop me from shopping but I feel guilty when I buy for myself but less so when he buys a Special Edition train or DVD. ;)
It’s “HIS” money because he worked to earn it.
It’s “THEIR” money because they both have access to it and both enjoy the benefits of it.
“his” money already paid for the food and cost of preparation of it. He has been very patient with her to this point but it is time she gets corrected.
As the wife of a dentist, Elly has a more cushy lifestyle than a large percentage of wives; it’s time for he to realize this.
Ok. AdamsFamily1MW and anyone who agrees…. think of this:
Who COOKED the food. Who will clean up after? We pay for labor for other things. I’m not agreeing with what’s going on either side, but he didn’t pay for the labor. I just want to point that out.
However, he should respect the fact that marriage means sharing life and assets and discuss major purchases with her.
It’s not just both having access to it. It’s a cold way to see it, but it seems to be needed to point out. He married her and therefore assets are shared, even if she’s not contributing. Not sure if it’s legal, but it IS a moral obligation. Don’t get married if you’re not wanting to share.
Also, it’s not about how much money (I’m sure they could afford a $20 opener even WITH the purchase of the stereo). It’s about he didn’t talk to her about it.
She’s being rather melodramatic about the can opener, but it’s not about that anymore. Now it’s… what I said before: Respecting the fact that they share assets now and showing that respect by discussing major purchases.
I don’t normally take this comic seriously, but one reason I wish I didn’t have to see comments is sometimes commentors take it so seriously.
For the comic; whatever. It’s a comic. Who cares.
I just feel I need to be an advocator for people realizing marriage, in part, is agreeing to share assets. Even if the ratio is 100/0. If the sole/major breadwinner can’t accept that he/she will have to discuss major purchases (and really, should WANT to out of natural respect born of love), then don’t get married.
I know that’s an old fashioned way in this day and age, but really, if it doesn’t come naturally, there’s issues.
I don’t have the problem personally. I may have to remind him that I do understand it stinks not to be able to spend money on fun stuff anymore, but I get nervous when he spends $100 on something we don’t really need (or could have done a cheaper option) when we’re barely making it.
I love my husband, but I tell people who are so anxious to be with someone that, really, enjoy being single. One day you will fall in love and jump into a shared life… and realize just how complicated things get.
cdward, it’s not all in her head. John’s attitude is that he doesn’t realize he should (and really WANT to) respect their marriage enough to discuss major purchases.
John needs to change HIS attitude and until something happens where he can prove it, she’ll feel he has the same attitude and that hurts.
I said this last week. My wife and I are co-equal partners in this life and the next. We share a small business, also. It hasn’t always been so. However, due to shifts, illnesses, or whatever, I have always chipped in to do stuff around the house. For a long time she worked evenings and I worked first. I cooked dinners and cleaned after and frequently took hers to her. I have always enjoyed yard work. And, this goes beck at least a generation. My dad died in ‘99 at the age of 75. He could cook every bit as well as anyone and made better biscuits than 80% of women, young and old. Just because a man is the primary earner doesn’t mean he can sit around with a cocktail and hollar for her to be his barkeeper, too. Sorry, I’m ranting now.
LarryW2LJ, this WAS a generation ago. I’m commenting on the comic, which took place 25 years ago, so I’m not sure how my comment could be a generation late. I feel the same way about this issue now that I did back then growing up, but my comment isn’t about me, it’s about what took place in FBOFW.
Most men did nothing, except for themselves, after their 8 hour job back then. Now, they help around the house a lot more, unless they’re chauvinists. Elly works around the clock as a stay at home mother of 2 small kids, taking care of the house and complaining up, down and sideways about it, every inch of the way. Men should do their share with the house and kids whether the wife has an outside job or not. She still has to come home and do it all in most cases these days. Not all men evolved. it depends on how they were raised.
My comment is perfectly relevant to what we are reading in today’s strip. Most people make this about themselves though, and take comments about the comic we just read as if it were about themselves. Most criticism of my comments I find is the blurring of that line between the comic and you. I don’t know you, but I read this strip every day and leave my comment about it. Like it or not for some others, even though everyone else is saying the same thing.
Well, since she seems to want to charge for cooking and cleaning, maybe he should start charging her for rent and utilities that she is using, along with the cost of what she eats and don’t forget the rent on the vehicle she uses.
I’ve been watching these comments for a few days now and can’t hold off any longer…
Marriage is a PARTNERSHIP. The couple is a team working together to create a family for each other and for any kids/pets/dependents they may or may not choose to add to that family.
