Depression tells lies. It most often tells lies about how the world must see the depressed person, but it often tells lies about the depressed person's choices.
Faye is depressed.
Alcohol is a depressant. Not exactly the same thing, obviously. It does, however, depress the "Wait-just-damn-minute" function of the brain. It makes it more difficult to see the flaws in a line of reasoning.
Depressed people listen to their depression's lies. Dragged out in the harsh light of day, 60% or more of the lies aren't even based in reality. 30% or so, are based in reality but distort it. The rest are close enough to the truth, that even the healthy mind wrestles with them. That rest carry 30% which. in turn, carry the 60%. If this is true, that must also be true, so that over there is also true, and that means I should kill myself.
It escalates quickly.
Faye is drunk.
A depressed person is already suffering from reason impairment and is also drunk.
I'd love to read something into what she's saying, but I don't think there's a greater truth about her relationship with Angus contained in this. The greater truth is that she doesn't like herself very much right now.
Coincidence. Couldn't decide on a username when I signed up here, and since I use William Gladstone's photo as my profile pic on another site, I just decided to go with that. Don't read Cracked very often so I didn't realize there was a Gladstone there as well. Sorry if there's been any confusion!
No confusion. I didn't realise there was a famous Gladstone that the Cracked one is presumably named after.
Interested/worried about what Faye's going to do next. More focus on that, or back to the condom hunt at the library?
And pacifying my inner shipper aside it seems to be working for him. I don't necessarily like when he breaks mid story for wacky robot hijinks or what have you, but having two stories going at once works well.
I could be completely wrong and Pintsize could just get his jollies by encouraging Faye to do silly things. Not dangerous things, just silly things (which, I suppose classes a little like keeping her safe, in a way).
Although that "Mayyyyybe" in panel 2 looks a bit flirtatious to me.
But does it end with Faye punching and/or throwing up on Marten?There's still time for that.
Although that "Mayyyyybe" in panel 2 looks a bit flirtatious to me.
This. The good news is, he's sober and happy. The bad news is it may not end up mattering to Faye.
This really has the feel of one of the earlier strips.
Although that "Mayyyyybe" in panel 2 looks a bit flirtatious to me.
...She may need an intervention/kick to the rear first, though. Pintsize? Hanners? (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1108) Dora? Marten? Claire?Marten should alert Hanners right away. She really knows how to kick ass when required.
I don't think her angst now is (directly) about things with Angus not working out or even her second guessing that decision; it's about her having to step back from a "hey, I'm really getting things together; look, I'm dating this guy and it's going well" to a "have I made any progress at all in dealing with my issues? doesn't feel like it to me". And what she needs to do is admit to herself, not that she made the right decision (she did), but that this doesn't mean she's back to square one. She has made a lot of progress in a lot of ways. Doesn't mean her first try at a relationship was guaranteed to stay within the range of what she could do.
what she needs to do is admit to herself, not that she made the right decision (she did), but that this doesn't mean she's back to square one. She has made a lot of progress in a lot of ways. Doesn't mean her first try at a relationship was guaranteed to stay within the range of what she could do.
I didn't see the "maaaybe" as flirtatious. It's Faye trying to be funny.
Marten and Faye are 'way beyond drunken passes, 'way beyond that kind of thing crossing either of their minds. It would be - to both of them - like making out with your sibling.
Warning - while you were typing a new shipper has posted. You may wish to give up and go learn macrame.
But with the combination of being both drunk and depressed her judgment isn't exactly what it should be.
New comic...
Well, that's what you get when you eat Cheetos and beef jerky right before going to bed...
it can only get more psychedelic from here on in, f... f... folks!
oh, anxiety dreams. been there.
They really are going to have to give up those Horror/Anime binges.
It is Marigold's dream
I never have nightmares *shrug*
Well I had some as a child, but never since.
I can see Faye drunk coming on to Marten, mirroring his drunk come ons to her early in the strip. He rebuffs her, and it gets really awkward.You are referring to #1818 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1818). Not one of Marten's finer moments, but Faye defused him quite effectively.
Most of my childhood nightmares seemed to involve runaway giant motorised toys or dark rooms that could not be lit, even if I turned on the lights. Learn from that what you will!
Speaking of Sven, once word gets out that Angus has left the building, I think we can expect another appearance from him.
Speaking of Sven, once word gets out that Angus has left the building, I think we can expect another appearance from him.
And then Dora's cut-off comes to light as well. (I've been waiting to see Sven's reaction to that for a while now.)
