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Claire

Dora

Tai

Faye

Hannelore

Veronica

Emily

Momo

Marigold

Cosette

[Method of Madness]

Clariten

That nickname is so bad I think I'm allergic to it

As for Claire's reaction, I can understand her being disappointed, but (apparently) accusing him of something and then hanging up was shitty on her part.

[Kugai]

It would have been better if Marten had been honest about why he was a no show.  Claire is aware what happened, so I don't see why he was so hesitant about telling her that Faye had fallen off the wagon.

Still, this is the first bit of 'Relationship Drama' we've seen from the two of them, so I guess the Honeymoon Period is over.

[jwhouk]

I have only two words:

Aw. Crap.

[Method of Madness]

It would have been better if Marten had been honest about why he was a no show.

Ok, Marten was in no way dishonest.

[GetOutOfMyHair]

If this is going down the road of "Oh you're so hung up on Faye, you're in love with her/can't let go of her, we have to break up", I'm going to cry and stop reading. (I know no one cares, but I had to get it out of my system)
thanks for reading bye.

[pwhodges]

It would have been better if Marten had been honest about why he was a no show.  Claire is aware what happened, so I don't see why he was so hesitant about telling her that Faye had fallen off the wagon.

Because it would feel intrusive of Faye's privacy even in this situation just to plainly tell it to someone on the phone in front of her.

[Oenone]

It would have been better if Marten had been honest about why he was a no show.  Claire is aware what happened, so I don't see why he was so hesitant about telling her that Faye had fallen off the wagon.

Because it would feel intrusive of Faye's privacy even in this situation just to plainly tell it to someone on the phone in front of her.

Enabling includes lying to friends and family about the addict's drinking.

[Method of Madness]

Which Marten isn't doing.

[osaka]

If this is going down the road of "Oh you're so hung up on Faye, you're in love with her/can't let go of her, we have to break up", I'm going to cry and stop reading. (I know no one cares, but I had to get it out of my system)
thanks for reading bye.

Welcome to the forum. Also, I believe that if this did happen, Faye would probably go nuclear. "I almost tore my boss to tiny little pieces when she pulled this same shit so you had better give me a single reason why I should not beat you to red mist right now".

Not like I'm waiting for it to happen or anything, or that I have plotted the several ways this could go wrong, or...

No, seriously, I don't want this happening. But it just seemed oddly familiar.

[Rghfrgl]

We're all jumping to conclusions anyway. Jason probably just cut Claire's phone line.

[Method of Madness]

That doesn't really work with cell phones...unless he has a magic machete...hmm...Friday the Part XIII*: Magic Machete.

(I think it's only 12 even if you count FvJ but still)

[Omega Entity]

It would have been better if Marten had been honest about why he was a no show.  Claire is aware what happened, so I don't see why he was so hesitant about telling her that Faye had fallen off the wagon.

Because it would feel intrusive of Faye's privacy even in this situation just to plainly tell it to someone on the phone in front of her.

Indeed. It's one thing to be aware of the main problem, but the kind of feeling of shame and failure Faye is likely experiencing just from -Marten- knowing she fell off the wagon, and hell, just for falling off the wagon itself, is entirely another thing. Bringing in someone that A) has a tendency to open her mouth without thinking through what she says (I can totally picture Claire shooting off a 'well, that didn't take long' before really thinking about how cruel that would sound - she's already shown she's not good at reading her audience, when it comes to her jokes) and B) is someone that Faye doesn't particularly have much love for will do more, would pretty much be kicking Faye while she's down.

[Gladstone]

Maybe Faye can take the initiative to get to know Claire better.  Friday's comic, the doorbell at the Augustus residence rings, Claire opens it, finds an annoyed Faye on the steps.  "Alright, Red, so I had a lapse in judgement and tried drinking again, and Marty was just tryin' to set me back on the straight and narrow, but since we're apparently not allowed to be alone anymore, it looks like you get to keep me company instead."  Maybe they can find some common ground

Oooorrrrr Marten could rush over to Claire's, try to explain himself, get into an argument, break up, the usual "It's not what it looks like!" song and dance routine.

