Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for December 16, 2021

Obviously.

WOW!

Run while you still can

I think she clearly stated for winter break in an earlier strip. What kind of faux miscommunication gambit is Gunther trying to pull here. I see conflict ahead!

This is too much for Gunther’s brain.

is this a proposal? Gunny seems to like the idea of forever….

Careful, Gunther. You’ll scare her into running off and ghosting you again for another six weeks like she did the last time.

Is this the solution to Tiffany’s dilemma? If Bets moves in with Gunther, Tiff can share with Dez.

This is interesting!

Lest we forget, doesn’t Gunther have a roommate? Shouldn’t Les have a say if someone, even a girlfriend, is to move in?

And IIRC, Gunth scared her away once. He might do it again. It’s pretty obvious at this point that all she wants for now is some “fun” between the sheets. Long term commitment? Perhaps not.

Jeepers!

Now Gunther is pushing the agenda ahead! But is our Miss Bets ready to make a commitment? Magic 8-Ball says “Tune in tomorrow.”

Forever, maaaaaybe?

Gun for all the angels in heaven don’t do this.

Ugh!!

be careful what you ask for Gun

She is way not good enough for him!

I am not sure whether Gunther is hopeful about her moving in on a permanent basis – or fearful.

Double Wow Gunther is ready for forever!

Okay, i amend my previous assessment. But Gunther is still sending mixed messages. He seems excited at the thought of Bets moving in (perhaps longer than break). But still reluctant to inform his mom.

This isn’t a good side of Gunther, but he’d be even more unpleasant if she just left again, I suppose…

That was unexpected, but I think that Bets may turn out to be the level headed one here and reel Gunther back into shallower waters. Heavy stuff, but who cares, my mind is still back in the shower helping Tiffany look for a towel.

Got that ring handy, Guth?

See I wanted her real bad, and I was about to give in.

But that’s when she started talking about true love, started talking about sin.

And I said, “Honey I’ll live with you for the rest of my life”.

She said “No hug-ee no kiss-ee until you make me your wife.”

My honey my baby, don’t put my love upon no shelf.

She said “Don’t hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself.”

Is this some of Gunther’s relationship baggage making an appearance?

He thought his relationship with Rosa was going to be long term and was disappointed. Is he rushing to ‘seal the deal’ now while the getting is good, before anything can happen?

Gunther, Your heart is in the right place but you need to slow down. Bets has HAD relationships go REALLY bad for her and you’re going too fast for her.

Bets is making a lot of sense: “I don’t want to upset your mom, but maybe you should man up and inform her.” And now we find out for sure that Gunther isn’t getting cold feet, even proposing a permanent situation beyond the holiday break. And people complain that arcs move too slowly here!

Don’t do it, Bets! Something will come up and Gunther will eventually leave your for his mother.

Well this is a surprise. But if Gunther means getting married, he doesn’t have to ask Mom’s permission. Like Bets says, just tell Mom what you’re doing – don’t ask.

Subtle change evolving in how Greg is drawing Gunther. He’s looking a little less dorky. Which helps make it more believable that the very hot Bets wants to be with him.

Bets will never marry Gunther because that means he would have to meet her family and Bets has made it clear in a number of occasions that she does not want him meeting her family. Maybe they are, as Bets claims really weird or maybe this is Greg avoiding having to write about a Black family. Greg is a 74 year old white male. What dies he really know about being black? It may be that Delta was written out of the strip for that reason as well. A sassy friend of Luann is one thing, a college Black woman…. That’s something else.

Sure… Inform her. As if Gunther’s name is on the deed. Good luck with that.

Gunth, this is your watershed moment!!!

Okay, methinks I get it now – Gunther is a hopeless romantic. Builds up an idealized version of these women in his mind, only to have his emotions dashed on the rocks. Poor sap…

Might wanna discuss other aspects of the relationship before you get to this point. Like, I dunno, the rings, and the “I do”s and such? I mean, I know that may seem old-fashioned and even kooky to young couples today, but statistics do show that couples do those things before taking the plunge are more likely to actually divorce down the road than couples who wait until marriage. After all, we’ve seen that Bets would like she and Gun to be a forever kind of thing, might as well do it right.

Goddammit, this is too cute! I already have Type 2 Diabetes! You trying to upgrade me to Type 1 with all this sweetness??

