Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/760395
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Isuffered regular sexual abuse at the hands of a cousin when I was between the ages of 5 and 8. He is eight years older than me. I actually go years without thinking about it, but when it comes back to me I feel angry and in pain. I'm 46 years old now. Over the last few years I have shared the secret with my sisters and a few close friends, but I will never tell my entire fam- ily. It would destroy my mother. Today I will head to my uncle's funeral. My cousin will be there. I do not know what to do when I have to see him. He is a huge, charismatic man. Everyone loves him. I feel like an insignificant blip on the radar within the family. In the past I have avoided him, but he will approach me in a way that implies I am "too good" to say hello. I have also just tried to greet him as I would anyone, with a brief hug and niceties. He doesn't treat me any differently than my sisters, which makes me wonder if he even remem- bers what he did. Am I a horrible person to just pretend during these moments that I have forgotten and go ahead with the nice- ties just in order to get through? —Unsure DEAR UNSURE » Noth- ing about your behavior makes you a "horrible person." And noth- ing, and no one, should make you feel small and inconsequential. The age difference between you and your cousin puts his behavior in the predatory category when you were a child. I want for you to feel big and empower- ed instead of small and invisible. Reaching out to this cousin privately to explain why you won't be offering hugs to him might help you to con- tinue the process of putting this behind you. This carries risks, howev- er, of opening a dialogue that you don't want to have, or perhaps hearing an unwelcome denial from him. A therapist should guide you. In the meantime, yes, definitely avoid him. If I were your sisters, I would flank you at any fa mily event s. I f he wanted to hug you, he'd have to get through me first. DEAR AMY » "Grieving Daughter" described her mother's heartbreak- ing choice to withhold her cancer diagnosis from everyone, including her husband and children. I know this seems unbelievable, but I had a family member do the same thing. I agree with Grieving that this increased our pain when the loss was so sudden. — Also Grieving DEAR GRIEVING » I'm so sorry. Child victim faces her abuser at family get-togethers You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — You are dedicated and ready to pursue whatever it takes to make your life better. Applying for a better position will lead to greater income. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Emotions will flare up. Don't let the actions of others upset you. Back away if you don't want to take part in something. Trust your judgment. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Share your feelings with someone you want to spend more time with. Joining forces with someone will lead to a victory. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look past discord and opposition, and remain intent on reaching your goal regardless of others' actions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Emotions will be difficult to control. Consider all the angles before you jump into something that may not be right for you. Romance is on the rise and should be a priority. T aurus (April 20-May 20) — Gather information and discuss your ideas with someone who may put a damper on your plans if you try to move forward with- out approval. Resolve a personal or health issue privately. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — An unexpected proposal can turn into a fiasco if you over- spend. Get the costs involved before committing to something that has the potential to turn into a money pit. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Get your work out of the way before someone criticizes you. Taking on too much will be unproductive and leave you in an awkward position. Keep your emotions under control. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A short trip or friendly meeting with someone who shares your beliefs and strategies will lead to an intriguing proposal. Take more interest in children or elders. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Network with people who can help you flesh out an idea that will secure your position. Don't give in to anyone putting demands on your time or asking for money. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — It's an opportune day to make arrangements to do something unique with a loved one. Letting your life become too mundane or routine will cause dissat- isfaction. An adventure will inspire you to excel. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't let your emotions cloud your vision. You have to look at the facts and be willing to take some of the blame when dis- agreements come into play. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, DEC. 8 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016 4 B