I was puzzled by this one too. But I thought the point, maybe joke, is that Arlo’s reminder is meant to tell Gene to accept “better”!
@ Mitch4 – Thanks. I was wondering the same thing, but figured it was just my own wishful thinking.
The obvious answer is that Arlo’s going the way of Barney’s father, and he’s forgotten what strip he’s in.
Over Arlo and Janis’s trip to visit Gene and family they have found out that Gus, Gene’s wife family is chipping in on their expenses to help them out a bit. It is off season and there is not much business for them.
Meryl A, how does this explain Arlo’s comment?
If he weren’t accepting Mary Lou’s family’s help, he wouldn’t be accepting her for better?
B.A. – Arlo asking how they were getting along and finding out about Gus’s help is the meddling he mentions.
Comics I Don't Understand 
Gene’s look speaks for all of us.
I was puzzled by this one too. But I thought the point, maybe joke, is that Arlo’s reminder is meant to tell Gene to accept “better”!
@ Mitch4 – Thanks. I was wondering the same thing, but figured it was just my own wishful thinking.
The obvious answer is that Arlo’s going the way of Barney’s father, and he’s forgotten what strip he’s in.
Over Arlo and Janis’s trip to visit Gene and family they have found out that Gus, Gene’s wife family is chipping in on their expenses to help them out a bit. It is off season and there is not much business for them.
Meryl A, how does this explain Arlo’s comment?
If he weren’t accepting Mary Lou’s family’s help, he wouldn’t be accepting her for better?
B.A. – Arlo asking how they were getting along and finding out about Gus’s help is the meddling he mentions.