mistreat him she reconsiders and goes . All the while , though , she chides them into talking through their differences , and when they begin to reconcile , she steps quietly aside , allowing Patty , who is not really meanhearted , to see the error of her ways and apologize to Richard . Both Patty and Cathy change their hairstyles and mannerisms to impersonate the other , but Patty generally does so to manipulate and get her own way , while Cathy does so to help Patty , as when she tries to patch up a misunderstanding between Patty and Richard . Cathy emerges as a more mature and less self-absorbed version of the American teenager .
In her own relationships , though , Cathy appears more unsure than Patty . In “ How to Succeed in Romance ,” Patty tries to find a date for Cathy . “‘ I ’ m sorry to be such a goon ,’” apologizes Cathy for her unpopularity . Patty asks Richard to bring a shy new guy , Chris Hubbard , to the local hangout , The Shake Shop , after school to meet Cathy . Afterwards , Cathy seeks romantic advice from those around her . “‘ Be open and direct ,’” says Uncle Martin . “‘ Men are attracted by the unpredictable . Be aloof and mysterious ,’” says Aunt Natalie . “‘ If you want to hook this guy , you have to be feminine and clingy ,’” says Cousin Ross . Patty ’ s advice to her cousin is to be proud , haughty , and cruel . Cathy even reads a self-help book on relationship building . Unlike her impulsive cousin , she does research and gathers information , ultimately making her own decision as to how to pursue Chris — with kindness . It works .
In another episode , “ Block That Statue ,” Rock , the star of the Brooklyn Heights High School football team , locks eyes with Cathy and becomes enamored . “‘ He just isn ’ t my type ,’” observes Cathy , but instead of dropping him , she
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