Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for January 18, 2024

WOW! If they don’t know if being together makes them happier than being apart… their relationship is OVER !

I’m kind of shocked they couldn’t work something out. I’d think their being together would be the most important thing to them.

So what happened to Bets dreaming of growing old with Gun (like we saw in the Pagoda of Peace arc)?

.

Will Bets go back to her social media and reinvent herself?

Just no.

Wow! They’re really getting wrapped around the axle now! 8^ (

Gun, she isn’t going to work for it, she is ITCHING to get back to social media,and not you. You are better off without her.

I’m honestly disappointed. I thought with all they had in common, they could make a go of it. I guess not…

This is stupid. She gets back to social media part time and they play house part time. Geez where’s the conflict?

Just ask yourselves, “Was I happy last summer when we were apart?”

The answer to that question just might be the definition of your whole relationship.

They just have to come up with a new plan. Obviously being out in public all the time, chronically, Everything, and social media, didn’t work…and being sequestered in the dorm laying in bed or on the couch watching TV all the time doesn’t work either. The happy medium is obvious.

Gunther. You’re the sensible one and now you’re saying that?? You’re that desperate to stay together at any cost? Why? Because you’ve been so lonely for so long you don’t want to let go of Bets because she is the only one since Rosa who is interested in you? Gunther, you’re awesome in an unique way and there is another girl out there who will like you and be the right one for you. You just haven’t met her yet.

Had nothing to do with Bets social media, they just grew apart.

This is Rosa all over again.

Well, it looks like Bets is starting to seriously look at what she wants out of the relationship. I’m thinking back to how she was feeling when she drove up to the Halloween party and hadn’t seen the posts yet. I hope she and Gunther keep working on their feelings and if it means they split, so be it but I think they’re a cute couple so I hope they figure out a way to stay together.

The Dippy Duo.

The above B&G conversation is terribly shortsighted. The answers to the questions raised should be obvious from their very recent experience of each one’s unhappiness at being apart: G feeling deserted and rejected and B repudiating her social media site due to seeing “the unkindness of strangers” as she determined to get back together with G. What they both must acknowledge now is that happiness together requires effort to accommodate the rebuilding and strengthening of their togetherness. They would do well to discuss some common goals and purposes to define their togetherness, both short-term ones and longer-term ones. Binge-watching some TV series reruns could serve as a short-term one. No one is demanding it become a long-term habit. Similarly, participation in a community sport league could serve likewise, be it bowling, softball, or something else. I’d recommend against anything that might pit one against the other, like paintball. They need a team-building exercise.

Codependency is a 5 syllable word for love

AHA! You can’t expect a partner to cure your own internal mess. That said – I still think they are good for each other.

Zzz zzz…..this is such a boring story arc that ran way too long last year, and now. Be over with it already.

Why can’t they do some of both? Do the big conventions or cosplays that they both love, and the rest of the time do normal boring couples stuff.

They just need time to adjust a new life style. It’s like when a sports injury puts someone permanently out of the game, they find something else to interest them and occupy their time if they are smart. Young people could relate to life changing when they transition from school to the workforce. Life is always in transition. It never stays the same. Come on you two. Go for a long walk together.

Unhappy Togetherness. What a fantastic goal! Gunther really is an idiot.

Yesterday I wondered who’d be th one to say they’d be better or happier apart. I guessed it wasnt gonna be Gunter

Smart Gunther!

At their age, the thrill of hidden, illicit sex is far more desirable than pushing a grocery cart through some produce market.

Sheesh.

Sounds like Bets was “happier” when she was alone, and on the road and ON So-Med.

Yeah Boy, it really, really, REALLY sounds like Bets wants to (SNORT) “work things out.”

And to make matters WORSE, if this leads to a break-up, it comes almost just in time for Valentine’s Day.

As a side note: Brad and Toni too, once had their “issues.”

But those weren’t nowhere near as BAD as this.

And that was when Brad got frequently BEATEN UP. :-(

they are kids in my eyes. 20ish and should go out and see the world , there is no need to stay in this relationship , Bets needs to go be Ms influencer, shes addicted to it and its what she loves. gunther needs to move out and cut the apron strings. leslie is a jerk and needs to go live by himself too.

