Neither of these two are likable in these earlier years. John is a jerk, and Elly really isn’t any better in her own way. I though they became better as the years went on.
Here’s the deal tho. . . nobody likes to be treated like a maid. There’s more to running a house than picking up after people. Having young children makes it hard to keep a tidy home but the least John could do is be responsible for his own messes. And Michael is certainly old enough to have a few chores himself.
Maybe she should get off her lazy butt and go to work and then she could use that money to pay someone to clean her house. Oh wait, I forgot any money she earns would be HER money.
In my house it’s my husband that’s bothered by clutter—doesn’t bother me a bit. I refuse to believe that the last words of any woman were “I wish I’d kept a cleaner house.” i know that won’t be true for me!
This exchange is so mundane but it really puts a spotlight on the problem. This really started when men and women started insisting that one was better than the other rather than complementarily different, setting off one of the stupidest competitions in history. This strip is just one more serve over the net. Everyone likes a clean, tidy, orderly home; not many of us salivate over the idea of the grunge work necessary to make one (my husband’s grandmother was one who did; she literally died vacuuming, poor lady.). While Elly’s whining is juvenile, John’s response is just as bad. Possibly worse in that it makes her situation unappreciated and without hope of any sharing. Bad Elly. Bad John.
She’s stuck with it because she’s the one who hates the clutter. Not only because she’s female. Many women (including myself) lament that if they don’t do something it won’t get done. If the mess bothered the others in the household they’d do something about it. If they don’t, it’s because they’re not as bothered by it as the woman of the house, therefore she is stuck with it. That explains Elly’s problem. As for John’s, I wouldn’t mind what he said as much as how he said it. How dare he pat her head like a dog? I’d slap him every which way for that, the lowlife jerk! He always acts so superior and it’s time he was knocked down a peg or two!
I see. So, cooking, doing dishes, buying groceries, vacuuming a house, dusting, doing laundry, ironing it, folding it, walking a dog and cleaning up after it, making sure kids do homework, helping with homework if you can, driving kids to doctors or soccer practice or what — all of these are a HOBBY to you? What you mean is, a woman who works full time as a homemaker has the option of getting a PAID job, so she can hire someone else to take care of the homefront. RIGHT?
I am very sensitive to the subject of full time work in the home because my Dad died when I was 9, leaving my Mom, younger brother and me. My mother worked and took care of us and the home full time until our Step-Dad ( a great guy) came into our lives. My brother and I had to handle some of the chores around the house at younger ages than lots of kids so I am fully aware of what it takes to run a house for more than one person.
g55rumpy about 11 years ago
to the dog house,march
Jonathan K. and the Elusive Dream Girl about 11 years ago
If there were a fourth panel, it would show Elly dumping that coffee on John.
Can't Sleep about 11 years ago
It falls to the person who is bothered the most by the mess. I’d explain more, but I have to clean up some dishes.
KenTheCoffinDweller about 11 years ago
Then he just rubs it in more with the head pat as he walks off.
krys723 about 11 years ago
thts rubbin it in
legaleagle48 about 11 years ago
He’s really asking for it now!
bkybl Premium Member about 11 years ago
The line work seems to have gotten thicker. Was this about when newspapers started shrinking the comics?
barbara chaffin Premium Member about 11 years ago
i don’t like john never did i am glad she got rid of him
hsawlrae about 11 years ago
Solution: NO SUPPER for anyone until every chore is done.
psychlady about 11 years ago
Oh, John, open mouth, insert foot – AGAIN!!!!
cdward about 11 years ago
Neither of these two are likable in these earlier years. John is a jerk, and Elly really isn’t any better in her own way. I though they became better as the years went on.
bgby4884 about 11 years ago
And, Another Problem Solved!
shooflypie about 11 years ago
Here’s the deal tho. . . nobody likes to be treated like a maid. There’s more to running a house than picking up after people. Having young children makes it hard to keep a tidy home but the least John could do is be responsible for his own messes. And Michael is certainly old enough to have a few chores himself.
bill about 11 years ago
Maybe she should get off her lazy butt and go to work and then she could use that money to pay someone to clean her house. Oh wait, I forgot any money she earns would be HER money.
Deezlebird about 11 years ago
In my house it’s my husband that’s bothered by clutter—doesn’t bother me a bit. I refuse to believe that the last words of any woman were “I wish I’d kept a cleaner house.” i know that won’t be true for me!
dogday Premium Member about 11 years ago
This exchange is so mundane but it really puts a spotlight on the problem. This really started when men and women started insisting that one was better than the other rather than complementarily different, setting off one of the stupidest competitions in history. This strip is just one more serve over the net. Everyone likes a clean, tidy, orderly home; not many of us salivate over the idea of the grunge work necessary to make one (my husband’s grandmother was one who did; she literally died vacuuming, poor lady.). While Elly’s whining is juvenile, John’s response is just as bad. Possibly worse in that it makes her situation unappreciated and without hope of any sharing. Bad Elly. Bad John.
sbchamp about 11 years ago
No one nags like Elly…
loner34 about 11 years ago
If you don’t like it why do you read it?
alondra about 11 years ago
She’s stuck with it because she’s the one who hates the clutter. Not only because she’s female. Many women (including myself) lament that if they don’t do something it won’t get done. If the mess bothered the others in the household they’d do something about it. If they don’t, it’s because they’re not as bothered by it as the woman of the house, therefore she is stuck with it. That explains Elly’s problem. As for John’s, I wouldn’t mind what he said as much as how he said it. How dare he pat her head like a dog? I’d slap him every which way for that, the lowlife jerk! He always acts so superior and it’s time he was knocked down a peg or two!
Argy.Bargy2 about 11 years ago
Heil!
David Rickard Premium Member about 11 years ago
To paraphrase Richard B Riddick: I’m gonna kill you with my teacup…
Gokie5 about 11 years ago
And yes, you’re right, argy.bargy2. I thought of the “cheap, obvious laugh” thing, too (not as articulately as you), but still . . .
Petemejia77 about 11 years ago
Recomendation!Cover the coffe mug on the last panel with your finger!
Argy.Bargy2 about 11 years ago
I see. So, cooking, doing dishes, buying groceries, vacuuming a house, dusting, doing laundry, ironing it, folding it, walking a dog and cleaning up after it, making sure kids do homework, helping with homework if you can, driving kids to doctors or soccer practice or what — all of these are a HOBBY to you? What you mean is, a woman who works full time as a homemaker has the option of getting a PAID job, so she can hire someone else to take care of the homefront. RIGHT?
Argy.Bargy2 about 11 years ago
I am very sensitive to the subject of full time work in the home because my Dad died when I was 9, leaving my Mom, younger brother and me. My mother worked and took care of us and the home full time until our Step-Dad ( a great guy) came into our lives. My brother and I had to handle some of the chores around the house at younger ages than lots of kids so I am fully aware of what it takes to run a house for more than one person.
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 11 years ago
Dean Man Walkin’!
tinsleyrc about 11 years ago
My Mom thought capitol punishment should be sentencing some to life at housework
slsharris about 11 years ago
I always thought that if Lynn patterned John on her own husband, it’s better he’s gone…
loves raising duncan about 11 years ago
Wrong thing to say, Caveman John!