(Strip Number 5123, Original Publication Date, 6 May 1989)
Panel 1: As Connie feeds Liz ice cream to soften the blow from yesterday, Elly explains that all she wanted was a change (because she doesn't want to admit that she slavishly followed what she only thought was a command from Michael to change her appearance) and, while she at first liked it, she is no longer sure about her appearance (possibly because she fears what Marian might say owing to her living and dying by what her mother thinks) and says that the perm just isn't her. Connie makes the mistake of asking what actually is her.
Panel 2: Elly says that she has no idea (because she can't simply say "stereotypical spinster librarian") but makes a lie of that statement by saying that a hairstyle should reflect someone's self-image and that the perm does not.
Panel 3: She then unhinges her jaw and howls "I'm almost forty, Connie....Why am I so confused? Why can't I make a decision and stick with it? Why, after all these years, do I still lack self-confidence?" (Insert 'useless' comment from fungus person who can't care about orphaned refugees about how Elly is the avatar of a woman who will never feel comfortable in her own skin.)
Panel 4: Elizabeth takes her ice cream out on the back porch and thought-bubbles "And they wonder why kids are insecure!" because Lynn is putting her thoughts in a child's thought balloons again.
Summary: While Lynn and Elly would like to blame an external factor for the lack of self-confidence that they're plagued with, the plain fact is that they were born lacking the ability to love what they see in the mirror. Also, no eight year old ever complained that children don't think like this so Liz can be a dozy forty year old when she has to be.