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FINALLY!!!! This is sooooo exciting. Liz and Anthony are made to be together. Just watching them, you see how much they love each other. Now, let's set a date because I am looking forward to getting my invitation. I can't wait till they tell their families. Because we waited patiently for this....let's say no long engagements :) they ned to start their life together as three. Thanks Lynn for making this a part of my life. You're the best!

Lori M, Thunder Bay Ontario

Gee -- Anthony, Liz, and Francie all under one roof. Shouldn't there be a man in the house?

Sam, Memphis

Oh so AWESOMELY classic! Francie's answer to Liz asking to come live with them forever just shows exactly how a child who is comfortable with her life will answer - in what way will it effect me?
Perfect!

Anne, Marysville WA

Anthony - Ah! NO! Liz left that behind long ago. Let it go, please. Let his wife come back - flawed but Anthony did and does love his ex in spite of all --------- and he doesn't really trust Liz!
Warren and Liz have more warmth and more promise and maybe more pain way down the road. Still better to have loved and lived than to settle.

Janice S, Northampton MA

I really really hope that we now get to see Liz go through "Second thoughts" about things. I hope that she realizes what just happened--that Anthony is scared and manipulating the fear by throwing "engagement" at Liz. Seriously, who goes from "Let's take it slow" one minute to "So we're engaged" in the next. Where is that considered slow? I'm happy that Liz is happy, but I'm so sad for her, too. She deserved at least a better proposal and a ring..... Oh, Liz, please reconsider. Go talk w/ Therese or something!

Lynne, Concord

I'm Gen. Sales Mgr. over three offices of a medium size General Constracting firm. Your comic stip is a must read for me to start every day. First thing I do when I get in the office is get the computer on and go to my home page to see what is happening with the Pattersons. Thank you.

Terry S, Beaumont TX

Magic? Of course Anthony's proposal was magic...love is magic....

Linda W, Alexandria VA

I'm sooooo happy Elizabeth and Anthony are getting married!!! They are quire the couple When will be the wedding? Can Francoise be the flowery girl?
Just one thing though, is Francoise going to resent Elizabeth as her stepmother? I'd like Francoise to accept Elizabeth not hate her! Anyway, I LOOOVE your comic strips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jocelyn, NY

Thank you!!!

Maria

If I read no other strip in the paper, as long as I read FBorFW, it's a good day! LOL So I have to admit, my heart sank when Warren arrived on Liz' doorstep and when he answered HER phone and talked to Anthony I almost jumped through the computer screen to yell at him. First of all, who ever answers the phone in someone else's home without their permission? Secondly, he could have caused irreparable damage to Liz and Anthony's relationship.
My favourite part? That Anthony and Liz love and trust each other enough to talk it out and then get past it. Liz has not had the best of luck with her past relationships. So it's nice to see her in a solid relationship (and friendship... into a marriage- YEE HAH!!!) with someone worthy of her trust.
And I think Elly and John will be great step- grandparents!

Amy, St. Mary's ON

I was a little disappointed in the round about way asked her to marry him. I had hoped for a more romantic moment. Still glad to see them talking to his daughter today.

Dee, Ohio

Aww, today's strip really shows how much Francie has accepted Liz. If her only thought was "can I have my own room" then she is starting to like Liz.
YAY!

Beth, NY

Absolutely the worst proposal ever! Not one mention of loving each other...I know that true friendship counts in a relationship but I can't believe that was how Anthony asked our deal Liz. I just don't like this relationship.
I love FBOW and have been reading for many years and will continue of course.
Can't wait to see how Lynn gets these two married and I just know Anthony's x-wife will be back in the picture.
Get ready Liz you are going for a ride.

Jude, New Jersey

Francie's question is a lot like one of the first questions my 9 year old daughter asked when we brought home her new baby brother. "Is He going to get MY little rocking chair??" I hadn't thought about that before, but something in her little voice told me that the answer was "No, he won't get your rocking chair. We'll buy him his own." And after that everything was all right and she decided that she would keep this tiny squalling baby. Kids like to know that things will remain the same in their little worlds.