[Method of Madness]

I don't think Marten could make himself look guilty any more than by doing that. (And I don't think he looks guilty now!)

[Ravenswing]

So I know this comic has never focused on financial stuff, mainly because that would be a boring as shit webcomic. But something to keep in mind when thinking about real life people with these same struggles: "full time professional help" can't be paid for with unicorn dust and smiles.

EXTREMELY good point.  Before the Massachusetts health care law clicked in and in a period of relative poverty, I was badgered by a couple relatives as to why I didn't just go to a doctor to deal with some health problems.  I responded that if you're broke, it doesn't freaking matter HOW much you need something, you often cannot afford it.

Faye's unemployed.  She lives in an apartment either in, or in walking distance of, downtown Northampton, and that's one of the most expensive rental markets in western Massachusetts: the cheapest current listings for a two-bedroom apartment in Northampton run around $1300/month.  When she WAS employed, she was a barista, not what you'd call a high paying job.

He could have called Hannelore, or another friend to come over. Or just emptied the bottle. At some point, he has to be willing to put Claire first.

Err.  In a situation like that, there is no frigging way in creation I would dump this off on someone else just because having to deal with it was inconvenient to me that night, any more than the aforementioned volunteer firefighter gets to tell dispatch "Nah, I'm skipping this fire" because two fires in a row's inconvenient to his social life.

[DSL]

We'll know for sure in a couple hours, but I could see Claire showing up at Marten's door with a "Why keep me from your circle of friends?"

[Mr. Skawronska]

I've got a turn of phrase that's filtered into our social circle: "Non-players off the green."  It's code for "I've got this, I don't need any help, I don't need anyone else mucking this up, this isn't a spectator sport, and I don't have the time or the mental energy to spare from caring for my friend to explain what's going on to kibitzers, even if I was inclined to play fast and loose with my friend's confidences and troubles, which I am most certainly effing not."  There are those who don't find this endearing.

While neither I nor none of my team are golfers, I am SO stealing this phrase for general use when everybody wants to get their fingers into the little shitstorms we deal with all the time.

Thank you. 

[Is it cold in here?]

Absolutely. I'll try to get it established in my circle of friends too.

[TRVA123]

I just don't get the people who are saying that Marten should prioritize Claire over Faye in this situation.

Marten and Claire have been dating for like 5 minutes. As opposed to one of Marten's best friends, who he lives with. Honestly, this early in a relationship, if you are blowing off a good friends real crisis in order to hang out with your new boyfriend or girlfriend then you are not showing good judgement nor maturity. You are showing even less judgement if you insist on bringing your new special person with you everywhere you go. Marten and Faye should spend some time bonding, if Claire were there, I think it would turn into cute couples time.

However, I think the idea that Claire is insecure and jealous is very possible. Its her first relationship, it can be very hard to maintain perspective in your first relationship. But if that is indeed the case, I hope that Claire gets a good hard dose of reality. I don't want to see Claire hurt, but I would love to see Claire grow.

I feel that the people saying Marten is enabling Faye are being way too harsh.
It's been, what, a week since Faye was in the hospital?
Faye still deserves to be treated as a person, with dignity. Until Faye has financial problems, Marten has no reason, and more importantly no right to kick Faye out. It isn't Marten's apartment, I think he and Faye are both on the lease. Faye isn't "crashing at Marten's" anymore. She is an equal member of the apartment.

[ASB84]

Faye: even when her heart's in the right place, she's kind of an abrasive jerk.

But a Faye-first focus wasn't the only thing wrong in the Marten/Dora relationship. Dora's constant need to be in control (a lack of even allowing the other bodily autonomy - Marten got flak for getting a haircut without Dora's permission, as well as was blackmailed into not trying to grow facial hair, to name a couple), and a lack of boundaries were the main issues, imo.

People are claiming that Marten always put Faye first in regards to the relationship with Dora, but could someone please link an example? Faye didn't really have any crises that necessitated the kind of attention that warranted the dropping of plans with other people, or not like this, anyway.