Let’s remember that Gunther comes from a very moral background.

I told my sons that taking on the responsibility of marriage meant that they would have to be ready to provide for that family. With that admonition my youngest determined he would have to have a job, a place for them to live, and a car. He did those things before he married.

Bets has a car; Gunther doesn’t. Bets has income from her social media; doesn’t seem like Gunther has a job. Bets lives in a dorm with 3 others; Gunther lives in a house provided by his step-father and has a roommate. I suppose I don’t see the makings of a long-term relationship.

Considering the above, Bets seems to be well off without any parental support. Or, she takes financial support, but disses her parents. Emotionally, I think Gunther is ahead of her.

I’m still wondering what those previous guys were like that ‘dumped her? Did she come on strong like this with them about wanting to do some ’living in’ and it scared them off?

Don’t forget to ask Momma first, Gunthie.

Awwww… Gunther, you sweet, sweet boy♡. I agree with Bets, inform Irma sound more right that ask for her permission. More serious and mature.

It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

At least, that’s how I roll….but I’m old, so…

;-))

Gunther apparently comes from a family that forbids premarital sex. One baby out of wedlock and he’s out of the will.

Gunther, Gunther, Gunther …….

Slow down there, Slick. For one thing, I don’t think that Bets has realized yet that this means she’s going to be living with Les.

When people say “moving in” it’s usually for more than a few weeks.

Hey….. nitwit….. she just previously said “for the holidays”….. Otherwise, Bets doesn’t seem to realize that Les would still be there…

Maybe we’ll get a surprise, a dramatic plot twist… Such as a broken, bedraggled Ann Eiffel showing up on Christmas Eve, begging her brother Al for a place to stay… So Al puts her in the guest house…

So, am I reading this correctly …. this self entitled little snippet is advising Gunther to TELL the homeowners what to do with THEIR OWN property?? And the only thing that Gunther seems to see is the “getting together” aspect?? That kid is in for one rude awakening; being her puppet/doormat is going to get real old, real fast.

We are about to witness the not so perky side of Mrs. Berger!

Hmm. Inform his mom his girlfriend is moving in? Then his mom might inform him since he’s ready to be a grown up that he can move out. It’s one thing to dream of ‘someday’ but these two both have a lot of maturing to do before they are self sufficient adults. It’s a good idea to have careers / income in place before anyone moves in together.

Slow down there, cowboy. Nothing kills a perfectly good friendship faster than what you’re implying.

anyone else suddenly thinking of the ELO song “The diary of Horace Whimp”

Gee. I have a radical Idea! GET MARRIED.

What? I thought Bets was being pushy by trying to move in before either of them were ready, but it’s Gunther who both wants Bets to move in permanently and is apprehensive about telling his mom about it? …Ah forget it.

Ok, here comes the part where he dons his Afro wig and dances to KC and the Sunshine Band’s hit “Get Down Tonight “

Wow, he’s lost his lameness.

Surprising that the race card hasn’t been played yet.

It wouldn’t matter to the young people in this strip, but Al and Irma might object.

Wow, if he thinks she got cold feet before…better start warming up the booties tout suite!

O.M.G. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even though he said it in small letters, that’s quite a big statement coming from Gunther.

The plot thickens; and I said that without a lisp. (Homage to That Wilkin Boy.)

He might want to have a chat with Les too…

Soooooooooooo ……… he has seen her naked.

Forever is a long, long, looong time Gunther! Make sure you get to know your partner better first!

Uh-oh….

Gun seems to want a permanent holster…or could he be so terrified of intimacy he is trying to scare her off? Whatever they are hands down the most interesting characters & couple in this strip.

Bets seems unused to the parent-child relationship. And yes, no matter how old we get, we are still our parents’ children. Gun does not have a mere sibling-esque relationship with his Mom. Is that all that Bets has with hers?

Betts wants to jump the “Gun(ther)” over the break, he’s thinking something more permeant. Now who’s wants to move things in that relationship than the other was expecting right now?

Gunther and Bets getting engaged and cohabiting causes several problems for GnK to address. When Bets leaves the quad, will Tiff move in with Dez? Where does the story line go from there? Does a new girl show up in the quad? Or maybe Bernice?