Most of my childhood nightmares seemed to involve runaway giant motorised toys or dark rooms that could not be lit, even if I turned on the lights. Learn from that what you will!
Fun fact: light switches never work in dreams. Same with mirrors. The primitive part of your brain responsible for dreams doesn't understand them, so they don't work.
Dream, yes, but I can't help but wonder if this comic is a setup to Marigold actually being knocked up. After all, this is a comic that likes to explore difficult relationship issues, and it's an area so far unexplored.
Fun fact: light switches never work in dreams. Same with mirrors. The primitive part of your brain responsible for dreams doesn't understand them, so they don't work.Piffle. I dreamed just last night about cutting off all my hair with electric clippers. The switch, and the clippers, worked just fine. I've dreamed about riding bicycles, motorcycles, using computers, and cutting with knives. My subconscious seems to understand technology just fine.
Math? I thought this was about football. I'm a big fan of the Eulers.
I'm divided on puns these days.
Oh great, the puns are just going to multiply now.And get derisive? That would be ugly.
God DAMN it, Faye
Quote from: JephGod DAMN it, Faye
(nods in sad agreement)
Does Faye have to work that day? Will she either get wasted and not go in, or more likely show up already half-cut and have Dora tear her to shreds when she smells it on her breath or something?
Also, one can buy a cheap ~25 oz bottle for as little as $5 there? Wow.
I know nothing about Scotch either, and got the message I think you intended with the $5 bottle, so not universally flat.Also, one can buy a cheap ~25 oz bottle for as little as $5 there? Wow.
Probably not? I just figured, since Dora questioned Faye's judgement (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2867) over drinking a $15 bottle of Scotch, then maybe a theoretical $5 bottle would be...worse? Admittedly, I know absolutely nothing about Scotch, so that poll option probably falls a bit flat. My bad.
Yeah.. I think we can definitely say Faye's into the realm of alcoholism now.yep. there is no question about this. she reached for the bottle before even being fully awake. even if she didn't bring that second bottle into the bedroom she is alcoholic.
I just did a search for cheap scotches, and I couldn't find anything less than $14 a bottle. Not sure I'd want to either.I know nothing about Scotch either, and got the message I think you intended with the $5 bottle, so not universally flat.Also, one can buy a cheap ~25 oz bottle for as little as $5 there? Wow.
Probably not? I just figured, since Dora questioned Faye's judgement (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2867) over drinking a $15 bottle of Scotch, then maybe a theoretical $5 bottle would be...worse? Admittedly, I know absolutely nothing about Scotch, so that poll option probably falls a bit flat. My bad.
I expect that, precisely because alcoholism is a serious and close-to-home subject for so many people, Jeph is going to attack this arc with the same care he did with Claire's coming out.
The man is no idiot. He has proven his ability to be funny, compassionate, and real. I'm hurting for Faye, but this is going to be a good arc.
Welp. Clambered out of one bottle just long enough to dive into the next. When was the last time she saw Dr. Corinne?
This will not end well.
The power to get to the root of the problem is just a step away. It's not imaginary, it's real. Hyperreal. Integrate it in your life and you're all set. Then you can have pi. Or tau, if you're really hungry.In my language, "tau" means "rope". Yes, you must be really hungry to enjoy it.
Either someone in the apartment is buying Faye booze on the sly or she's forgetting doing so herself. This latter option is very worrying. A significant time in Rehab is possible in her immediate future. She's not just backslid, she's lost all the progress she made during the lifetime of the comic so far and is still regressing.
... Those are the actions of a person who simply does not want to stay sober.Agreed. So far, we have mostly seen the funny side of Faye drinking, but there is a very dark undertone here. We may speculate if Pintsize was the Booze Fairy in today's strip (as he seemed to encourage Faye to drink in strip #2870 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2870)), but in all probability, Faye bought the new bottle herself. Pintsize is a pervert, but he does not want to harm anyone.
... Yep, this is gonna get ugly, we've only seen the pretty side so far.
I'm a bit disappointed that Marten hasn't expressed much concern over Faye, especially since she's been drunk or hungover every time he's seen her in the past 2-3 days.Mmm... though it can be tricky to distinguish between drinking too much and alcoholic behaviour. I suspect that if he'd seen Faye's morning routine from the last strip, he'd have reacted more strongly.
I'm a bit disappointed that Marten hasn't expressed much concern over Faye, especially since she's been drunk or hungover every time he's seen her in the past 2-3 days.Mmm... though it can be tricky to distinguish between drinking too much and alcoholic behavior. I suspect that if he'd seen Faye's morning routine from the last strip, he'd have reacted more strongly.