Dora's problem with Faye was that she was insecure about her being Marten's 'second choice', since Faye was emotionally unavailable, but I don't recall Marten ever giving her any reason to think that that was true. If anything, Dora was responsible for her own issues, since she decided to go after him right after Faye turned him down. if she'd given everything a cooling-off period, then Faye would probably not have been a major factor, if not a complete non-issue.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it wasn't her fault. As I said, Dora shared in the responsibility with stuff that was on her to fix and get over. Again, her issues caused issues.

I think one of the big thing issues as far as Marten is concerned is when she suggested moving in, and he agreed to it, but still wanted to live with Faye. It's been a while since I've read that arc, but from memory, it was about not wanting to leave Faye in the lurch. That's being a good friend, but he's also agreed to a major relationship step with his girlfriend, and wants to bring his other friend along for the ride...the same friend who he once had a thing for (and might have dated if not for her issues). He does that, knowing Dora has been hurt in the past, and has some lingering trust issues as a result.

There was also the situation when Faye and Sven first hooked up. Dora was bothered by it, again, due to her own issues with her brother, and feeling that Faye was trying to get back at her - her misconceptions, but still understandable given the back story - and Marten immediately came to Faye's defense. Whether she was completely right or wrong, Dora was clearly upset and bothered by the situation, and Marten's immediate reaction was to think of, and defend, Faye.

I just don't get the people who are saying that Marten should prioritize Claire over Faye in this situation.

Marten and Claire have been dating for like 5 minutes. As opposed to one of Marten's best friends, who he lives with. Honestly, this early in a relationship, if you are blowing off a good friends real crisis in order to hang out with your new boyfriend or girlfriend then you are not showing good judgement nor maturity. You are showing even less judgement if you insist on bringing your new special person with you everywhere you go. Marten and Faye should spend some time bonding, if Claire were there, I think it would turn into cute couples time.

However, I think the idea that Claire is insecure and jealous is very possible. Its her first relationship, it can be very hard to maintain perspective in your first relationship. But if that is indeed the case, I hope that Claire gets a good hard dose of reality. I don't want to see Claire hurt, but I would love to see Claire grow.

I feel that the people saying Marten is enabling Faye are being way too harsh.
It's been, what, a week since Faye was in the hospital?
Faye still deserves to be treated as a person, with dignity. Until Faye has financial problems, Marten has no reason, and more importantly no right to kick Faye out. It isn't Marten's apartment, I think he and Faye are both on the lease. Faye isn't "crashing at Marten's" anymore. She is an equal member of the apartment.

I don't entirely disagree. I think it's fair to say that Marten is handling the situation a bit clumsily, and if it's a situation that keeps presenting itself, it could be an issue.

[Omega Entity]

There. -Now- it's okay for Claire to come over, and Marten's not being put on the spot anymore, by either party, now.

[Somnus Eternus]

Faye is still drunk.  Faye just invited Marten's girlfriend over.  Marten's girlfriend may well distract Marten.

...

I thought Marten was in the right to not have anyone over for exactly this reason - because dealing with a drunken Faye who's supposed to be quitting requires his full attention, and having someone else around - someone who's rubbed Faye the wrong way before - wouldn't help.   Not thrilled with this development.

[Method of Madness]

Well done, Faye.

[Omega Entity]

Faye is still drunk.  Faye just invited Marten's girlfriend over.  Marten's girlfriend may well distract Marten.

...

I thought Marten was in the right to not have anyone over for exactly this reason - because dealing with a drunken Faye who's supposed to be quitting requires his full attention, and having someone else around - someone who's rubbed Faye the wrong way before - wouldn't help.   Not thrilled with this development.

On the flip side of the coin, she's with it enough to know that she doesn't want to be a hindrance to Marten's romantic life, and doesn't want him suffering because of her. So in this, she shows that she's not selfish enough to want to monopolize Marten's time with her problems.

Edit: And keep in mind, Faye's never been one to demand comfort when things go terribly for her. Just the opposite, in fact, as I recall.

[jwhouk]

Of course, we'd be completely surprised on Monday if it turns out Claire reams her out for falling off the wagon.