It does not matter who makes the money, who cleans, who raises the kids, who pays the bills, whatever. In a family everyone shares. The idea of his money or her money, or his house work or her house work is completely rediculous. Every family will have their own way of dividing responsibilities based on what works for them and those decisions can only be made with clear, open, honest, and fair communication and with love and mutual respect for each other and each other’s needs.
John and Elly have both completely failed here multiple times. Neither has a good attitude about the money the family uses, neither is communicating honestly and fairly, and neither is treating the other with much by way of respect. The best that can be said is that John at least realized he was being a complete idiot and apologized for it. But considering that he said stupid things in the first place, and the way he take Elly for granted all the rest of the time, that really doesn’t go very far.
CDWard - I agree with you completely. In our household it’s me that works, and my hubby is a stay at home dad. Up until this year he was also homeschooling our kids (they really wanted to go to public school this year, and since we are in a better district now, we agreed).
However, as things were difficult for my hubby, feeling like he didn’t have any money to spend and he always had to ask me for it (which I always willingly gave, but still) we worked out that I give him a set amount every week as his spending money. He can use it on whatever he wants. If he needs more, and it’s available in our budget, I never say no either.
I may get flak for this, but all of you; except Magasek; have been getting it wrong. It’s not about who did what or who earns what. It’s about respect. Neither one of them have the right respect for the other. Elly doesn’t respect how hard John works to earn the money, and John doesn’t respect how hard she works to keep the house together and meals on the table. As Magasek said they don’t communicate. Communication is the foundation of respect and marriage.
yeah elly is amazing all right – over the past few days she growled and screamed in john’s face, acted in general like a witch and now immaturely presents john with a bill for her services. a real keeper.
I don’t think Elly actually wants to get paid for the meal. The first two panels show where she is coming from. John’s comment was a blow to her self-esteem, and she doesn’t feel like he “gets it” yet. Maybe his apology didn’t sound sincere… we don’t know, since we don’t get tone of voice in a comic strip. I think she is feeling frustrated, and this is her attempt to get him to understand. I also thought it was pretty funny.
I was a cook in a restaurant. I didn’t buy the food, the appliances, or pay rent on the building, but I still got $9/hr. I figure Ellie spent about 1 1/2 hours making the meal, which makes sense since she had to be her own soux-chef!
I love it. Comics have always been a slice of life. That’s why so many folks look inside to see the similarities. Not always good, but always a human thing. These comments create a tension that is probably healthy. I wish we had always had this to get opinions from so diverse a group.
cdward et al… These strips are not reruns, they are first-runs. Johnston has rebooted the strip and is intentionally portraying the family more negatively than the first time around.
I agree with pp’s that the argument is about respect… as most things are. John didn’t respect her in not discussing the purchase. Ellie didn’t respect him in the response she gave. She needed to cool down and then discuss it. She lashed out, he lashed back.
It’s so much easier to take the armchair referee position and say a lot of “shoulds” but when you’re in the situation with the emotions running high… sometimes the “shoulds” go out the window.
I just wish I could be as perfect as some of the commentors seem to think they are or have a relationship as perfect as they think a relationship should be. :)
When did Elly go to work. Was it after April? She wants/deserves her own money. I know how she feels.
I don’t see their marriage as being disfunctional. It is a comic! We were to laugh at the punch line. You people, Geez!
They’re human, folks! They have flaws and foibles. It’s not a dysfunctional marriage, and neither Elly nor John are bad people. Elly will develop a stronger ego as time goes on, and John will develop more empathy. They’ll learn how to live together as a married couple. That’s how life is, and that’s what makes FBOFW an enjoyable comic strip.
Exactly Magasec! No, we’re NOT all wrong, newworldmozart. For days, we’ve ALL been saying what Magasec said.
DiscoEd, Billdi and Susan, I couldn’t agree more! Why aren’t they piling on you for saying it? I’ve said the same thing, ever so carefully, at different times, and all the angry Ellys (male and female) ripped into me as if I drew Mohammad. You are exactly right, and your post yesterday about Elizabeth playing Elly at her dolls was perfect also, because you perfectly characterized Elly’s crazy, nasty, nuttiness. John is a disconnected dolt, and I never understood how the kids could just keep ignoring her constant psychotic outbursts like they always did, or how they turned out any degree of “normal” either.
Very true that dads do a lot more today than when this strip first aired – and they do it because women got mad about the stuff that John’s been doing all week & decided not to take it anymore. Unfortunately it led to a lot of divorces. Again, the work women do has been calculated out to @ $130,000.00/year if their husbands had to pay for it.