I expect that, precisely because alcoholism is a serious and close-to-home subject for so many people, Jeph is going to attack this arc with the same care he did with Claire's coming out.And, unlike Claire's coming out arc, Jeph has first-hand personal experience with this one (which reared its ugly head during Claire's coming out arc, re: him stabbing himself in the hand).
The man is no idiot. He has proven his ability to be funny, compassionate, and real. I'm hurting for Faye, but this is going to be a good arc.
For some reason, the Clash song "Train in Vain" (Should I Stay or Should I Go) is going through my head right now. Faye is going to go through hard times now, *especially* if she continues to booze it up like that.
I expect that, precisely because alcoholism is a serious and close-to-home subject for so many people, Jeph is going to attack this arc with the same care he did with Claire's coming out.And, unlike Claire's coming out arc, Jeph has first-hand personal experience with this one (which reared its ugly head during Claire's coming out arc, re: him stabbing himself in the hand).
The man is no idiot. He has proven his ability to be funny, compassionate, and real. I'm hurting for Faye, but this is going to be a good arc.
It will be interesting character development if Pintsize is the one who blows the whistle.
So has this been going on to this extent since Angus left?
Or did it get dramatically worse after Clairten?
Which brings me to my next observation: David Whitaker.A chilling thought, one I didn't initially consider.
I openly wonder what his BAC may have been when the events of strip 505 happened.
Ohayooo
So, what's our worse case scenario?
Saying something hurtful to a coworker or thirsty librarian?
Property damage?
Coffee burns?
'Hello Mr Health Inspector'
Which brings me to my next observation: David Whitaker.
I openly wonder what his BAC may have been when the events of strip 505 happened.
Which brings me to my next observation: David Whitaker.
I openly wonder what his BAC may have been when the events of strip 505 happened.
Oh shit. Forgot about that...
The scenarios for Faye's future just got REALLY dark.
Really? that's all, Dora? 'You reek of Whiskey' and 'Lucky you're not hangover'
Yes, Faye is a grown woman who usually can take care of herself, but as her friend and her boss, Dora should pull her aside and/or send her home. Even as just her boss, since employees that reek of whiskey are about the worst advertisement your business can have, even one that thrives on insulting it's customers.
On Faye gets fired: no idea. Probably she gets some unpaid leave until she's sorted out, but I really couldn't tell - the Coffee of Doom-firing standards are pretty weird (destroy property... you're fine, quit your job and you can come back any time but don't dare hug your boss' partner...)
Her friends are giving her a little more lee way on the drinking right now because they know she's hurting from breaking up with Angus. Marten's been known to tie one on after a break up too. From their comments, I think they are concerned, but taking Faye at her word when they talk to her about it, as you know, friends will do. They probably figure she'll get it out of her system in short order. Neither of them knows how bad it is because she is lying to her friends about it.
Hm. Know what? Faye probably will get fired. I'm going further into speculative territory and thinking she won't be hired back. Why? Because after a solution to her drinking issues arise, the best move for personal improvement is diving into her art full-time.Um. I don't know that something without structured time would be a good idea.
3 - Faye is physically caught drinking by Dora while working.
And I'm leaning towards the third. (But not calling it)
She already has been. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2867)
Y'know, If there were a moment at which Faye might hook up with Sven again, this is it.
Y'know, If there were a moment at which Faye might hook up with Sven again, this is it.
Those are some incredibly generous bosses you had.Aye, they were. They could be harsh sometimes, but generally treated employees like extended family. They'd even joke around with us sometimes. One time my friend was working, and one of them was bringing in a delivery, and my friend started opening up the boxes and said boss just told him "Hand me the box-cutter, I'm from the Middle-East, I know how to use one". If working there taught me one thing is that any well-run business can afford to pay employees more than minimum wage, even for a basic job, give regular raises, kick out customers before firing workers, keep prices low, and still turn a good profit.
I'm honestly convinced she's going to get herself physically hurt, badly. A la, another car wreck, or hurt someone else similarly in scope.
Oh no. Drunk. Welding equipment. What could possibly go wrong?She did burn down her apartment before she moved in with Marten. (comic 22) (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=22)
She already has been. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2867)
Actually, that was her asking for permission to drink on the job and getting knocked back. She wasn't getting busted for actually drinking, but now we have the trigger for punishment for going behind her back.
