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I have really enjoyed your strip over the years but have found it a little disappointing as we travel back in time with the Pattersons -- mostly because it seems very sexist. I always admired the relationship between Elly and John but now it seems very out to date.

Adrienne B, Boston, MA

I didn't think it possible but the old strips are growing on me. I wouldn't usually write in but had to comment about the reader who wrote "it's not gossip if you're talking about things the other person already knew." That is gossip my friend. That strip was relevent though, because many of us have been in the sometimes awkward position of "the confidante" of the group of friends.

AMJ, NJ

I miss the detailed stories of the characters, but sure understand why a change had to come. I know with my writing I have to check every detail and it can be time consuming. Dang, though, I can't relate as much, since I don't have small kids. The older patterson kids and the older Pattersons were interesting in a way I could relate to. That said, I still read the comic every day and still enjoy it, just in a different way. Hmm - I need to check to see if there are books compiled of all the strips from beginning to where it ended august 31! what a collection!

Kat, Western NC

I was skeptical of the big change in your approach-miss the other characters still, and the advancing time, which was a compelling part of your strip. But I have to say, many of your latest individual strips are just masterpieces. Yours is still the only strip that I seek out to read every day.

Andy C, San Francisco, CA

Your strip published in our local paper was great. It took me back to when my daughter was 2 years old, some thirty years ago. We were standing in line at the grocery store, there was a young man dressed in jogging shorts ahead of us paying for his purchases. I wasn't paying attention when she reached up and patted the young man on the upper leg just below the line of the shorts. He jumped, then looked at me! I pointed down to my daughter with an embarrased smile. I have read "For Better or For Worse" for years...with 2 sons and a daughter and 8 grandkids there is always something that that reminds me of my own experiences. Thank you!

Dee Dee S, Lodi, CA

Today's strip was really special to me. My daughter grudingly attended her two brothers' Saturday soccer games when she was a toddler--mind you, she's 31 now. Every Saturday she would cling to my jeans-clad leg and pout as her Dad and I cheered the boys on. My most vivid memory of her during those games was when I realized she wasn't holding on and then hearing this howl of anguish. Margaret was several "legs" down and looking up into another Mom's eyes with anger, disbelief, and who knows what else. This is one of our classic "Margaret" stories. Thanks for your strip.

Shirley H, Baton Rouge, LA