Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/367522
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavebeen married for more than 20 years to a very nice man who is a good father. We generally get along, but we don' t ha ve m uch of a romantic relationship. It has always been this way (at least since early dating). He works hard and is devoted to both his career and children, but I feel like our relation- ship is not important. For the past few years we have spent very little time together as a couple. I feel lonely and can't find any comfort with him. We have been to marriage counseling, but our issues were never resolved (at least to my satisfaction). I feel like we are friends but not lovers. As I get older, I wonder what will become of us and how I will deal with the loneliness as our children move away. Do you have any advice? —FriendsWithout Benefits DEAR FRIENDS » Thought- ful parents and partners try to keep the relation- ship fires stoked during the kids' younger years by having date nights, going away together occasion- ally and overall putting the marriage at the center of the family. In your counseling ses- sions, are you only look- ing for ways for him to change? Are there things you could do differently to try to inspire a shift in your marriage, thus eas- ing your loneliness? To enjoy a companion- able togetherness, you two have to spend time together. Simply put, you have more to talk about when you've done things together. Meanwhile, you should definitely continue with professional counseling on your own. Your loneli- ness could have deeper roots than your marriage. DEAR AMY » I am 50 years old and a lesbian. My family has known this since I was 22 years old. Five months ago I started a new relationship after being single for four years. My girlfriend is wonderful and wants to get to know my family. My past long-term re- lationship didn't go well. That person was a leech who stole from me and from some of my fam- ily members. My family holds that over my head and won't let it go. My current girlfriend is not welcome at my parents' house and my siblings won't talk to her. I am so devastated and hurt, I just feel like letting them all go. — Very Hurt in Seattle DEAR HURT » Your family members are not punish- ing your girlfriend — they don't know her and have no grounds to actively dislike her. They are punishing you for allowing a previ- ous partner to mistreat and violate your trust — and theirs. They don't trust your judgment. You must acknowledge the part you played in this previous betrayal and apologize sincerely for the pain and hardship it caused. After you acknowledge and apologize, tell your family how much their rejection has hurt you. Wife lonely in passionless, empty 20-year marriage You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Keep your reputation intact by finishing what you start. If you focus on accomplishment, someone will recognize what you have to offer. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will impress people with your ideas if you schmooze. Trying to force your opinions on others will slow things down. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Look over your shoulder. Some- one will try to make you look bad or take advantage of you. Keep your eyes and ears open to avoid being taken by surprise. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — If you deliver your ideas with confidence, your communication skills will impress your business associates. A trip will prove to be very enlightening. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make your own decisions. Don't let someone else's opinion deter you from going where you need to go or doing what you want. Keep an eye on your wal- let and valuables. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Partnership worries will sur- face. Avoid getting into a battle of wills just because you don't share the same ideas. Agree to meet halfway and respect each other's decisions. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Researching a matter that appeals to you will help broaden your knowledge. Work-related issues will turn in your favor. Be vocal with your ideas. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Be careful not to overlook the youngsters in your life. You can get a whole new perspective on a situation if you listen to the innocence of a child's point of view. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You are likely to hear complaints if you have been neglecting your chores. Get caught up in order to leave more time to explore your own interests. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Have some laughs today. Take a trip someplace novel, or just get together with special friends. A good time free from worries will make you feel refreshed and ready to conquer the world. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Use your ingenuity to clear up pending legal matters. Someone will look to you for assistance. Be wise in your assessment of the situation before you offer help. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Focus on home, family and domestic matters. You can minimize personality clashes by keeping your thoughts to yourself. Sit back and listen to complaints being made before you make a move. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, AUG. 21 THURSDAY,AUGUST21,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B