Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/768438
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mymiddle- school daughter recently came out to our family; we are all very support- ive of her. She has a girlfriend the same age, and the girlfriend's family does not know of their daughter's sexuality. The girls want to have a sleepover to celebrate a birthday, and I am inclined to say no to this. I wouldn't let any of my other children have a boyfriend/girlfriend sleep over at this age. The girlfriend's parents may question why, but I feel it is not my place to tell them. If I allow the sleepover, and the parents later find out that I knew the situation, there could be fallout. —WorriedMother DEAR WORRIED » I agree that you should not permit this sleepover. I also wonder if middle school is a little early to be having a parent- sanctioned romantic relationship. If your daughter is in middle school, I take it that she is in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Aside from hav- ing crushes, did your other children have boy- friends/girlfriends at that age? This is the first issue I would clear up with her. And yes — I agree with your logic that romantic couples don't have sleepovers in your house. It is not up to you to out this other girl to her parents. However, you should encourage her to be open, if it is safe for her to do so. She may be less sure of her sexuality than your daughter is, and you should not push her, or d o t hi s fo r h er . I applaud your sup- portive attitude toward your daughter. But it is as important for you to discuss relationships, dating and sexual behav- ior with her as it would be with any other child her age. DEAR AMY » I would like to respond to "Still the Anxious Child," who asked how she can get past the history of abuse she suffered by her parents. Here's how I succeeded in doing just that. Over 30 years ago, I we nt t o a ps y c h ol og is t, told him my history and he said one sentence that changed my life: "People who are abusive are that way because of their need to be abusive, not because of anything you say or do. There is nothing you can say or do to make them stop." I was dumbstruck. The next time my father started in over the phone, I kept repeating to myself, "There's nothing you can do." I remained silent. My father eventually said to me, "Are you there?" I said, "Yes." Then he said, "And you have nothing to say?" I said, "No." And that was the last time he did it. — Recovered DEAR RECOVERED » Great insight. Thank you. 'Out' middle school girl wants sleepover with her girlfriend 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan.19) — Head into the new year with a plan. Don't discuss what you are going to do, or you will face opposition. Enjoy the festivities without controversy. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Let your emotions lead the way. Truth and honesty will help you clear up any misgivings, allowing you to ring in the year with a fresh new start. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Let your imagination wander. Listen to the people you en- counter while you venture into the new year with hopes and as- pirations. Enjoy the evening. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A positive change will result if you are affectionate and willing to work toward a common goal with someone you love. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Simple plans will make the turn of the year special and memo- rable. Spend some time with people who spark your interest. Sharing cultural differences will bring you closer together. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — If you present who you are and what you want openly, you'll attract people who have similar goals. Their contribu- tions will ensure that you head into the new year with a positive attitude. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Ring in the year with people you find inspiring. Discussing your thoughts and plans will ensure that you head into the new year on the right foot. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You can live it up at a party, but do so with class. Stay in control and avoid temptation. Keeping a clear head and an open mind will help you enter the new year on a high note. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You'll have some interesting ideas that you should share with someone you love and respect. The help offered will lead to a new beginning. Celebrate what's to come. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put on a happy face and plan to ring in the new year with someone you love. A romantic evening will encourage positive plans and new adventures as the year unfolds. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Celebrate in a unique and cost-efficient manner. Don't let the past bring you down. It's time to move forward with a positive attitude and the determination to build a brighter future. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make this New Year's celebration intimate, special and one to remember. Stick close to home and spend time with someone who makes you happy. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, DEC. 31 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016 6 B