It’s not.

I think the message here is to show that two people sharing one or some interests (comics, sci-fi, etc…) could make them like each other, but that’s non necessarily enough to build a couple. On the contrary, even somebody that does not share your interests but can see the passion and the heart you put in what you do, might be “the right one”. If this is the extent, Greg and co. are doing it quite right.

No Gunther, no…

Maybe being apart would make Bets happier.

Uh oh, Amy and Sheldon breaking up?

I still have no idea why we’re supposed to have any kind of emotional investment in Bets. She’s literally an awful character in so many ways.

Then there’s the type of Happiness our Dearest Ann❤️Eiffel provides to delusional $hoog Daddies… we know who you are… Enjoy It While It Lasts and Eat Your ❤️ Out and Forget Everything but the Guilt Later. And actually, Bets the Bae, it is Dumpster that’s the mess and a hot one at that. WWA❤️ED? Get rid of that lowly unworthy loser and move on to greener pastures… as in financially greener, boy howdy. Great advice. Well, except if one is lowly and unworthy and we know who you are. Outta here, lowly unworthies. Places to go and people to bilk. Have an Ann❤️Eiffel Day! TTFN… stay warm and do something nice for someone like Your Hero The❤️Count as well as… Exotic Ann❤️Eiffel. Or an ❤️Eiffelette. Count…OUT!

OK, so the problem is that Bets is incapable of moderation?

Shes too self centered to work this out.

Do they really have anything in common apart from the pop culture interests? It seemed like before she was using Gunther for internet hits. Now that that’s over, she doesn’t seem to know what to do when she’s around him.

This happens in so many modern relationships: When the superficiality is stripped away, what remains? At least, there appears a salvageable friendship here. Sometimes, it feels like there are two nearly complete strangers who now go their separate ways.

Both Bets & Gun are trying to define themselves. She’s having the harder time of it. He’s mentioned not having done a few things in a long time; things that may be seen as immature by fully realized adults. He also has the TA gig and a heavier course load. He knows what goals to pursue, but perhaps she does not.

I’ve been hearing the dump truck beeping all week, but this could also be a Friends-style relationship break (which is known to be an unhealthy thing). Either way, we’re headed for 6 months of lonely/solo Gun. It’ll sure be interesting to see who rides to the emotional rescue. My sentiments are quite well-known on that matter.

Ah! Bets is trying to politely tell the G-Man that she would be happier with him not around. Well, this should seem familiar to him, Rosa said basically the same thing when she launched him in Lima and he consequently ended up in a cab and then with a busload of blue hairs after getting blasted off of one Peruvian cerveza. I hope Gunther does not start grovelling about how great things are between them as Bets gets around to telling the G-Man that they are done on Saturday.

Gunther needs to be realistic and face the fact that if Bets is unhappy not doing social media and would rather be out vlogging with Ruby while he is in his comfort zone living in the gulag under the watchful eye of Irma while earning his degree at Mooney. Gunther is not ready to leave the nest yet while Bets being stuck at Mooney is akin to her being trapped in a cage. Gunther, do the right thing, let Bets go. Let her be free!

Maybe you guys should leave each other.

I like where this is going….

No. Try again.

She’s a pain in the butt. Time to move on, Gunther.

Together messes are much better than anything alone.

I like how the excessive, boringness of the moment is ruining the couple more than the road trip and having been separated for months. It seems more realistic to me. Now both Bets and Gunther don’t know what to do, but Gunther doesn’t want yo breakup. He’s right, now it’s Bets who needs his support for find a new direction for her life. Also, I don’t think Gunther would be able to be alone without sinking into a deep depression. They have to find a solution by themselves, they can’t always wait for Tiffany to come and save them.

Bets needs to figure out who SHE is. Then she’s ready for Gunther, or not.

Indeed, relationships can be complex.

They are messed up. Suggestion: Don’t over think love.

