Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/783219
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihaveanew colleague who recently moved from another divi- sion at our company into mine. She is now working as the program coordina- tor for our team of eight colleagues. She is very accom- modating to everyone, has a great attitude and is very adept at her job. I like working with her! She has told me that some of our colleagues have given her the cold shoulder and have been very unfriendly/difficult to work with. Recently, she found out that she was not in- vited to a birthday party that other team members attended. Another invita- tion came up for a wed- ding shower/luncheon of a teammate, and she wasn't included. I have been on the re- ceiving end of this kind of behavior from colleagues at previous workplaces who intentionally exclude you, are unkind, etc. This is very discouraging be- havior for someone who is new to a group and trying to get along/fit in with everyone. When I first began in this position, I felt the same way. I don't know what other advice to give her, except to rise above the petty drama and continue to be a kind colleague with a great work ethic. What's your advice? —Colleagueonthe Sidelines DEAR COLLEAGUE » Your advice, to "rise above the petty drama," is great. As a life-motto, this advice de se r v es i ts o wn T -s hi r t. Here is additional perspective: If your col- league is new, other team members may simply not know her well enough to include her in off-site personal occasions, such as birthdays and wedding showers, where there is some pressure to attend and bring a gift. Sometimes people re- spond to social uncertain- ty by basically being too clunky, shy, or intimidat- ed to demonstrate basic decent manners. This is amplified in a group. This is not an excuse for exclu- sion, but a possible expla- nation for the sometimes complicated dynamic. If your group has coalesced into a unit, your new colleague's pres- ence is throwing off the balance; things should rebalance in time. You are already help- ing by being friendly and kind. You might be able to alter the dynamic by deliberately including your colleague — and suggesting that your co-workers should, too, but it is also important to remember that it is not necessary to be personal friends with people in order to work well with them. DEAR AMY » "Feeling Guilty" was using a lake house that she co-owns with her brother when her niece tried to guilt her into letting her come to stay with her three kids. I'm glad you explained to her that delivering a simple "No," is ultimately a good thing. — No More Guilt DEAR NO MORE » A neutral "No" leaves little room for doubt, miscommunica- tion, or manipulation. Workplace exclusion creates petty drama with new boss 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Make your decisions based on your needs, not on what someone else expects of you or is trying to manipulate you into doing. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look past what's right in front of you. If you delve into the unfamiliar, you'll come up with unique ideas that will help you create a better atmosphere. Aries (March 21-April 19) — When faced with adversity, you must show compassion and a willingness to find solutions. Turn any negative you encoun- ter into a positive. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Show compassion and offer help. Get involved in your com- munity or take part in an event that will have a positive impact. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Sticking to the truth will help you avoid mistakes. If you want something, you must ask for it. Don't take what others say to heart. Make changes based on your findings, not on what oth- ers tell you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Channel your emotional energy into something creative and constructive. Personal altera- tions that add to your comfort or contribute to your happiness are highlighted. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Making travel plans, taking busi- ness trips, attending conferenc- es or just doing something that will update your image or boost your morale would all be good ideas. Romance is in the stars. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Do what you can to assist those in need, but not at the expense of your own needs. Problems with medical issues will surface if you aren't careful. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Not everyone will be happy with the decisions you make. Con- sider your choices and adjust your schedule to ensure that you take care of small details and your responsibilities. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Home is where you will feel most comfortable. Take on a task that will challenge you mentally and encourage you to make positive personal changes at the same time. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make a physical change that will boost your confidence. Setting a trend or expressing how you feel in the way you present yourself to others will attract positive attention. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Question anyone you don't trust or who you feel may not have accurate information. Look out for your interests and don't rule out taking an unusual route to improve your situation. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, FEB. 7 TUESDAY,FEBRUARY7,2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B