Dear Betty: It’s nice to have a fresh perspective on the current battle that refuses to go away. The answer to your question is-.NO! I have not made the kind of comments about Evangeline that I am accused of. I have plainly said many times that I am a John/Natalie fan. That in itself makes me a prime target for the wrath of the John/Evangeline fans that obviously don’t share my opinion. I have said that Evangeline was smart to finally end her relationship with John because he refused to give her what she wanted and needed, which was a verbal declaration of his love and a future. Evangeline also hated the fact that John always ran to Natalie’s rescue, but what girlfriend would like that sort of behavior? The John/Evangeline fans felt that he ran to Natalie’s rescue because he felt responsible for her-I always felt that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck-it’s a duck-meaning that John could have sent someone else to help Natalie, but his feelings for her wouldn’t let him let her go. I also made mention of the fact many times that Evangeline was very much in love with John, didn’t get over it easily and held out hopes of getting him back for a long time. I also said that was a perfectly normal reaction for her since she loved him so much. After a while I did think she should get over it. I think she hung on too long. That’s my opinion. I have never said a disparaging word about the character of Evangeline. Actually, I am pretty well known for loving the “good guys” and being very impatient about waiting for the “bad guys” to get what is coming to them. Evangeline has always been a character that I like and admire, contrary to what a lot of her fans believe of me. I just simply did not see her with John. So shoot me! I enjoy all of Evangeline’s other relationships on the show. She was great when she was seeing RJ and gave him the boot-her friendship with Nora was lovely to watch and I hope we get to see it back on our screens soon-and I love her dedication to her clients and the people she cares about. You said it all when you said, “It’s just a soap.” I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve said that.

Elaine writes: “One question-when did John get this PDA rule going? I have been looking at old John and Evangeline scenes and he did not seem to have that PDA rule going with her. They kissed, hugged, caressed in just about every public venue in Llanview. By the way that hug he gave Natalie in the police station was kind of cute, something like a brother and sister hug.”

Dear Elaine: I don’t remember John stating exactly that he did not favor public displays of affection, but I remember some kind of conversation where John mentioned the fact that they both worked in the police station and it was awkward to have everyone around them know their business. It certainly wasn’t said in those words, but it was understood. I don’t remember him hugging and kissing Evangeline in either his workplace or hers or out in the opening front of everyone they know, but I’m sure if that happened, someone, or tons of people, will remind me-LOL! And I’ll be happy to have my memory refreshed.

© Copyright by Katherine Thurston, 2006