Whelp, back to being tired of Bets. She isn’t trying to make things work, she just swung to another extreme and is now trying to throw in the towel. Ugh.

Grow a spine, Gunther!

I still think the problem is her He seems willing to do anything for her Maybe try a sci fi convention where you dress up have a good time together and take maybe ONE picture for themselves ???

We can only hope.

Remember Bets. Happiness is a Warm Gun yes it is.

She loves social media more than she loves Gun.

Bets, do you think we are both very annoying people and it really doesn’t matter if we’re with each other or not? Bets, I need to go talk to my mommie and see if I should be with you. Goodbye Bets.

why does she keep giving up on “them” ?

Time for Luann to the rescue – or should it be Tiffany?

Moony University: where it’s perpetually 1:22pm. =:-O

The Bets-Gun relationship is really getting tedious. Get normal or get out.

Ugh, is every arc about these two going to be “make up or break up?”

Good grief, just break up already! This is pathetic at this point! If they stay together after what Gunther just said I think the ONLY conclusion that can be made is they’re in a feeble, loveless, sham of a relationship. I can’t believe they had Gunther actually say something so needy.

Gunther’s first breakup.. had to happen sooner or later.

“Unhappy togetherness is better than happy apartness” I mean, I’ve heard worse justifications for marriage…

Sometimes, Gun, you can overthink something. By the way, you’re lying with Bets, and you’re not embracing her? Embracing is real nice. Kissing is good, too.

Bets is clearly trying to move the conversation toward “breaking up”. Hands crossed, twiddling her thumbs, she’s slowly bringing Gunther to the realization that she came to hours ago. And why not? She’s young, she enjoys being an influencer and she was good at it. Not to mention making good money doing it. She just needs a new wingman who doesn’t have so many issues. Like Les.

Bets was running her website and making money when they met. It’s not like it was something she started after they got together. Gunther and his babyish attitude towards her social media business caused all the trouble in this relationship, even though Bets made the effort to include him (which she didn’t have to do). Then he gets all whiny and selfish about not liking being on social media during their road trip and bails. All he had to do was be honest and tell her he didn’t want to be in the videos.

And why is Gunther waffling anyway? He was more than eager to spend time in the company of other girls while he and Bets were on hiatus from each other.

When you first meet someone, make note of all the things that they are doing and enjoy in their lives, then don’t go trying to change it. It’s a dishonest approach to the relationship and they will resent you for it eventually.

They’re getting nowhere with this discussion.

Oh come on Gunther you spineless wimp…….&@#$% the girl! Pop, Grumpy old Men.

No dear. Unhappy together is never a good thing.

To quote from the film “Gigi”, “I’d rather be miserable with you than without you.”

The sad reality is that you can love someone but not be right for each other. However, Bets’ need for validation from her online crowd is not healthy. I firmly believe that once she resolves that issue, she and Gunther should give it another go. It still might not work but it’s a start from a better place

This sounds like a recipe for turning Gunther into Granthony from ‘For Better or For Worse’ I guess Bets will be his villainous evil French Canadian woman who became the scapegoat for the eventual loveless marriage. Then Gunther will grow a moustache and eventually make Luann settle for him.

A lot of boring talk…………

No Bets, WE are not a mess, You are. Gunther is fine and knows what he wants out of his life. He wants to get his engineering degree, get a good job, get married and have 2 kids and have his mom life nearby.

Philosophy isn’t Gunther’s strong suit

Round and round they go and where they stop, does anyone care anymore?

looking for the nearest wall to run into headfirst over this arc…tired of the faux “Who’s on First” method for these two relationship issues

d’ya think about sky-diving?

Bets is not happy and she thinks Gunther is the cause. She will not be any happier when she dumps him and is back on social media. The SM just distracts her from her own empty, unhappy feelings, like any addiction does. Gunther would be better of without Bets and I hope he comes to realize that for himself. He knows what he wants from his life and it does not include a woman like Bets.

What would really make them happy is they’re IN BED TOGETHER

Bets and Gunther are missing the point of living in the present moment rather than trying to figure out the happiness equation. What are you doing right now that brings you happiness? Do you have priorities? Do you enjoy your time together or apart more? I aqm glad that I am not in my 20’s anymore!!

