Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for April 30, 2016

I think the feeling is now mutual.

Honesty is refreshing.

Unless it was Howard johnson’s, in which case you might want to get right over there.

Honesty is always the best policy….

Rat has always had a gift for words.

That should’ve been a tough decision for Rat, people you don’t like vs free food.

That Hurt…………

honesty is the best policy, even if it’s brutal

Next time, Rat, “we’re busy” is the more polite thing to say.

Won’t have to worry about future invites now.

Uh oh Rat, now you’ve done it!The Johnsons will file a federal lawsuit claiming that the only reason you did it is because of ________________ (enter any “ism” you like ).

Pig has such a concerned look in the first panel.

Are Rat and Pig dating? Pig could go by himself if he wanted, or come up with his own excuse.

What’s wrong with “Thanks, but no.”

“Because the sight of you makes us lose our appetites.”

Since Rat and Pig share a house, as housemates, I presume the Johnsons issued them a joint invitation (hence “we”). Rat’s response is entirely appropriate, as long as both he and Pig never want to see the Johnsons again….

The truth shall set you free… and get you kicked off the social register.

It’s best to be direct. And see, how they never have to hear from those people again. Win/win!

What about, “We’re selling the house and moving to Mars to grow potatoes!”

I’m sure they don’t like you either, Rat.

They might have only invited you so they could poison your food.

xxx

Fine, have it your way. I will just call the police and accuse you of a hate crime. Even if you aren’t guilty, you will be punished in some form, for the accusation is enough..That is one of the costs of chaos.

Calling Rat cynical is an understatement!

Not very polite but straight to the point. Or maybe you should have said “we’re unfriending you” to really get the point across.