Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for March 18, 2019

Honest. Literally.

But the winter clothes hide the fact. That’s the line Arlo should have used.

I would not want husband to lie to me about if I asked the question. (Which I would not.) Not wanting an honest answer is what leads to (not for Janis, of course as she is not fat) women in pants that are soooo tight and make others shake their heads and say “someone should have told her how she looks in those pants, she would be better off walking around naked.”

Janis’ eyes in the last panel!

What is the “right” answer?

I am the same weight as thirty years ago. It is unfortunate that my body made a command decision to redistribute the weight to places that are not flattering. For instance, my tummy is smaller but my hips are bigger; bust is smaller but my thighs…sigh, let’s not go there. At this rate, in another twenty years I will look quite svelte as long as one views me from the knees up and my ankles will resemble large cinder blocks!

The correct answer is ‘yes I can’ and change the topic

I don’t understand why he’s been saying stupid things recently that a wise husband wouldn’t say.

Phewww…..that was a close one! ;o]

My wife was on a diet. One day I mentioned that I could see that she had lost some weight. She hadn’t, but I got a kiss. ;-)

My wife varies between 125 and 118 pounds. I, honestly, cannot see or feel the difference.

Weight varies with water content, not just fat distribution. I weighed 107 when I got pregnant, but developed toxemia/pre-eclampsia and sky-rocketed to 150. I went up two clothing sizes, one shoe size, hands looked like hamburger buns, and my face… Withholding salt had no effect. The day my son was born (after many treks to the bathroom), I weighed 132 and dropped steadily to 118. Long, long ago!

And I suppose you look just terrific in your closed that you can criticize others just move on

Sure – once you start shedding those winter clothes, you look thinner and thinner…

What would most do to keep the peace in the marriage? Lie to make her feel better. Or would the good old honest truth work and hope to heck they do not get mad at you.

Just say, “Yes Dear.”

He recovers, shoots, and scores!

Suspiciously ambiguous. Lost weight? Or just look like? Janis wonders.

It’s like trying to unstep the dog doo, Arlo. Can’t be done.

She is becoming very shallow. Not a good look

What’s this obsession she’s had with her weight and figure lately? Redistribution happens.

so many fashion police

…and Arlo lives another day in relative peace.

I would ask her to define “fat” in this context. Compared to when she was 17?

“Weren’t you always thin Janis?” -“heh”

Poor Janis. In the last panel, she looks to be an utterly forlorn little girl. (Great artwork, Jimmy.)