The comic depicts a young mom and wife. We don’t see it all. Lynn Johnson shows the funny parts of this life. A lot of the comments seem to think it’s reality. Elly mellows out when she grows older. I think all the negative critics need to chill too.
gillbillvolume1 about 14 years ago
Nope , won’t work Elley .. his money bought the food in the first place
AdamsFamily1MW about 14 years ago
That’s great, Elly, a real leap forward, as long as you don’t take into account the fact that John works to pay for the food you’ve just cooked, the appliances you’ve just cooked it on, the house in which you live, the furniture on which you’ve sat while eating…
Elly is just one of those people who prefers to see the glass as half-empty, when she really has quite a cushy life: they have a nice house, their kids never struggle with money in university (which they all attend) because John and Elly bail them out whenever they need help, they can afford to travel without the kids regularly, she doesn’t have to work if she doesn’t want to, they get new cars whenever they need them (never second-hand), they extend their house and redecorate regularly, her husband buys her a store because she wants to own one. Elly doesn’t even need to clean because they can afford cleaners: http://catalog.fborfw.com/indexid.php?q=7075
Anyway, the price of coffee has risen by 70 cents since this strip ran, but at least the food still costs the same: http://catalog.fborfw.com/indexid.php?q=3990&Submit=Search
alviebird about 14 years ago
John is going to be paying for that stereo for a long time.
mrslukeskywalker about 14 years ago
I was going to stick up for her until the last panel. She always has to blow it.
Just quit being a vindictive drama queen and stick him with the kids and the dog for an entire day. From early until late. You won’t need histrionics to prove your worth. It’s twice as much as his! He’ll know it in one day, not with a dinner check that seems more like you ate breakfast for two at a diner.
$15.95? That’s $11.00 American back then. Where could you go out and find dinner for four for $11.00 in the 80’s?
It’s not HIS money! Quit being HIS doormat, and set him straight for once!
Ash, LOLOLOLOL! Good one! Good luck to YOU today!
Donna White about 14 years ago
Spam flagged AGAIN. this is getting really tiresome.
boba44 about 14 years ago
Oh goody, we get to play flag the spammer again today.
NE1956 about 14 years ago
You KNOW it’s spam when they sell Air Jordans for $33. They left out the 1 after the $. Air Jordans are beaucoup bucks.
Surely goComics can look for etootoo in the text and prevent it from being posted.
lightenup Premium Member about 14 years ago
I agree with Mrs. Luke. It sure isn’t only his money, and the reasoning that he paid for the food, appliances, etc is for people who have rocky marriages/partnerships. Seriously, they are in this together (or should be), and they need to act like it. All week I’ve laughed at the drama and smiled at the quips, but the thought that money belongs to only the person who has a paying job is ridiculous. Tell that to any divorce lawyer and they will laugh at you.
Artrina about 14 years ago
He really needs to go out and get her the best electric can opener he can find.
cdward about 14 years ago
Both lines of reasoning are destructive. She’s yelling at him unreasonably. He made the “It’s my money” comment but then apologized for it and for the stereo. As far as I can tell, he’s the only one who apologized, and she hasn’t let go of it. Buying her an electric can opener won’t do anything – the problems are all in her head right now, and until she gets herself straight, she can’t even have an honest conversation with John about what’s not right.
By the way, dads today do a lot more than perhaps they did when this strip first ran. Most dads I know cook, take kids to practice, coach (yes, that counts as domestic work because it’s putting a lot of time and effort into the kids – trust me, it’s not because the dads are into the sports that much), clean, do yard work, take out garbage. That meme about “let the dad stand in her shoes for a day” is a generation late. We do, and we know we’re good at it.
discoEd about 14 years ago
I’d like to know what this poor man ever did to deserve her? He gives her a compliment (which is something you can’t put a dollar value to) and she throws that in his face. I’d be booby trapping the stairs if I were him.
Nighthawks Premium Member about 14 years ago
yes he should get her a programmable digital can opener using laser beam technology operated by a remote so she can open cans while lounging on the couch watching soap operas and eating bon bons
coffeeturtle about 14 years ago
a good wife is priceless.
if John really had to pay someone to do everything his wife does, it would cost him a fortune.
This was hilarious to watch unfold! :-)
w2lj about 14 years ago
Agree with cdward 100%. That comment by MrsLukeSkywalker was a generation late. As a Dad, i do more “with/for” my kids than my dad ever did “with/for” me and my sister when we were growing up . And I’m not complaining about it or patting myself on the back, either. That’s just the way it is now. Two parents work - two parents have to share ALL the “home work”.