Karlie, Indiana

I think this is a testament to how great a job Lynn does, that we really care about her characters, but I am SO DISAPPOINTED that Elizabeth is apparently going to end up with Anthony! Let's just say, I thought Liz was one of the coolest people around. I do not feel the same way about Anthony, AT ALL. How can she do all the great things I envisioned for her if she's tied to such a nonentity? Lynn, please reconsider before it's too late!

Rita R, Annapolis MD

"Liz, we've known each other since we were teenagers. We only got together because our friends pushed the envelope. I discovered how to manipulate you early on. Finally, I got tired of it because you were so easy to use, so I went my way and latched on to someone who's better looking than you. But I went overboard with her, I pushed too hard, so she left me with everything I wanted, except a doormat. And, Liz, you've used and dumped one good man after another for no reason. Now we're together, and I've worked my way so far into your life that my daughter spent Christmas with your family, and didn't even talk to any of her grandparents on the phone, let alone spend time with them. You're the best doormat I've ever found, Liz, and I'll never again meet anyone as malleable and brainless as you. Will you take on a lifetime of manipulation, sighs, self-pity, a daughter who doesn't like you, an ex-wife who saw through you from the very beginning, a man who is dishonest with his feelings and can't talk about what's bothering him, additional children to cause even more rivalry between you and my daughter, emotional blackmail, a complete and total lack of excitement and romance, and the end of any and all hopes and dreams you ever had of living a fulfilling, satisfying life?
"YEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

Erin

I loved the proposal and how they told Francie! It reminds me of my conversations of "The Future" with my boyfriend. For those who wanted more "romance," when my boy or I say, "I can't live without you!" the other invariably goes, "Awwww... but... How did you get on with your life before me, then?" Nothing takes the wind out of our sails as much as something sappy that we know we can't really mean. "Who else could I rely on in this miserable world?" "Your mother." "You light up my life." "Not when I'm sick and miserable, I don't!"

Seriously folks, as a self-proclaimed sap, I've been hurt in the past, and I prefer it when he says, "I want to put off engagement until I am financially stable, so that I can take care of you if something happens." Romantic? No. But it melts my heart. Or, "I know I upset you today. What can I do to make you happy? All I want is for you to be happy."

As for candles and champagne? I told my boy that I would kill him if he ever did that. I turned to him in the middle of a romantic movie proposal and said, "Don't you dare put my ring in champagne. Just don't." I'd rather an open conversation that surprises me, as it did Liz, to a stilted, unimaginative stab at romance that falls flat on its face because it's been done so much.

This was a mature, surprising, and happy proposal. Take another look at Anthony in the last panel, he looks thrilled! It's just a bit obscured by Liz's arms around his head!

Adriana A, California

I have felt that Liz and Anthony were meant for each other for years, and I've been waking up early all week so I could eagerly watch as they finally (finally!!) get engaged!! I know there appears to be some controversy over the Liz-Anthony pairing, but I am absolutely delighted that they are together. Thank you. :)

Rachel S, Greensburg PA

What a great day! ! ! !I so happy this day finally came. Not all proposals are on a knee. My husband wasn't all fluff and romance and we're still together after 30 years! ! Best friends do make the best husbands. Being careful and moving slow into marriage is not a bad thing. These two have been through a lot and if that's any indication what their marriage will be like, then I'd say they already understand what the meaning of "For better or for worse". Thanks Lynn, you made my day! ! !

Theresa R, Lancaster CA

Hurray! I am so glad for Liz, her heart has been through so much, she deserves someone who loves her as much as Anthony.

I'd say it was the most impulsive decision I've ever seen made on this strip. In addition, they don't seem to be worried about the method, but the fact that they are finally engaged.

I hope I can find someone as honorable as Anthony one day.
I love For Better or Worse, Lynnl. Keep up the good work!

Laura, San Antonio

We have been waiting forever for today's news of Anthony and Liz's engagement!! It was like a letter from home, somehow -- your family has been a part of our lives for as long as your strip has run in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel. We will be getting to see the wedding, right???