Hm. Know what? Faye probably will get fired. I'm going further into speculative territory and thinking she won't be hired back. Why? Because after a solution to her drinking issues arise, the best move for personal improvement is diving into her art full-time.It could lead to a forced personal development and improvement for Faye, but I do not think it is going to happen.
The other "never" is "Never drink to cure a hangover." You aren't curing it, you're just postponing it and making it worse.
There are two "nevers" here, one of which is "Never drink at work." And by the way, I worked food service to put myself through college and was never drunk at work. And anybody who was got fired quick. :roll:It must depend on where you work, then. I worked food service to put myself through undergrad, and the managers whose job it was to fire people were just as likely to provide, accept, or bring their own alcohol (or other) to the shift as anyone else.
The other "never" is "Never drink to cure a hangover." You aren't curing it, you're just postponing it and making it worse.
<Quite a lot of possible exposition>Will Faye allow it to go that far? Will Marten, or Dora, or Hanners be blind-sided to this depression spiral? I don't think so, personally. While it is possible, I don't think Faye would be able to mask it for long without completely withdrawing herself from the group, a move that they will counteract, by force if necessary.
I wonder how Jeph will handle it?
There are two "nevers" here, one of which is "Never drink at work." And by the way, I worked food service to put myself through college and was never drunk at work. And anybody who was got fired quick. :roll:It must depend on where you work, then. I worked food service to put myself through undergrad, and the managers whose job it was to fire people were just as likely to provide, accept, or bring their own alcohol (or other) to the shift as anyone else.
The other "never" is "Never drink to cure a hangover." You aren't curing it, you're just postponing it and making it worse.
This is just a reality for college town service industries.And this is why I don't order from Pizza Shuttle when the university is in session... :psyduck:
I'm pretty sure Dora knows the score exactly and is now considering offstage how best to proceed.
Jeph does like to let the other boot come crashing down on Fridays but I think in this case it's going to stew for another week. To use a rollercoaster analogy, this week kind of feels like we've only just started the big approach, we've really only had the tension build up from yesterday, Monday notwithstanding.In other words, you're saying we're going to be left at the top of the rollercoaster's big drop all weekend, and then it's all downhill for the rest of next week.
Jeph does like to let the other boot come crashing down on Fridays but I think in this case it's going to stew for another week. To use a rollercoaster analogy, this week kind of feels like we've only just started the big approach, we've really only had the tension build up from yesterday, Monday notwithstanding.
Wow, this arc seems to be getting pretty dark. More drama than even Marten and Dora's breakup, and that was a pretty big twist.I'm pretty sure Dora knows the score exactly and is now considering offstage how best to proceed.
Dora is a great person, but I suspect she's not all that perceptive.
Although if Marten's going over to Claire's for a movie night, Faye's gonna be home alone. Or at least with Pintsize again.
To use a rollercoaster analogy, this week kind of feels like we've only just started the big approach, we've really only had the tension build up from yesterday, Monday notwithstanding.In other words, you're saying we're going to be left at the top of the rollercoaster's big drop all weekend, and then it's all downhill for the rest of next week.
The movie is "Interstellar." There's plenty of space in it.
BenRG, if your scenario comes to pass, pwhodges will need to shut down the forums for a week.I really hope it doesn't, because holy shit that went dark fast.
Hmm. Marten ought to stay home and help Faye through her problems. On the other hand, he may not quite realize the seriousness of the issue yet. However, he should be concerned by now, and indicate to Claire that he may need timeouts to help Faye. But of course it is difficult to turn down a date with his girlfriend.
"You could have just said so !"
"But ... that would have made sense !"
Marten is blissfully unaware that Faye has a problem, as is Dora. That's a prediction.
Nothing else makes sense, unless they've been planning an intervention off screen. Jeph's got nearly 11 years of material that's trained us to expect the dots to be connected for us in fairly short order. But he's been leaving dots out more and more since just before the squee bomb went off. Since since the Fangus dropped over the falls, he's really been doubling down on bringing things right up to potential crisis point and then skipping to a new thread.
He used to do that just to drags thing out but lately he's not picking up the old threads.
There are two possibilities (that seem likely): This is how he rolls now. Or, He's struggling with a difficult subject.
Scenario: Clinton and Claire start a sibling fight over which movie to watch. Neither back down. Meanwhile, Emily and Marten look deeply into each other's eyes, and realize there are better options...
"You could have just said so !"
"But ... that would have made sense !"
It will be a long time before Claire is entirely or even partially cured of the fear that Marten will one day say 'no'.