BigHug about 14 years ago
Well cooks do get a salary unless they volunteer in a shelter. Try saying that in a restaurant. “I’m the owner and I buy the food. You shouldn’t have a salary.” ;)
Being a stay at home mom is not an easy task. Cooking and chauffeuring. You’re on call all the time. You can’t have a conversation when one eye and ear is always available to listen and see the kids. It’s boring as hell. The adult conversations are mostly about how brilliant your kids are etc etc etc. I rarely have an enlightened conversation with the other mothers.
It really helps for sanity if your husband gives you breaks now and then. John should set aside money each week for Elly as mad money for her to do as she pleases. It’s less guilty that way. My husband doesn’t stop me from shopping but I feel guilty when I buy for myself but less so when he buys a Special Edition train or DVD. ;)
hildigunnurr Premium Member about 14 years ago
gillbillvolume1, the price is for the work, not the ingredients. A tad on the high side, maybe…
gaebie about 14 years ago
It’s “HIS” money because he worked to earn it. It’s “THEIR” money because they both have access to it and both enjoy the benefits of it.
“his” money already paid for the food and cost of preparation of it. He has been very patient with her to this point but it is time she gets corrected.
As the wife of a dentist, Elly has a more cushy lifestyle than a large percentage of wives; it’s time for he to realize this.
dakabn5 about 14 years ago
Ok. AdamsFamily1MW and anyone who agrees…. think of this:
Who COOKED the food. Who will clean up after? We pay for labor for other things. I’m not agreeing with what’s going on either side, but he didn’t pay for the labor. I just want to point that out.
However, he should respect the fact that marriage means sharing life and assets and discuss major purchases with her.
It’s not just both having access to it. It’s a cold way to see it, but it seems to be needed to point out. He married her and therefore assets are shared, even if she’s not contributing. Not sure if it’s legal, but it IS a moral obligation. Don’t get married if you’re not wanting to share.
Also, it’s not about how much money (I’m sure they could afford a $20 opener even WITH the purchase of the stereo). It’s about he didn’t talk to her about it.
She’s being rather melodramatic about the can opener, but it’s not about that anymore. Now it’s… what I said before: Respecting the fact that they share assets now and showing that respect by discussing major purchases.
On another note, it IS just a comic. :D
Plato2007 about 14 years ago
It’s not a charge for the food, it’s a service fee for preparing and cooking it. And I’m sure cleaning up after him too.
okaythen about 14 years ago
I’m sure I’ll get flak for this but
Elly, take some Midol already
dakabn5 about 14 years ago
Someone else gets it. :D
I don’t normally take this comic seriously, but one reason I wish I didn’t have to see comments is sometimes commentors take it so seriously.
For the comic; whatever. It’s a comic. Who cares.
I just feel I need to be an advocator for people realizing marriage, in part, is agreeing to share assets. Even if the ratio is 100/0. If the sole/major breadwinner can’t accept that he/she will have to discuss major purchases (and really, should WANT to out of natural respect born of love), then don’t get married.
I know that’s an old fashioned way in this day and age, but really, if it doesn’t come naturally, there’s issues.
I don’t have the problem personally. I may have to remind him that I do understand it stinks not to be able to spend money on fun stuff anymore, but I get nervous when he spends $100 on something we don’t really need (or could have done a cheaper option) when we’re barely making it.
dakabn5 about 14 years ago
I love my husband, but I tell people who are so anxious to be with someone that, really, enjoy being single. One day you will fall in love and jump into a shared life… and realize just how complicated things get.
Enjoy simple singleness.
dakabn5 about 14 years ago
Jahosacat, I would agree, but while the gesture would be nice, the fight has evolved past that.
dakabn5 about 14 years ago
cdward, it’s not all in her head. John’s attitude is that he doesn’t realize he should (and really WANT to) respect their marriage enough to discuss major purchases.
John needs to change HIS attitude and until something happens where he can prove it, she’ll feel he has the same attitude and that hurts.
ninmas about 14 years ago
sigh…. when will you learn, elly?
Jaedabee Premium Member about 14 years ago
Wrong way to go about it.