Sandra H, Milwaukee WI

I think the cautious approach, even though it seems too business-like to some people is a good one for two mature adults to begin building their marriage. And certainly the child needed to be part of the proposal. Lynn, I very much like the way you handled it. Yes, I also liked Liz's obvious excitement in the last frame.

Diana S, Vancouver BC

I am happy for Liz and
Anthony and believe they will
make a lovely couple.
The wedding could possiblly
be in June when school ends.
That way they have the whole
summer to plan and knowing
Elly she would be the wedding
planner. I wonder if Elly
would be like Deanna's Mom
when she and Michael pre-
pared for their wedding?
Mrs. Sobinski was a typical
buttinski trying to run
the whole affair? I don't
think Elly would allow it
to happen. Remember the
TV wedding program.
Who's Wedding Is It Anyway?"
Keep up the good work Lynn.

Mary Anne R, Port Charlotte Florida

Passion, romance, chemistry... Liz and Anthony lack it all!

Denise K, Greensboro NC

Gee, no mention of love, the desire to be together for the rest of their lives, their mutual dreams and goals, just a business transaction. Anthony didn't even hug Liz back after the "proposal"! I wonder if this is really an engagement or the first step to getting Anthony out of the picture.

I'm the same age as Liz and I used to really identify with her, when she broke up with a guy I hurt for her and when she was betrayed, I felt betrayed. When she fell in love, I felt like I was in love.

I'm a woman with a career and I just found my prince charming a year ago. When he proposed to me a few weeks ago, he took me to the lake where we had our first date and we stood on the beach in the cold wind. He asked me if I wanted to borrow his hat. I said yes, so he took it off and inside was a little box. At first I didn't get it, but when he got down on one knee right on the beach between the pine trees and the ice-covered water, I knew something wonderful was coming. He looked up at me and said he loved me like no other woman he ever met and he said that he would be honored if we could go through life together, giving each other love, comfot and support through all the joys and trials ahead. He looked into my eyes and said, "Jenna, my dad always told me to find a woman I could live with, but instead, I have found a woman I can't live without."

THAT's a proposal.

I feel sorry for Liz. Anthony has cheated her out of the magic of romance. I wonder how long it will be before she's looking for love somewhere else, just like Therese did.

Jenna, Girard ON

YIPPY!!! So happy for Liz/Anthony. Who cares how the proposal went and he doesn't have a ring. At least it happened. I am sure there will be something sweet about how he gives her the ring. I have been waiting for this for a looong time.
I know it's strange being so involved in a comic strip but it is the best one around and the only reason I get our local paper.

Thank you Lynn!!!!

Tammy, Wisconsin

BARF! Anthony is a completely one-dimensional character. His only emotional trait is feeling sorry for himself. If this is what Liz has sunk to, I don't need to see any more. Maybe her friends and family can give her some perspective and help her find her way out of this mess.

I agree with the reader who commented that it's a good thing she didn't end up with Wayne because he's too good for her.

But really, why does she need a husband at all? She can be a modern woman who has it all without the drudgery of marriage. There's no reason she can't have boyfriends...and once a guy gets stale, out he goes!

Chalayane W., Portland OR

I'm glad for both of them. Now have say they love each other. Warren would have been great if he had been around more, but i'll settle for Anthony - I believe he love and cares for Elizabeth.
Now I hope their lives go well.
Way to go Lynn!

Bonnie, Texas

As a jaded 25 year reader, Chemist/Engineer from across the big lake from you and a frequent traveler to your Northern neighborhood of Cobalt, Ont. I have to say that your strip has become family to me. (Mine is in Japan and Iowa. My wife has been urging me to write to you for years since I talk about the strip so much. So I finally did. Just want to say congratulations to Elizabeth and Anthony an a BIG thank you to you!!

Bob J, Greece NY

It was wonderful to see the official engagement of Liz & Anthony, though I believe they were essentially married on Sunday,August 19th. Still, I'm looking forward to the wedding!

PS Thank you for all the fun stuff and other pages on your website, all are very enjoyable.

Patty, Tampa Fla

Finally!! My father-in-law and I thank you so very much!!!