YAWN this arc is boring, now….

She’s tried really hard. Too hard. It sounds like she’s giving up. I was hoping this wouldn’t happen because I LIKE them together. And I think they could work things out if they would only talk more and be honest with each other. They ARE different but their differences aren’t insurmountable. If they do break up, that’s the last we will see of Bets. The ex-girlfriends and ex-boyfriends always seem to disappear. Bets will either transfer or go back out on the road or both. And a new roommate will appear in the quad. Gunther will start hanging around with Luann again until someone else enters his life. In the life of this strip Gunther and Bets have been together a long time. So, maybe Karen feels it’s time to shake things up.

Hmmm…Iknow Bets can’t go back to social media because it’s like a compulsion or an addiction for her. But what if she left her phone at home and went to fun events with Gunther. Then maybe they could have more fun. But those who grew up with cell phones can’t imagine going anywhere without them.

While I am rooting for them, it is obviously best to go slowly. Avoid any pregnancies for example. Don’t plan a wedding just yet. Don’t buy a house together …. well I wonder if the van counts.

Yes, they’re sharing a drink they call lonelinessBut it’s better than drinkin’ alone

No, Gun. It’s not.

Marriage then they can be legally miserable!!

they Might be overthinking this

Just get nekked and have fun.

“I have a hangnail so I’m going to cut off my arm now……There! Perfect!!”

Let me know when they get back to speaking the English Language

“Maybe unhappiness together is better than . . . " NOTHING, FOOL. Unhappiness is NEVER “better.”

Maybe unhappy togetherness is better than happy apartness – that, my son, is the secret to marriage.

Please break up please break up please break up please break up please break up. Please break up. Please break up. Please break up please break up

Maybe Bets is upset because she was hoping Gunther would do Netflix & Chill the way literally everyone else their age does it, with them making it 5 minutes into the show before they rip each other’s clothes off. Instead he’s sitting up ramrod-straight in a pajama top buttoned all the way up to his chin, complaining about literally everything she does but offering no alternative plan whatsoever.

I thought I saw a possible breakup coming for them. Personally, I think Gun can find someone better, more like him.

Gun does not want to lose bets

Gunther was pretty miserable when they were apart before, but they do need to start exploring other activities than binge watching.

Yes, Betts. You two are a mess.

Time for a change. Let Steff and Gunther lock themselves away for a weekend until they are thoroughly exhausted. Kip and Bets: marathon time. Go to it.

These two are immature and a mess! Unhappy togetherness is a terrible relationship to be in!!! It will make you hate yourself!!! It’s the worst of all possible outcomes! I chose happy apartness and don’t regret it for a second!

I don’t think so Guns.

Anybody ever thought of a compromise? Nevr mind, that would be the end of this arc.

Gunther is willing to do anything to stay together. But it sounds like Bets has other ideas. If this is the end for them I am sad. Sad Gunther will be hurt and sad that Bets, a character I enjoy, will disappear.

If their happiness depends on crutches, external to their relationship, they might as well call it quits.

I personally wish for a new “way out there” story line. Nils gets a haircut and either flops out or gets famous when his art is done with full vision? Brad and Toni get full custody of Shannon from poop head Jonah? T J Smiley crushes on someone besides himself? Anything!?

Nope. It’s not.

Many years ago … when I was an undergrad … I dated an attractive co-ed who wasn’t happy unless she had something on her mind to make her unhappy.

There is such thing as compromise. They enjoyed dressing up in costumes and going to conventions, but Bets’ constant social media posting put a damper on it. So they should go out and do stuff, but set a hard limit on the posts.

This is painful to watch. And not very fair to Gun.

Oh, what an ill-aligned world these two dwell in. Seemingly made for each other and comfortable together, yet they nevertheless cannot get onto the same path and going in the same direction.

’Tis the stuff of romantic tragedy….

Gunther doesn’t want to go back to self stimulation.

Aw, c’mon Greg and Karen! They just got back together! Give us a little bit of time, please!!!