RinaFarina about 14 years ago
Ok, so he paid for the food, the dishes, etc.,, but she can still charge for the work she did preparing the meal.
pawpawbear about 14 years ago
I said this last week. My wife and I are co-equal partners in this life and the next. We share a small business, also. It hasn’t always been so. However, due to shifts, illnesses, or whatever, I have always chipped in to do stuff around the house. For a long time she worked evenings and I worked first. I cooked dinners and cleaned after and frequently took hers to her. I have always enjoyed yard work. And, this goes beck at least a generation. My dad died in ‘99 at the age of 75. He could cook every bit as well as anyone and made better biscuits than 80% of women, young and old. Just because a man is the primary earner doesn’t mean he can sit around with a cocktail and hollar for her to be his barkeeper, too. Sorry, I’m ranting now.
Notgiven about 14 years ago
He’s not digging himself out of that hole until she gets to spend $2000 any way she wants.
mrslukeskywalker about 14 years ago
LarryW2LJ, this WAS a generation ago. I’m commenting on the comic, which took place 25 years ago, so I’m not sure how my comment could be a generation late. I feel the same way about this issue now that I did back then growing up, but my comment isn’t about me, it’s about what took place in FBOFW.
Most men did nothing, except for themselves, after their 8 hour job back then. Now, they help around the house a lot more, unless they’re chauvinists. Elly works around the clock as a stay at home mother of 2 small kids, taking care of the house and complaining up, down and sideways about it, every inch of the way. Men should do their share with the house and kids whether the wife has an outside job or not. She still has to come home and do it all in most cases these days. Not all men evolved. it depends on how they were raised.
My comment is perfectly relevant to what we are reading in today’s strip. Most people make this about themselves though, and take comments about the comic we just read as if it were about themselves. Most criticism of my comments I find is the blurring of that line between the comic and you. I don’t know you, but I read this strip every day and leave my comment about it. Like it or not for some others, even though everyone else is saying the same thing.
GretchensMom I left you a message on yesterday’s.
Hornet62 about 14 years ago
Well, since she seems to want to charge for cooking and cleaning, maybe he should start charging her for rent and utilities that she is using, along with the cost of what she eats and don’t forget the rent on the vehicle she uses.
Magasek about 14 years ago
I’ve been watching these comments for a few days now and can’t hold off any longer…
Marriage is a PARTNERSHIP. The couple is a team working together to create a family for each other and for any kids/pets/dependents they may or may not choose to add to that family.
It does not matter who makes the money, who cleans, who raises the kids, who pays the bills, whatever. In a family everyone shares. The idea of his money or her money, or his house work or her house work is completely rediculous. Every family will have their own way of dividing responsibilities based on what works for them and those decisions can only be made with clear, open, honest, and fair communication and with love and mutual respect for each other and each other’s needs.
John and Elly have both completely failed here multiple times. Neither has a good attitude about the money the family uses, neither is communicating honestly and fairly, and neither is treating the other with much by way of respect. The best that can be said is that John at least realized he was being a complete idiot and apologized for it. But considering that he said stupid things in the first place, and the way he take Elly for granted all the rest of the time, that really doesn’t go very far.
<steps off soap box>
dougwood about 14 years ago
For Pete’s sakes folks, it’s only a comic…some of you need to chew some Tums & get a life…
ldyhwkd about 14 years ago
Wow. Strong reactions today.
CDWard - I agree with you completely. In our household it’s me that works, and my hubby is a stay at home dad. Up until this year he was also homeschooling our kids (they really wanted to go to public school this year, and since we are in a better district now, we agreed).
However, as things were difficult for my hubby, feeling like he didn’t have any money to spend and he always had to ask me for it (which I always willingly gave, but still) we worked out that I give him a set amount every week as his spending money. He can use it on whatever he wants. If he needs more, and it’s available in our budget, I never say no either.
Wildmustang1262 about 14 years ago
WOW! Y’all post so many comments regarding the strip of FBorFW! Nice, huh! :-)
My thinking is that Elly surely makes a trick on John. She needs to earn extra $ for her allowance.
Hope allll goes welll! Adios, amigos!
newworldmozart about 14 years ago
I may get flak for this, but all of you; except Magasek; have been getting it wrong. It’s not about who did what or who earns what. It’s about respect. Neither one of them have the right respect for the other. Elly doesn’t respect how hard John works to earn the money, and John doesn’t respect how hard she works to keep the house together and meals on the table. As Magasek said they don’t communicate. Communication is the foundation of respect and marriage.
lionsandtigersandbearsohmy about 14 years ago
All she’s wanting is some sincere, consistent appreciation for what she brings to their partnership.
I love this comic strip–and truly find the commentary hilarious @ times.
