Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/548049
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Fifteenyears ago I met a woman in an online chat room. We hit it off immediately, found a strong connection and enjoyed a long and happy online relationship despite living in different countries. Eventually as the years went by, we lost touch. Three years ago I found her again via a chat app and we picked up right where we left off. We had both matured and our family life and situations had changed dramatically. We talked at a deeper level than before, with each passing day feeling a deeper sense of ... love, I guess? We used video chat to finally see each other (aside from photos) and were like giddy teenagers. Despite the inability to meet, we professed our feelings for each other. I changed jobs a year ago and now have the ability to visit. We made plans to meet up but weeks before I was due to arrive, she pulled the plug. By this stage we were talking multiple times a day and this came as a massive shock. She said she didn't want to mess "this" up. In my mind I have two options. 1) I abide by her wishes and remain as we are, never push to meet her and realize that although she might actu- ally be "the one," I should respect her demands, or 2) buy a ticket to see her, call her when I am actually in her hometown and ask to see her and hopefully she realizes that sometimes life is full of risks and sometimes these risks are worth taking if you are ultimately happy. I do not think there is anyone else on the scene, so this comes down to what I wan t ver sus wha t she wants. Or maybe there is something I am not seeing (being a man, this is a possibility). —G DEAR G » There is a mid- dle ground between giv- ing up and showing up. You choose a date to visit, tell her of the date, and then visit on that date — explaining your well-sup- ported desire to go for it and telling her where you are staying. Don't show up unannounced — but do show up. If she refuses to see you again, then you should face the fact that this online relationship doesn't seem like the best thing for you, and so you must be prepared to step out of it. There are so many reasons she might not want to see you that it is useless to speculate, but the most important consideration is that she wants one kind of relationship and you want another. Choose what is best for you. DEAR AMY » I was horri- fied to read the question from "L in N.J.," who wanted to get a puppy for a woman who had rejected him. Yikes — thank you for giving him a smackdown. People should never give animals as gifts, unless they will help take care of the animal. — Animal Advocate DEAR ADVOCATE » Puppies are a ton of work, and represent years of commitment. Man struggles to transition online relationship to real life 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)— When asked to make a move, act quickly or the offer may be withdrawn. Put extra effort into your work and educational pursuits. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Do something out of the ordinary. A short excursion with friends will take your mind off your woes. All work and no play is bad for your mental health. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Unanticipated changes will confuse you. Accept what is out of your control instead of letting it bring you down. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — New friends will get a charge out of your engaging wit and sense of fun. Join a group of individuals whose ideals and beliefs mirror your own. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Take a step back and let things unfold naturally. A detailed project that requires concentration or endurance will help you forget about what's going on in your personal life. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't get drawn into a battle of wills with someone who is looking for a fight. The less reaction you show, the easier it will be to ward off hassles or challenges. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Refuse to be tempted by a dubious offer. Don't jeopardize your reputation or step into a vulnerable position. Problems will escalate if you are deemed untrustworthy. Stand behind your words. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Get involved in something that motivates you. Donating your time or services to a cause close to your heart will be re- warding in more ways than one. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Worrying about matters beyond your control will add to your stress. Look for a creative way to increase your cash flow and secure your future. It's up to you to bring about positive change. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Love and romance are highlight- ed. Your confidence will soar if you collaborate with people who can help propel you to success. A promising offer is evident. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — It's a perfect time to make improvements to your surround- ings and lifestyle that will add value and comfort to your home. Monetary gains are within reach. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Lending or borrowing money or belongings will be to your advantage. Before you point fingers at others, you should make sure your own actions are reputable. Negativity will lead to disappointment. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015 8 B