We all know and adore Charlie Brown, his sassy but lovable dog Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts crew. Not until I was in college, though, did I really find such joy in Peanuts for the snarky way that creator Charles M. Schultz addressed the world around us through these sometimes dramatically pessimistic neighborhood kids. I never cease to be surprised at the giggles that result in an utterance of "Good grief!" from Charlie Brown when he feels most defeated, because we've all been there. We love these comics because we can identify. Here are some of my favorite moments when the Peanuts comics really hit the nail on the head on matter of life, love, and purpose:
Like this time Charlie was reminded of his perpetual state of negativity.
Poor Charlie Brown can never catch a break, and he did too good of a job building up his reputation as a pragmatist with a depressed side.
Any time Snoopy is in frame, we remember that humans aren't really running the show.
Who are you if this silly beagle isn't one of your favorite characters?
Can you ever really trust someone who's done you wrong before?
We've all been that person who trusts to a fault.
When you're in a rut and can't find your way out:
No Charlie Brown, it's not. Shout out to Charles Schultz and his exploration in mental health.
We are all Snoopy when we have things to do.
You can sit around all day doing nothing and the phone will never ring, but as soon as you're busy...
We all know what it's like to just want a little love.
Charlie Brown is you waiting on someone to match with you on Tinder.
We all have that one friend...
Gotta love Linus. Now you're very aware of your tongue, huh?
Every student everywhere:
We've all been there. Mondays, amirite?
When someone asks for your philosophy on life:
Do you ever feel like you're an expert in sucky situations?
At least you can be like Charlie Brown and use it for the good of those around you, right?
Don't let the haters get you down.
If only we could all have as much swagger as Linus.
When you're feeling excited for and confident in the new year, but life beats you down:
For once I'll say, don't be like Snoopy.