This sounds like a repeat of yesterday’s strip, because that’s how these discussions go: Repeat and revise the same thoughts, over and over, until the other side caves in or storms off. Most parents and kids have suffered through these family talks.

Well, sometimes parents can be real dicks dense. Cherry sounds like one of those useless online life coaches that pop up here and there. It’s as if Rusty’s point of view and feelings mean nothing. I’m not only picking on Cherry, specifically. A lot of parents pretend there is this abstract “brotherhood” of cooperation and understanding they want to preach to their children, even if it doesn’t exist in their own lives. Never mind that Rusty feels genuinely betrayed by his own friends. “Why, that’s only kid talk, Rusty! It will blow over, really.”

Still, Rusty has some obligation. I agree with Cherry that Rusty should have a talk, a real “tough love” talk with these so-called friends—especially Robbie—but be prepared to write them off and walk away if necessary. Life is too short and too precious to waste it on fair-weather friends. Maybe that cougar is manifesting Rusty’s rage for him.