Pat F, Canton Ohio

Ya!! Elizabeth!! The collective K. Girls are so excited that Anthony has popped the question. Now for all the fun of wedding plans to come. There were times of much angst in wonder if Elizabeth and Anthony were going to make it back together. Finally we look forward to the "Big Day" Hurray...Way to go Liz!

Jan K, Selma,CA

You made my morning, read the paper at 5:30 am screamed out loud, woke up family, so excited they finally got engaged. Now looking forward to a wonderful wedding......
thanks

rhonda, NJ

Yes! I just read the strip fix for today and literally yelled out loud with joy! Thank you! I'm soo glad that Elizabeth and Anthony are engaged! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This made my day!

Courtney, Kola MB

Yeah!!!!!! They are finally going to be together. I have been waiting a long time for good news in the Elizabeth and Anthony saga. Nothing like a little jealousy to make a guy sure of what he wants.

Chris, Marietta Ohio

Lynn, I totally support you in how you have portrayed the process of Anthony & Liz becoming engaged.
My husband & I have been married for 20 years, but it was not a lovely, romantic engagement. We were talking about whether or not we would get married someday, and it was decided that yes, we would. And then I asked, when? He said, not yet. Then about 5 minutes later he suddenly asked me, "Would you marry me?"
So you were VERY realistic, for at least a small percentage of us.
Thank you for all you do.

Karen, VA

I was so worried and mad when you brought Warran back into the picture. I was afraid you were going to let him stick around and we would not have a happy endding before the stript ended its new plot lines. (see the Chicago Tribune Artcle.)

Thanks for bringing Anthony's phone call in to save Liz.
With a wedding, at least Liz and Anthony will be tied up in a happy bow when the new story lines end.
Sorry about the long post, but all this has been building up, and i did not want to spam the board with more then one post.

Jessica, Iowa

Well, Elizabeth's gotten everything she deserves.

Srah

CONGRATULATIONS to Liz and Anthony! I'm so excited to hear of your engagement and I joyfully anticipate your wedding. We are going to have so much fun.

Regarding when the proposal came and how it came - does anyone remember that years ago Anthony was very serious about Liz and SHE was the one to break it off because she wasn't ready? This storyline is very realistic and I feel that both Anthony and Liz are now sure of their committment to one another and that they will have a very solid marriage, even dealing with the challenges of a blended family.

Di, Kamloops BC

I'm excited! A wedding is in the future!

It will be one of the biggest of all time with millions of guests! At least we won't eat much at the reception.

Cathy, Tulsa

That is the most pathetic, apathetic, lukewarm, indecisive excuse for a proposal I have ever come across and Liz seems more excited about being engaged, period, than that she's engaged to anyone in particular. Of course, with the way Liz was stressing over being single at twenty-five, it doesn't surprise me she'd be ebulent over the fact she is FINALLY being rescued from the horrible prospect of becoming an old maid. Now Mommy can relax that her daughter won't fail to acheive the only goal worth reaching in a woman's life: marriage and kids before thirty.

Are they even in love? There's only lukewarm talk of being together and making a commitment and almost no physical affection beyond what you'd see between friends.

Cheryl, Rochester

Anthony and Elizabeth discussing marriage was one of the Cutest and Adorable Proposals I've ever read. It wasn't flashy or showy but warm and heartfelt. Lynn, you are excellent in portraying emotion with the simplest of lines (both written and drawn). The look of shock on Elizabeth's face as the reality of the conversation sunk in, the playful joy on the faces of the newly 'engaged' couple! In its simplicity it was poetic and had me grinning all day! You said you let your characters take their own routes but THANK YOU VERY MUCH for taking us all with them! I'm so Happy that these two are even Happier!

Elizabeth, Guelph ON

YAY! I'm so happy that Anthony and Liz are finally engaged! I have to say, though, Lynn, that Liz deserved a much more romantic proposal. The proposal I read was more like a business contract than a profession of love. At least they are finally getting married.

I love the strip, Lynn, and I hope it goes on for a very long time. This is what a strip shoujld be like - something real about real people who can love one another no matter what. God bless you!

Cindy O, New Hampshire