As an antidote to my post at the top of this page, here's my way I'd like to see Marten/Claire intimacy confirmed:
PANEL 1 (half-height): (written equivalent of storyboard follows)
PANEL 6 (half-height): Close up on Faye's face, tears running down her cheeks
PANEL 2 (half-height: Close-up on Faye's face, tears streaming down her cheeks;
PANEL 6 (half-height): Close up on Faye's face, tears running down her cheeks
PANEL 2 (half-height: Close-up on Faye's face, tears streaming down her cheeks;
Has Jeph ever drawn tears? We get a teary-eyed Hanners, I know, but actual tears seem like they'd be all but impossible to do in a comic. Unless anime provides a stylized way to do it?
My prediction: Claire and Marten adorably watching flick. As it ends, they're looking into each other's eyes and contemplating intimacy. Phone rings - Faye's in hospital.
Alternate: Marten returns from date and discovers Faye unconscious and in serious condition. During trip to ER he realizes his date (as well as general distraction from new relationship) put Faye in danger.
Now, he may feel GUILTY about not being there, but that is irrational. He didn't put her in danger.
We have access to waaaaay more knowledge than the characters do.A fact oft forgotten in this and many other forums.
There are two possibilities (that seem likely): This is how he rolls now. Or, He's struggling with a difficult subject.
Third possibility: he's going to have all of these bombs explode at once, like a fireworks show finale extravaganza of drama.
Marten is blissfully unaware that Faye has a problem
PANEL 6 (half-height): Close up on Faye's face, tears running down her cheeks
PANEL 2 (half-height: Close-up on Faye's face, tears streaming down her cheeks;
Has Jeph ever drawn tears? We get a teary-eyed Hanners, I know, but actual tears seem like they'd be all but impossible to do in a comic. Unless anime provides a stylized way to do it?
505, 1631, 1633, 1805, and 2085 at least, probably a bunch more I can't recall.
If that ever happens, 1) does Marten still have this shirt (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=753) and 2) would that color look good on Claire?
A girlfriend once told me that red hair and pink shirts should never be mixed.
Or the Universe will end?Worse. Much, much worse. (http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/0HM3hT1GYlj/Carrot+Top+at+Fred+Segal/APBuKXZu71y) :psyduck:
Re Faye.
"Houston we've had a problem".
Marten is blissfully unaware that Faye has a problem, as is Dora. That's a prediction.
What Faye is doing is friendship ending stuff. I know from experience.
Re Faye.
"Houston we've had a problem".
Maybe I should elucidate - not make cultural/historical references only those of my age, or space geeks, or those who have seen the movie "Apollo 13" will understand.
It means that something has gone very seriously wrong.
Wait, did I miss something? I didn't realize anyone didn't get that reference.Re Faye.
"Houston we've had a problem".
Maybe I should elucidate - not make cultural/historical references only those of my age, or space geeks, or those who have seen the movie "Apollo 13" will understand.
It means that something has gone very seriously wrong.
IIRC, it was the actual, official, handbook crew-to-ground NASA code phrase for "we're f*cked".
Wait, did I miss something? I didn't realize anyone didn't get that reference.Re Faye.
"Houston we've had a problem".
Maybe I should elucidate - not make cultural/historical references only those of my age, or space geeks, or those who have seen the movie "Apollo 13" will understand.
It means that something has gone very seriously wrong.
IIRC, it was the actual, official, handbook crew-to-ground NASA code phrase for "we're f*cked".
Have you ever considered linking up with an illustrator and starting your own comic?
I am neither of the three and I got it.Re Faye.
"Houston we've had a problem".
Maybe I should elucidate - not make cultural/historical references only those of my age, or space geeks, or those who have seen the movie "Apollo 13" will understand.
(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/ten_thousand.png)Wait, did I miss something? I didn't realize anyone didn't get that reference.Re Faye.
"Houston we've had a problem".
Maybe I should elucidate - not make cultural/historical references only those of my age, or space geeks, or those who have seen the movie "Apollo 13" will understand.
It means that something has gone very seriously wrong.
IIRC, it was the actual, official, handbook crew-to-ground NASA code phrase for "we're f*cked".
I'm baffled at the idea that someone wouldn't understand the reference, considering its not like it went away, people still use it regularly.
12-02 alarm.
I believe the industry term is "unplanned disassembly." Or perhaps "lithobraking."
In IT, we say FUBAR.
(Fucked up beyond any repair).
In IT, we say FUBAR.
With propeller driven aircraft, of the model variety in my case, it is referred to as deciding to do some last minute "post hole digging".