Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/708753
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamanonly child who was raised by parents who were ap- proaching 50 when I was born. There were no other children on the street where we lived. I attend- ed a religious school that was several miles away from where we lived. I grew up very alone, and I like being alone. And that is my prob- lem: I like being alone, yet everyone around me assumes that I am lonely because I've never been married and have no chil- dren or other social ties. I like people only in very small doses. I can en- joy being "interested" in a new person for an hour, but then I really have no desire to ever see them again. With considerable effort I can pretend to be interested in my co-work- ers' lives for 10 minutes at a time, but really all I want is to do my job and leave so I can do things that make me happy. My idea of a perfect day is to go hiking alone, and then eat solo at an ethnic restaurant that serves some type of food I've never tried before while socializing with the usually foreign staff, and then attending a lecture at a nearby university — or go home and read. I have done activities with people, but I find their company exhausting. I also find it too stress- ful to lie and pretend that I have family obligations or some other reason why I don't have time to be someone's friend. So what do I do? Tell- ing the truth that I'm not interested in being social, let alone being someone's best friend, ends up hurt- ing people's feelings. And telling polite lies leads people to just try harder to persuade me to social- iz e . H ow d o I c op e w it h a world that is focused on "social connection" when I am alone but not lonely? —NotLonelyWoman DEAR NOT LONELY » First, you should read the book "Quiet: The Power of In- troverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Su- san Cain (2013, Broadway Books). This groundbreak- ing look into the life and motivations of introverts will help you to under- stand yourself — and also put into context your own relationship to the "noise" of the world. There is nothing wrong with you, and there is nothing wrong with the way other people relate. It just comes down to a difference in the need for human connection. DEAR AMY » I disagreed with your response to "Frustrated by Family." The woman who wrote to you had a much younger sister (age 21) who wanted to bring a friend to visit the older sister. I think the younger sister wanted to bring the friend as "cover." My older sister was so judg- mental toward me that I didn't know how to relate, especially when I was young. You should have advised Frustr ated to be more understanding. — Younger Sister DEAR YOUNGER SISTER » The dynamic you describe could well be in play in this relationship, but "Frustrated" didn't pres- ent any evidence. Introvert wonders how to explain herself to others You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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)— Letting emotional problems seep into your professional life will not lead to advance- ment. Offer your skills and a positive attitude. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — If you search for information, you will discover something that will clear up confusion about a personal matter. Your effort to excel will pay off. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Speak up on behalf of someone who cannot do so for him- or herself. Your ability to offer a reasonable alternative will make you a hero. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Step back and consider whether it's worth getting upset over something you cannot change. Focus on what you can do. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A healthier lifestyle will save you from slipping into bad habits. Demonstrating discipline and a desire to be your best is favored. Love yourself and the people who support your efforts. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You need to move forward, regardless of what others do. An unpredictable situation is best handled with caution. Rely on your experience to guide you for a positive turn of events. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Good fortune will develop through patience, love and un- derstanding. If you are sincere in your treatment of others, you will enhance your relationship with loved ones. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Listen to what's being said and make adjustments based on what works for you. Trust in your knowledge, intuition and ability to visualize. Don't let mixed emotions lead you astray. Aries (March 21-April 19) — If you network and show off your skills, you will be offered a chance to take on something new and exciting. Contracts and negotiations look promising. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Put your emotions aside and become a participant. The experience you gain and the connections you make will be worth your while. Don't give in to someone using emotional tactics. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Play it safe and ask questions if you are in doubt. Common sense should tell you who is offering you the truth and who isn't. What you discover will help bring about personal change. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Dream on and proceed to make your dreams a reality. Carve out a working space in your home that is conducive to creativity and personal growth. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JULY 28 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 2 B