[klaatu]

Is it just me, or is Faye getting a bit bigger?

[retrosteve]

Is it just me, or is Faye getting a bit bigger?

It's not just you, and I just came to the forums to post that question, word for word. Except I probably would have said 'chubbier'. She is starting to overflow the clothing.

I suspect this may be less of an artistic style change and more of a realistic aging of a character not taking care of herself.
Plus of course using up willpower to refrain from drinking leaves less available to refrain from overeating.

[Tova]

Is it just me, or is Faye getting a bit bigger?

It's not just you, and I just came to the forums to post that question, word for word. Except I probably would have said 'chubbier'. She is starting to overflow the clothing.

I suspect this may be less of an artistic style change and more of a realistic aging of a character not taking care of herself.
Plus of course using up willpower to refrain from drinking leaves less available to refrain from overeating.

Exhausted willpower is almost certainly what got her into this mess in the first place.

[Deadcoder]

She has gotten chunkier over the years.

Maybe we'll get some char development for Claire, where we find out that her father was an alcoholic.

<tangent>
I suspect that Faye's father was an alcoholic. In some cases, there is a genetic predisposition to addictive behavior. We also know that her dad hid his drinking from her mom. Maybe that's part of why he killed himself. Just throwing that out there.
</tangent>

[Deadcoder]

Frankly, I'm happy the honeymoon period is over. As a lonely bitter person, I find that period gross in other people. "CAN'T YOU BE DEAD INSIDE LIKE THE REST OF US?"

[stixanstones]

Is it just me, or is Faye getting a bit bigger?

I thought the same thing, and poked the archives to find out.

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2738

Looks like it.  That was right at the beginning of the sad-Faye-slide.

[Kugai]

Ahh, the return of the Pugnacious Peach

[Romanticide]

Faye sure knows how to use her threats of violence with surgeons precision. Faye will probably go more steps back before she really gets better but she seems to be in will to take steps forward still. good.

[anahata]

After all the uncertainty that yesterday's strip created. I can relax for the weekend now. Thanks Jeph.

[Omega Entity]

Is it just me, or is Faye getting a bit bigger?

I thought the same thing, and poked the archives to find out.

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2738

Looks like it.  That was right at the beginning of the sad-Faye-slide.

To be fair, a number of the girls have gotten curvier - Tai comes to mind. I think Jeph's style's just gotten plumper. Which is funny, considering that everyone started off as generous stick figures in the beginning.

[Timemaster]

Aah, the return of the ultraviolent Faye. I missed her. Will we see more blue spots in the future?

I suppose not. I think it is pretty obvious that she has no plans of beating Marten up any time soon. But does Claire know that too?
I have no idea where Jeph is gonna take us with this. This could lead to any situation I can think of. In any case there is a lot of potential for screwball comedy and hilarious situations. And maybe a little drama. Maybe. A little.

Damn, and now there is a whole weekend to go until we´ll get to know more...

TM

[mvdwege]

I mean fuck. If my best friend was potentially dying, hell even a casual acquaintance, and I was there at that time, with the option to act, I could be going on a date with my ultimate woman and I'd pass.

I mean fuck. It's human life versus a goddamn date. The date becomes irrelevant when life is in the fucking balance.

You're doing it wrong. By not going on your date, you're enabling your friend.

</sarcasm>

[BenRG]

After thinking about it, I've decided that Faye would have done more-or-less the same thing, drunk or sober. The only thing the booze did for her is to make her language cruder.

Now, I'm thinking that Claire will turn up with her softball bat and the shakily-declared intent to defend Marten!

The darker part of my psyche can't help but wonder if this is one step closer to Faye moving out, partly because she feels that she is impeding Marten's life and partly because (although he never says it to her) he just can't stand her attitude anymore.

[Thrillho]

...The longer I type, the more I wonder if we're going to start seeing an ACTUAL relationship develop between Marten and Claire instead of this weird, idealized version that's thus far come across as kind of shallow (in my opinion).

