The “Wife wrecks the husband’s car” thing is an old, old-school comedy trope going back an eternity. It stems from the days before power-steering, and before women were driving as often, which led to women getting in accidents frequently enough that the “Woman Driver” stereotype became a thing.
It’s kind of interesting seeing it from the perspective of a female writer- the shame and dread of telling the husband about his “third child” really does feel overwhelming here.
Unfortunately, this stereotype still persists, even though women have become better drivers with fewer accidents. I even get a discount on car insurance just because i am a woman. I did wreck my dad’s motorcycle once, when i had just earned my license, dreaded to tell him too, but all dad asked was; and are you allright? But that’s 27 years ago.
Elly isn’t the only one who caused John damage. Her father broke the ceiling and it cost John an arm and leg to repair it. What was Elly’s maiden name: Klutz?
So…Why isn’t the car in the shop? It could have been, at least, partially repaired by now. Most countries require insurance of some type. Besides, it’s only the left, front quarter panel and the bumper. I don’t think John would leave it sitting, damaged, in the garage. He would end up with a bleeding ulcer from looking at it every day.
Even when the husband is in the accident, the car can sometimes be the most important concern. Hubby was hit by a hit-and-run driver. He called me and kept repeating “He hit my truck, and just drove off! He hit… etc.” I finally calmed him down enough to ask, “Are you HURT? Are the police there to help you? Are you OKAY?” Oh, yeah, he was fine. I said I’d leave right away to pick him up. “But he hit my truck…”
On the other hand, the first (and last) time I tried to ride my brother’s motorcycle, I ended up on the ground, with the motorcycle still continuing down the road for a ways until it flopped over. My brother ran right past my limp body yelling, “My bike! My bike!” (But it’s okay; I was fine).
Rosette about 6 years ago
What, no “Elly, are you okay? Were you hurt?”
capricorn9th about 6 years ago
Mike! I saw that GRIN!
Templo S.U.D. about 6 years ago
the kids are already awake, El, as they eavesdropped
howtheduck about 6 years ago
Judging from Panel 1, young Michael Patterson apparently has the ability to sink part of his head into a door. Impressive!
KA7DRE Premium Member about 6 years ago
Dentists make scads of money, he can easily afford another one.
HarryCK about 6 years ago
John could save this: “I insisted on taking your car when you would have been more comfortable and safe had you had it. I’m sorry.”
JudyHendrickson about 6 years ago
nothing is worsethan telling your husband you had n accidennt!!
Jabroniville Premium Member about 6 years ago
The “Wife wrecks the husband’s car” thing is an old, old-school comedy trope going back an eternity. It stems from the days before power-steering, and before women were driving as often, which led to women getting in accidents frequently enough that the “Woman Driver” stereotype became a thing.
It’s kind of interesting seeing it from the perspective of a female writer- the shame and dread of telling the husband about his “third child” really does feel overwhelming here.
Gizmo Cat about 6 years ago
Unfortunately, this stereotype still persists, even though women have become better drivers with fewer accidents. I even get a discount on car insurance just because i am a woman. I did wreck my dad’s motorcycle once, when i had just earned my license, dreaded to tell him too, but all dad asked was; and are you allright? But that’s 27 years ago.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member about 6 years ago
My parents argued a lot and believe me, it wasn’t a very humorous.
jpayne4040 about 6 years ago
John totally missed the fact the accident was not Elly’s fault.
ksu71 about 6 years ago
For Heaven’s sake, most of the time cars can be fixed.
rmercer Premium Member about 6 years ago
Kids hell, he’ll wake the dead! (And how appropriate!)
Grutzi about 6 years ago
Was there another car you left her to drive?
rebelstrike0 about 6 years ago
Elly isn’t the only one who caused John damage. Her father broke the ceiling and it cost John an arm and leg to repair it. What was Elly’s maiden name: Klutz?
JaneCl about 6 years ago
What about the other guy’s insurance?
Travel-Monkey about 6 years ago
So…Why isn’t the car in the shop? It could have been, at least, partially repaired by now. Most countries require insurance of some type. Besides, it’s only the left, front quarter panel and the bumper. I don’t think John would leave it sitting, damaged, in the garage. He would end up with a bleeding ulcer from looking at it every day.
russef about 6 years ago
Not much of a Bondo moment.
rebroxanna about 6 years ago
You know, it really is Elly’s fault. She shouldn’t have pulled out as the school bus was blocking her view.
saddletramp1873 about 6 years ago
from the look of it, it can be repaired.
EarlWash1 about 6 years ago
A glorified hazard to begin with.
finnygirl Premium Member about 6 years ago
Even when the husband is in the accident, the car can sometimes be the most important concern. Hubby was hit by a hit-and-run driver. He called me and kept repeating “He hit my truck, and just drove off! He hit… etc.” I finally calmed him down enough to ask, “Are you HURT? Are the police there to help you? Are you OKAY?” Oh, yeah, he was fine. I said I’d leave right away to pick him up. “But he hit my truck…”
finnygirl Premium Member about 6 years ago
On the other hand, the first (and last) time I tried to ride my brother’s motorcycle, I ended up on the ground, with the motorcycle still continuing down the road for a ways until it flopped over. My brother ran right past my limp body yelling, “My bike! My bike!” (But it’s okay; I was fine).