Cohabiting in the Gulag seems problematical. There is the problem of Les after all. First his reaction to all this. A threesome in the bathroom? But then Greg already handled that in Brad/Toni/TJ household. Second will Les be the Sleazeball-Les of Jan. 30-31, and Feb. 18-21, 2019. Or will he be the more laid back Les of July, 2020?

What?

I didn’t expect Gunther’s eager response to the idea. I’m also impressed he didn’t fall apart at the thought of Betsy staying at his place over break.

Betts is going too far by saying Gun has to “inform” his parents she is moving in. It is THEIR house not hers and therefore she needs THEIR permission before she does move in. Her controlling ways is going to be her ruination. Why can’t Gunther see that?

Baby steps Gun, baby steps.

Y’all didn’t see that coming, did ya?

This couple really need to work on their communication.

I’m not one bit surprised this patented misdirection play, although I need to point out that Bets said she does not want to upset Gun’s Mom regarding the break living together, showing concern, which so many Bets haters give her no credit for, but Gunther is in love. Clearly. He wants them to do that Silent Generation thing, “Shack up.” People’s heads are exploding—predictably—but I bet Mom and Al will agree if it comes up. And I think it will. So Les will be their TJ?

OH MY.

There he goes again, blurting out scary ideas. At least this time he will be at home when she runs to her car and drives away.

DO NOT THINK WITH THE LOWER BRAIN, G!!!!

Wow didn’t see that one coming!

2 things happen when a guy talks about forever to his g/f, in their 20s. There’s a big yes, and a serious makeout/sex session to follow, or she is stunned, tries to play it coy, and quickly engineers herself out of there; a cut & run. The “I’ve gotta think about it” is a delayed no. The Evans have brought us to the tipping point of this coupling.

All week, I’ve been predicting a lights out final panel for Saturday, and a yes tomorrow would certainly have me looking solid as a forecaster. It’s not the answer that I want for Gunther, however. The words of Gollum apply: “We shall see, Precious. We shall see.”

So with all this mileage on the comic strip, Gunther turns out to be Stud of the town. Who’d a thunk?

What happened to taking things slow and MARRIAGE?! Doesn’t anyone do that anymore?

Dude is laying his Cards on the table. Okay Bets, Raise, Call or Fold.

Yeah, she knows what she meant, and so does Gunther. He didn’t misread that.

They walk in and catch Les with Tara Starr. Bets storms out again. This begins a boring story arc with Bernice trying to tell Gunther how to deal with his problems, because she’s obviously smarter than everyone else.

Go for the gusto, Gun!

Gunther was thinking ‘forever’?!? With Bets?!? In his step-dad’s guest house?!? When did Gunther start thinking like Tiffany? I must’ve missed that particular strip.

Is Gunther inviting her to move in? and using the F word (Forever)?

there’s a 180 from yesterday!

A man of honor…..

Man…it is hard to remember when Gunther was the hopeless Doofus. They have all come so far.

Guns may be a bit indecisive here, but he has worthy intentions. What he’s not considering is that Les lives in there too. Gunther, Les, and Bets. I kind of hope it happens, because maybe Les will wind up gone. Unlikely, but worth sticking around for.

I can understand Gunther’s hesitancy. Having a girlfriend is all well and good, but living together is a whole other ball of wax. It’s a lot to handle at Gunther’s age (I mean his fictional age; Gunther has actually been around for, what, 45 years?). On top of that, he live in his mother’s and stepfather’s guest house, and he has a roommate who can be difficult.

Dude, consider living together for break as a trial run as to whether ya can tolerate each other 24/7. LOL! Again, doesn’t Gunth still have a roommate now? LMAO

If Bets takes off again like a Candy Ass Baboon, this is sneaky way to avoid Gunther shacking up.

Was that … “Will you marry me?” …??

DON’T DO IT GUNTHER!!

Good God you two. Slow down and enjoy life.

Like what job skills does ‘he’ have? Maybe he can make a living standing in front of a store opening, wearing his costume?

Bets. Shut up and go away.

I rented a room while finishing up at Auburn. A friend needed a place to stay over Christmas Holidays. I would be back in Florida but had it rented throughout, so I told her she could use my room.

