Amanda the Great by Amanda El-Dweek for March 23, 2024

Never read the comments. He commented.

If you are unable to conceive, it might not be your fault, could be the husband. Something you should really remember is BOTH parties have to be fertile.

Also remember that women’s fertility tends to decrease after the age of 30 and by 40 she only has about a 5% chance naturally. So that is where fertility treatments begin.

Yes, take Wayno’s advice.

No, wait a minute- then you’ll never see mine!

Amanda, sorry to hear of your disappointment and frustration. I have a niece who is facing the same thing.

Your writing is really good! It always flows; it’s always good English (except maybe when on purpose it’s not, but for some good reason); it’s concise——writing for a carton strip is very demanding, like a haiku or some other tight form; it’s full of humanness; and it avoids silly mistakes, such as typing “carton” for “cartoon,” which would draw too much attention to itself and likely make readers miss the point. I repeat, your writing is really good, whether few words in a panel or many. You have versatility! And one really learns that only when one tries to write some few words to try to make a good cartoon strip. It’s demanding.

Sea of Madness.

Pretty good. I used that same phrase for TWO comments today!

Amanda, I’m sorry that you are having this problem. God Bless You My Friend.

My sympathies on still reading the comments.

Enjoy the self-aware meta narrative.

The very personal problem, and the problematic thinking about it. It happens for me, but I can’t portray it in a cool online comic. Art (drama, soliloquy?) and the expression of emotion…

Losing weight will help. Losing superstitious thought about IVF and other medical options is also a good idea. How does the church feel about Wegovy or Ozempic? Besides weight loss it seems they increase fertility, at least anecdotal evidence is strong enough to start some studies. Would those be considered “artificial?”

All the best as you look at options that work for you and Dan. There is no one great answer (unfortunately). May you find peace (and ignore all of our suggestions in favor of following your own plan :) )

Wait.. did I make your issue about me in the comments? I hope not! 4 years ago I was going through some stuff.. I had been homeless again and just gotten into affordable housing, then I started to get clarity, making better choices.. I really hope I was more supportive. Way to make this about me! ✍️(◔◡◔) Sorry Manders! XOXO

You might try Planned Parenthood for reproductive help…oops… better consult your State legislature since they control your body.

I love that you read the comments and even respond occasionally!

P.s. My husband and I have been married almost 54 years, no kids, and I am of what is considered normal weight.

We love you Amanda!

The Jewish side of my family taught me that there was nothing you couldn’t joke about. I think it came from hundreds of years of persecution. Back in the good old days in the old country you had to set your expectations low.

Honestly, I admire you for being able to open yourself up to not only talk about such a personal topic, but also be able to read the comments. Especially considering that the strip is “4 years ago”, and the issue of infertility is now (presumably, since it refers to 4 years prior) a moot point, but still likely very painful to discuss, even before the peanut gallery chimes in. ❤️

(Hmmm… Either you’re stronger than you realize, or some kind of sadist! :D )

They were difficult times. They took us to do strange things.

I’m so sorry you went through this heartache and also had to face insensitive comments.

The well-meaning comments can be the worst, because we are supposed to understand the intent and not be mad about them — even when they are maddening!

IMHO things happen when you least expect it. Try not to stress to much over this. Old saying I was reminded of many times in my life… “Good things come to those who wait”. I just have to kick myself once in awhile and remind myself that patience is a virtue, or so I’ve been told. Patience gets harder as more time goes on, is more like it :-)

I shall spare you fertility advise as you know how to find facts and don’t need any unsolicited opinions. I’m sorry for your struggles and glad you share them with us.❤️