student at school . “‘ Oh , Richard ’ s all right . But Paul has that certain something ,’” she opines , “‘ something that Richard doesn ’ t .’” Of another love interest she says simply , “‘ He ’ s beautiful .’” Patty ’ s spirit , outgoingness , and passion for life are not to be discounted : she lands a recording contract for the British rock duo Jan and Dean , gets Sammy Davis , Jr . to come to her high school to perform for a dance , and makes a lot of money for her local charity . But in the ways of love , these qualities don ’ t always serve her well . She acts on her impulses , often with older men she doesn ’ t know , and gets herself into foolish situations . It ’ s Cathy , sometime along with Patty ’ s bemused parents , who advises her to act more rationally and not to disregard Richard .
And then there ’ s Richard . One of the great mysteries of the series is what the vivacious Patty sees in this lanky , none-too-smart guy , who eats her family out of house and home . But Richard is likable and loyal , and he ’ s always willing to help Patty out with her newest project , whether it ’ s starting a babysitting service in order to make some money or participating in a church event to raffle off her boyfriend . Sometimes , though , Patty ’ s and Richard ’ s relationship takes its own twists and turns , often triggered by jealousy . In “ Going Steady ,” Patty and Richard decide to make their relationship exclusive , with disastrous results . “‘ I don ’ t like what ’ s happening to Patty ,’” warns Cathy . “‘ She and Richard seem to be fussing at each other all the time .’” Cathy expresses a voice of reason , prompting Patty to reach her own decision : “‘ I ’ m not ready to go steady .’” In “ Patty and the Cut-Rate Casanova ,” Patty acts immaturely and lies to Richard , and he laments to Cathy , “‘ As far as Patty ’ s concerned , I ’ m a doormat , something to be kicked around .’” Richard asks Cathy out , and at first she declines , but after seeing Patty further
176