I know I'm late here, but this point is kind of a nonsense. In real time they've been dating a while, in comic terms they've hardly dated for any time at all, basically all couples are just insanely rainbow-farty in the early phase. I've had relationships that have gone as much as a period of months with no turmoil whatsoever because you don't necessarily know each other very well yet and so the conflicts aren't there. Calling it unrealistic or shallow I think is unfair, they're just in the honeymoon phase that basically shitloads of couples go through.

[Lubricus]

FWIW, the fact that Faye (rudely) invited Claire over was quite redeeming for her. It shows that she's able to think about others even when struggling with her addiction, and that she is conscious about her effect on her friends. I'm sure that isn't easy for her. Now she just has to take care of herself as well...

[Schwungrad]

Faye's spatial awareness must be extraordinary, to blindly throw a phone with such precision even during intoxication.

[Akima]

If Faye played League of Legends, she'd be a natural Katarina: "Violence solves everything!"

[swapna]

That's the Faye we know and... and.. know. But she's got love and loyalty for Marten under all those layers of crudeness and abrasiveness, and she won't let Marten be unhappy. Even if it means inviting Claire over, who's really not the person she wants to see right now. While I don't know about her methods, she's very good about cutting through the bullshit (as she was with Dora after her breakup with Marten).

[Neko_Ali]

If Faye played League of Legends, she'd be a natural Katarina: "Violence solves everything!"

Nah, she would totally play Vi. "Vi? It stands for violence." Then a little punch-fu....

[Somnus Eternus]

...The longer I type, the more I wonder if we're going to start seeing an ACTUAL relationship develop between Marten and Claire instead of this weird, idealized version that's thus far come across as kind of shallow (in my opinion).

I know I'm late here, but this point is kind of a nonsense. In real time they've been dating a while, in comic terms they've hardly dated for any time at all, basically all couples are just insanely rainbow-farty in the early phase.

Yes and no.  It's because they've known each other and been friends for a decent length of time prior to dating that I say it seems unrealistic - it's been my experience that when you've known someone for a while (which they have) and you start dating, you don't really bypass that honeymoon phase, but it's significantly toned down.  It just feels very...contrived? I'm not sure if that's the word I'm looking for.  But that's me.  YMMV.

[ReindeerFlotilla]

YMMV.

My milage is exactly one mile to the mile. It never changes.

Using a marker someone tossed out in another thread, I've pegged the Faye's drinking meltdown spectacular at over 430 strips, starting from the "where do you see yourself in five years." It seems likely that what we were shown of Marten and Claire was presented as it was because Jeph was going to be facing his demons right on top of that and had been working up to it for a good long time (almost 2 years).

[Mr_Rose]

My milage is exactly one mile to the mile. It never changes.

You have a vehicle that consumes distance itself in order to travel? Isn't that kind of dangerous?

[lummo]

In my experience, the most difficult and dramatic part of dealing with addicts has been realizing that they were basically swiss army knives full of hate and beginning to distance myself from them.

One time, and in this case the fellow died of an overdose, I had spoken to a drug and alcohol counselor myself...about my friend and how to help him.

After a certain point, all you can do is leave them to it.

[Somnus Eternus]

My milage is exactly one mile to the mile. It never changes.

You have a vehicle that consumes distance itself in order to travel? Isn't that kind of dangerous?

Sure would solve our fossil fuel problem, though, if that could be mass marketed.

[wlewisiii]

Been pondering Marten's ending line all night (I work 3rd shift as a Hotel desk clerk).  He's not very amused here - that's serious snark verging on very serious anger. I think Jeph is pointing us at Marten getting to the "enough" point. I think if push really comes to shove, Claire wins. Everyone comments about how he's her first real relationship but I think that in a very important way she is _his_ as well. This is the first time we've seen him take someone else more seriously than anything else in his life. That was the real reason mom said "I saw it coming". She may or may not see the details but she did see Marten grow up three or four levels.

So, he's felt he needed to break a date because of Faye's issues - as a friend you do that but you still feel the anger - and then she pulls her usual "swiss knife of violence" crap on top of it? Clairiten isn't that fragile; the insinuation that she had to help is... unfortunate.

Yeah, I can see him asking her to move out as the 3000 shoe drop.