Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/270994
DILBERT Scott Adams PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis PICKLES Brian Crane BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman GET FUZZY Darby Conley ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey ARGYLE SWEATER Scott Hilburn BIZARRO Dan Piraro While I'm away, read- ers give the advice. ON A PERFECT THING TO SAY WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY » The nicest handwritten note I received from a pupil read, "Mrs. (K.), I don't know what to say in light of your recent loss, but I was taught always to say something in such a case, so, 'I'm sorry.'" I still have it 17 years later. It was a small gesture, but the kindest of all. — K. ON FINDING COMPASSION FOR THE AWKWARD NEIGH- BOR KID » Parents of young children often look harshly at the behavior of older children out of inexperi- ence. Much like childless couples who judge the par- enting of others, parents of 5-and-unders may not realize their little sweeties will be 9 someday too, and 9-year-olds are awkward and just learning to handle social skills with much independence. A kid may be a brat, or he may just be not acting his best in your yard. Having friends in dif- ferent stages of parenting can be a treasured source of learning experiences. — An onymous ON "ARE YOU DATING/ GETTING MARRIED/HAV- ING CHILDREN/HAVING ANOTHER CHILD"-TYPE QUESTIONS » A friend once suggested the greatest re- ply to all loaded questions: "It is on the to-do list." I use it frequently. — S. ON THE PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT » The Jan. 7, 2014, column in- cluded a lovely, supportive letter to a rape survivor that also stated, "I've never been raped nor do I think I know anyone who has been." YES YOU DO. Sexual assault and sexual violence is visited on 1/4 to 1/3 of the women in this country. Saying you don't know anyone who has survived sexual assault is willful blindness. Implying this is unusual also inadvertently distances and isolates the survivor. We all know survivors of sexual assault. They might be your daughter, mother, colleague, boss, running partner, personal trainer, taxi driver. It is statistically impossible that you don't. — A. ON THE STRESS OF TRYING TO PLAN PARTIES AMID A NON-RSVP'ING EPIDEMIC » I throw an annual open house, and used to get very anxious when I hadn't heard from everyone be- fore notifying my caterer. I started making polite con- tacts with some of these invitees. I discovered that many had delayed replying because they were unsure of their plans. This year I omitted "RSVP" on my invitation, and asked people to con- tact me by X date "even if you aren't sure of your plans." So far this simple change has had the desired results. Even though my attendance total will never be guaranteed, the whole point of my party is for my guests and me to have fun and be relaxed. — Unstressed Hostess Conveying compassion when you're at a loss for words Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions: The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the number only once. Answer to Previous Puzzle Celebrity Cipher By Luis Campos Instructions: Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. NEA Crossword Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Choose an occupation that interests you, and learn as much as you can about it. Develop a plan for the future. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Nothing will be able to hold you back today. Your energy level is high, and you are in a happy frame of mind. Share your en- thusiasm to attract followers. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Address a problem that is concerning you. Listen to the advice of individuals who have experienced similar difficulties, and you may find the solution you have been looking for. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — There are many changes on the horizon. A chance encounter will lead to a very special partner- ship. You will be praised. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Take special care of your personal interests. You should refuse any loan requests or other pleas for financial contri- butions. Others may not be as trustworthy as you believe. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Romance and enjoyment will be the order of the day. Your goals are being realized through per- severance and hard work. Travel and socializing will help develop a rewarding insight. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Slow down and take a good look at your commitments and challenges. You risk damaging your health if you don't stop to reassess your situation and to rejuvenate. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — If you are unhappy, consider the circumstances that led to your current situation. Perhaps your expectations are unrealistic. Think things over to avoid mak- ing the same mistake twice. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — The key to security is the ability to manage your finances effectively. Share your dreams, and you are likely to come across a kindred spirit who has similar goals and much to contribute. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — You will be inspired to take on a new project. Go ahead and take the plunge. Your creativity and imagination will lead to a very successful outcome. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You need to deal with matters on your own. Otherwise, you will expend a lot of needless energy trying to get others to agree to your way of thinking. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — There is a group or organization that is looking for someone with your credentials. Participate, meet new people and spend time with those who share your interests. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, MARCH 4 Tuesday, March 4, 2014 redBLuFFdaILyNeWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B