For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 05, 2018

Men are simple creatures devoted to their food. If this had been Elizabeth instead of Michael, she probably could have pulled herself away from the tacos long enough to notice her mother’s hair. Then again, for the Patterson children, tacos are like the nectar of the gods compared to what they normally eat, so it might be a close call for Elizabeth too.

If I was as inconsiderate as Michael here, I would’ve thought “Weird Al” Yankovic is in my house.

Well, at least John noticed. Many kids couldn’t care less what their moms look like as long as they get fed.

At least he’s grateful for the tacos. You’re never guaranteed gratitude with teenagers!

He’ll notice the new hairstyle eventually (if he hasn’t already). To a teenage boy, what’s for dinner is a lot more important!

Elly needs a nose job now.

He might be playing it safe. Males have long learned that saying anything about a female appearance is like walking into a minefield. The intention it to say something nice, just like trying to cross a field. But just like a minefield, saying something could blowup in your face. Safer to pretend not to notice and change the subject.

Thinking about eating more than a simple kind word? Pig.

I go to visit my parents. My mother says, notice what’s different? Oh heck. It was the drapes as if I notice drapes.

Once again, they exist on different planes

everyone gets excited for Taco Night. :D

Canadian tacos. Lose those pre-cooked crunchy shells Elly.

As a woman who really doesn’t “get” hair (like Elly), I would struggle with this situation, too. You have to know whether the person likes or dislikes their hair before you know what to say about it. I usually don’t like it better (I like long, plain hair almost always), but I will say I do if it’s what they want. OTOH, if it’s awful and they hate it, I won’t know by looking at the hair, and I won’t necessarily know by looking at their face.

And yes, I often don’t notice hair changes at all. Although a perm like this is probably something even I would notice.

Talking about tacos is much simpler. I can talk (and eat!) tacos happily for hours! Mike made a sound choice to discuss the food, IMO.

Adolescent kids still think they are the center of the universe. This is why Michael has trouble with Martha. It isn’t until a boy has a serious relationship that the girl (woman) becomes the center of their universe. The parents of the adolescent never even make the list, as the REAL understanding doesn’t occur until the adolescent has grown and now has their own kids. That’s the real eye-opener. If Martha got a perm, Michael would notice from across the school yard. Mom, however, is Mom. Appearance, is not even part of the equation. Whether Mom is dressed immaculately for a night on the town or has been in bed with the flu for 3 days, Mom is Mom. There is a deep rooted love in the kids’ hearts that always is and always will be there.

Adolescent boys are bottomless pits when it comes to food. Not a criticism, just an observation. So, of course, he’s going to notice the tacos. It’s one of his favorites!

Saw that coming a mile away.

First things first! Ft. Monmouth, NJ 1962 I helped several other men get through radio school. When I reconnected 30 years later – “Yes, I remember you! You traded KP with me once so I could go to NYC for the weekend!” (At least rememberd for something)

I think the kind of tacos you like depends on the part of the country that you live in. Tex-mex that I grew up with in Texas always hadcrispy fried corn tortilla shells. What we called burritos sometimes used soft corn tortillas but mostly soft flour tortillas. Burritos were for breakfast and tacos were for lunch or supper.

As for her hair, I had my cut and colored no one noticed. but did noticed the bad perm I had on 9-11. no one pays attention to hair as we are always changing it..

“Holy cow! Farley the dog is walking on two legs!! Oh – that’s just you in your new hairdo, Mom.”