When I returned, I got looks of wonder and admiration from Mehmet from Turkey, the only other who stayed over the holidays. I straightened him out, of course. Didn’t want to give Loventrice a bad reputation.

She’s allergic to qats (or Les) (or both) in 3… 2….

Look at that expression in P3! The last time we have seen Gunther so giddy was on 11 October 2013, when he was wild with enthusiasm at the prospect of sharing his bedroom with… Quill.

Up until now, with a temporary situation, I didn’t think Les needed to be informed and telling Irma and Al was common courtesy, but this is a whole new ballgame. Gunther went from naivé to delusional. My logical self is battling with the comic aspect of all this, from closet space, to privacy issues, to Les’ attitude. Oh, WOW, indeed! =8-o

Gunther, repeat after me…..NO WAY

Kinda needy, huh Gunth buddy ???

Smart Gunther! He knows this will scare Bets away for a while and then he won’t have to tell his mom a girl wants to spend the night with him.

Sometimes you just gotta go all in, or go home! Gunther has manned up and now it is her turn to reply.

Gunth just grew a spine.

Now here is an unexpected turn of events!

Of course they have to get married if Bets wants to spend the night with him. There is no way Gunther would have sex before marriage.

As far as everyone here knows, both Gunther and Les live in the guest house for free. And by free, I mean neither one pays any rent OR utilities. For all the readers know, Al and Irma may be buying Les and Gunth’s groceries, too. Les is the only one with a job, so he has some income, but I doubt it’s much.

So I for one think it might be a good idea for Gunther to ASK his mom if it’s OK for Bets to move in for a while. If nothing else the water bill is going to go up, unless Bets decides she’s not going to shower or do any laundry during her stay, however long it may be.

Gunther is living off of his mom and stepfather. While Al Gray may not mind supporting his wife’s son, he may draw the line if that son came up to him and said:

“Hey, Bets has decided to move in with me for a while, so now you get to support both of us. Ain’t that great? Just thought I’d inform you.”

That may not go over too well.

Bets, you know I like you and um, um…….but….um

Too bad bets is not sharing with Tiffany. Tiffany would have a single.

Holy Krypton!!!

I think Gunther is forgetting about Les. Even though I’m not a fan of Les, I wouldn’t blame him for not liking this. Another person to share all the common areas, that’s a pain. And as for Gunther’s mom and Mr. Gray, Gunther is living scot-free there, and he wants to add his girlfriend? Gunther needs to show more independence like paying his living costs like rent and food before adding a live-in girlfriend.

Don’t get her started, old boy – she’s already quite primed, indeed.

I think Gunther is forgetting about Les. Even though I’m not a fan of Les, I wouldn’t blame him for not liking this. Another person to share all the common areas, that’s a pain. And as for Gunther’s mom and Al Gray, Gunther is living scot-free there, and he wants to add his girlfriend? Gunther needs to show more independence by paying his living costs like rent, utilities, and food before adding a live-in girlfriend. And Bets would need to contribute too. If they want to be grown-ups, they need to show they can be responsible like grown-ups, and that means paying expenses and bills. As I presume that Gunther (like Luann) is still perpetually 18, he needs to mature some more and start thinking about what moving-in entails before making that commitment. His mom and Al want Gunther to focus on school and not have to work, but with that comes a responsibility of its own for Gunther. Not adding more costs to his folks is a big part of it.

He’s a keeper…

RUN, Gun…RUN as fast as you can.

Now it’s Gunther’s turn to turn up the heat…..

Ooooh… ooooooohh…….. oh Gunth….

Will see if mom will tolerate such an arrangement.

oOOOOOOOPS!

Gunth is moving a bit too fast!

If Bets were ever the level headed business major she claims to be she would tell Gunther that

1) Theey’re both in school. That should take all their attention

2) neither has a job (I consider Bets’ income from monetizing his video to be too small to life off of. She’s not a world-fame influencer/

3) Neither has any saving

4) Neither of them has a place of their own (and obviously can’t afford one)

5) they barely know each other, The best reason for this sleepover is to find out how compatible they are in a 42/7 situation.

6) Live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Slow your roll, Gunther.

Way to go, Gunny, my lad! If Bets weren’t forward enough for your Mama, your embellishment (“forever”) is sure to give her apoplexy or a heart attack! Even Bets seems a tad taken aback….

Go Gunther!