To: Lynn Johnston– you do an amazing comic strip :)
kfaatz925 about 14 years ago
@Lions&Tigers - right on! Personally I think Elly has a great point. ;)
billdi Premium Member about 14 years ago
yeah elly is amazing all right – over the past few days she growled and screamed in john’s face, acted in general like a witch and now immaturely presents john with a bill for her services. a real keeper.
alviebird about 14 years ago
/\ Which is not nearly as bad as it can get in real life.
LindainOregon about 14 years ago
I don’t think Elly actually wants to get paid for the meal. The first two panels show where she is coming from. John’s comment was a blow to her self-esteem, and she doesn’t feel like he “gets it” yet. Maybe his apology didn’t sound sincere… we don’t know, since we don’t get tone of voice in a comic strip. I think she is feeling frustrated, and this is her attempt to get him to understand. I also thought it was pretty funny.
notinksanymore Premium Member about 14 years ago
I was a cook in a restaurant. I didn’t buy the food, the appliances, or pay rent on the building, but I still got $9/hr. I figure Ellie spent about 1 1/2 hours making the meal, which makes sense since she had to be her own soux-chef!
pawpawbear about 14 years ago
I love it. Comics have always been a slice of life. That’s why so many folks look inside to see the similarities. Not always good, but always a human thing. These comments create a tension that is probably healthy. I wish we had always had this to get opinions from so diverse a group.
God Bless
LindainOregon about 14 years ago
dakabn5….. I totally agree with your last comment.
Gretchen's Mom about 14 years ago
MrsLukeSkywalker: I saw it. Thanks!
alviebird about 14 years ago
Dysfunctional marriage?
Is there any other kind?
Coyoty Premium Member about 14 years ago
cdward et al… These strips are not reruns, they are first-runs. Johnston has rebooted the strip and is intentionally portraying the family more negatively than the first time around.
littledutchboy about 14 years ago
Oh, MrsLuke….
mirthiful about 14 years ago
I agree with pp’s that the argument is about respect… as most things are. John didn’t respect her in not discussing the purchase. Ellie didn’t respect him in the response she gave. She needed to cool down and then discuss it. She lashed out, he lashed back.
It’s so much easier to take the armchair referee position and say a lot of “shoulds” but when you’re in the situation with the emotions running high… sometimes the “shoulds” go out the window.
I just wish I could be as perfect as some of the commentors seem to think they are or have a relationship as perfect as they think a relationship should be. :)
bluetopazcrystal about 14 years ago
When did Elly go to work. Was it after April? She wants/deserves her own money. I know how she feels. I don’t see their marriage as being disfunctional. It is a comic! We were to laugh at the punch line. You people, Geez!
3139lip about 14 years ago
They’re human, folks! They have flaws and foibles. It’s not a dysfunctional marriage, and neither Elly nor John are bad people. Elly will develop a stronger ego as time goes on, and John will develop more empathy. They’ll learn how to live together as a married couple. That’s how life is, and that’s what makes FBOFW an enjoyable comic strip.
mrslukeskywalker about 14 years ago
Exactly Magasec! No, we’re NOT all wrong, newworldmozart. For days, we’ve ALL been saying what Magasec said.
DiscoEd, Billdi and Susan, I couldn’t agree more! Why aren’t they piling on you for saying it? I’ve said the same thing, ever so carefully, at different times, and all the angry Ellys (male and female) ripped into me as if I drew Mohammad. You are exactly right, and your post yesterday about Elizabeth playing Elly at her dolls was perfect also, because you perfectly characterized Elly’s crazy, nasty, nuttiness. John is a disconnected dolt, and I never understood how the kids could just keep ignoring her constant psychotic outbursts like they always did, or how they turned out any degree of “normal” either.
Littledutchboy, whaaaat? : )
lindz.coop Premium Member about 14 years ago
Very true that dads do a lot more today than when this strip first aired – and they do it because women got mad about the stuff that John’s been doing all week & decided not to take it anymore. Unfortunately it led to a lot of divorces. Again, the work women do has been calculated out to @ $130,000.00/year if their husbands had to pay for it.
bluetopazcrystal about 14 years ago
The comic depicts a young mom and wife. We don’t see it all. Lynn Johnson shows the funny parts of this life. A lot of the comments seem to think it’s reality. Elly mellows out when she grows older. I think all the negative critics need to chill too.
hildigunnurr Premium Member about 14 years ago
thebird55 - there sure is ;)
alan.gurka about 14 years ago
She forgot to include the 18% tip! And John had better make it at least 20% if he knows what’s good for him.