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I'm proud of Liz for defending her relationship-whatever stage i may be in. I was engaged several years ago, and admit I was too young at the time. When it fell apart because he wasn't ready, I endured a lot of critisisim not only about the wedding being cancelled, but about my new relationship. Like Liz, he was a long time friend whod always been there for me, but if it had been any earlier in my life wouldnt have worked out. We also took things slow, we were 'together' for six months before officially dating. People were not always kind about it. We're engaged now, and I've never been so sure he's the one!

So Bravo to Liz, for taking her time, for being romantic and for defending her heart! Someone once said "Nothing is impossible to the willing heart" and Im sure Liz will handle whatever life throws at her with as much grace as she can. It's all anyone can do when working for something wonderful.

Erin, Massachusetts

I love the strip, but I am very disappointed with the Liz and Anthony storyline.

I don't think Liz loves him; I think she is simply afraid to be alone as her friends are marrying off. She's running to the nearest guy who she thinks will take her without questioning her motives.

Other readers have pointed out their immature behavior in other relationships and lack of growth in response. If they must marry, I hope the strip accurately shows the problems such relationships encounter when reality starts to set in.

Otherwise, I really enjoy the strip!

Nancy L, Colorado

I have loved your strip forever. I read it back when Liz was "Lizardbreath" and there was no April. I faithfully clipped & kept the entire collection of Lawrence's coming out story (which has since been lost due to numerous moves. drats.) and loved how it mirrored real life. I remember going back to school as a non-traditional student and spending an entire morning on the computer catching up on the story when I should have been researching. After playing catch up, I haven't missed a day since. Your strip is the first thing that shows up on my homepage.

Being the hopeless romantic, I'm happy for Liz & Anthony. They have both made mistakes and hurt others, but who amongst us 3-D folks haven't? You have created a world where your characters are real; they have strengths and weaknesses and you show all.

You continue to handle life's journey with a realistic hand. Thank you.

Rose J, Florida

Thank you for interjecting someone who has her feet on the ground. Candace is my new FBOFW favorite character. What a refreshing contrast to Liz's immature viewpoint. Liz protests that she is only friends with Anthony, yet in Sunday's comic she was all over him when he mentioned committment and in Monday's comic is already thinking about how to handle being Francie's mom. Does this woman really know what she wants? On another note - I was happy to read an interview with Lynn in which she acknowledges that both Liz and Anthony have baggage and mentions that she really doesn't know Anthony - he hasn't been developed as a character. I have hope from this that some of the problems and concerns that many of us have brought up about Anthony and Liz and their relationships will be explored. You've still got me hooked as a reader!

Carol, Connecticut

Ever since FBorFW appeared in the local newspaper, my wife and have treated your story line as real live people. We discuss each days' episode as if we know all the characters as friends of ours who have trials and tribulations in their lives. The reunion of Elizabeth and Anthony is a very pleasing union that is long in coming. As a side, we are glad that Anthony shaved his moustache, since with it he looked like a man too old for Elizabeth. Keep the comic strips coming even in your new format. I have located your web page on the internet and have enjoyed being able to locate the strips as far back as 2002, and the biographies of the main characters let us know about their background.

James A, Belle Vernon, PA

Therese "just...threw [Anthony] away," eh?

Nice way to put it. She did what she could to make the marriage work. She knew Anthony didn't love her. But she did her best to forgive his mooning after Liz. She went out and got a high-paying job so that they could have a nice home. She allowed Anthony to browbeat her into having a child she didn't want--no doubt because she was trying her very damndest to keep the marriage together. Then Anthony broke the agreement they'd made, complaining that she didn't do her part of the childcare when he'd promised to assume complete responsibility.

And then with their baby not even on solid food yet, it seems, he whines to Liz "Wait for me! Promise you'll wait for me!" And do you expect your readers to believe that he was making ANY effort, at that point, to do anything but make the situation WORSE, and drive Therese away so that he wouldn't have to be the bad guy, and could moan to the world "She LEFT me! Bawwww!"?

Yes, it could be argued that Therese threw him away. That's what you do with something putrid.

J, NYC

Although I was a fan of Paul, I can accept a relationship between Anthony and Liz. However, I hope that Candace or someone (ANYONE) in the strip sets Liz straight on some facts. In Monday's strip, Liz places the entire blame for the failure of Anthony's marriage on his ex-wife. That's not only unfair, but unwise. No marriage ends because of the faults of one partner.

Anthony was emotionally, if not physically, unfaithful to Therese. He never gave her his whole heart. Further, he seemed to make little effort to understand her needs. HE wanted a child, and HE wanted a stay-at-home wife. She gave him the child that he wanted, but that did not seem to be enough for Anthony. He did not respect her need for a career. He showed no pride in her accomplishments. He hurt her.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Trashing Therese is both tacky and foolish. Liz has no right to judge her. If she is to build a lasting relationship with Anthony, Liz needs to understand his flaws. For instance, she has a taste from travel and adventure that he lacks. Is she willing to give that up because it does not fit into his picture of a perfect life?

Lori S, USA

The Pattersons are like an extension of my own family. My Mom and older sister and I exchange email frequently about the strip, often with titles like "I'm worried about Elizabeth!" or "How long is Lynn going to make us wait?" We cheered when Michael was published, when April befriended Shannon, when Grandpa Jim survived. I knew my husband was the right guy for me when he not only knew FBOW, he admitted that he also cried when Farley died.

Thanks for all of the wonderful memories. You are a truly gifted story teller!

Anna C, Virginia

I have enjoyed FBOFW for most of my life; I grew up looking forward to the Patterson adventures each day. The strip has (almost always) been fun, entertaining, and honest, even when tough issues were tackled, such as betrayal and the death of a pet.

As a dyed-in-the-wool fan, therefore, I must weigh in on the Liz/Anthony issue.

I don't like the direction it's headed in. If Anthony had taken the hint that fateful New Year's Eve and been smart enough to call off his engagement, I would have been his supporter, really. But the dumb guy went and married the overbearing witch anyway, someone he could have seen through from miles away. That pretty much ended any hope of catching Liz, permanently. I suspected what was coming and was so disappointed to see it happen.

Paul, aka "Mr. Wright" (right) would have been far more plausible. Warren would have even been a good choice. There was no need to rehash and reuse a tired story line of "cheating" because it had already run its course with Eric, the guy from her university days.

PLEASE, I am begging you--don't water down this strip by bringing back a weak relationship that's completely unrealistic. The character of Elizabeth deserves much better. I would much rather Warren came back into the picture. You could even have a storyline where Therese has a near-death experience and changes her attitude, then begs Anthony to get back together. That would actually be better than how this current soap opera storyline is going.

Forever your fan regardless!

Lori, Indianapolis

I abosolutely love where you are going with Liz's lovelife with Anthony. I knew after you putting in about his wife, it was a mistake from day 1. We have all made mistakes. Luckily, Liz and Anthony have a second chance. I hope you continue with their relationship, and it grows even more.

Angelia, North Mississippi