Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/788835
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama groom-to-be. My fiancee and I grew up eight hours away from each other. My mother and my fiancee are close. Several months ago, my mom planned a bridal shower in my hometown. My fiancee's family was annoyed, upset and somewhat hostile about this, think- ing that my mother was trying to usurp their role. My mother had as- sumed that they would also host a bridal shower in their hometown. They said they have never heard of someone having more than one bridal shower. They were quite vocal with me about it. My future in-laws have not yet met my mother, who is one of the kindest, most polite people you could ever meet. This was quite hurt- ful to me. After planning their own shower, my fiancee's family has now decided not to have it. They have basically invited themselves to the one my mother is hosting. This makes things super-awkward, because we don't have room for them at the venue. We already had to trim the list to fit. Did my mother violate etiquette by plan- ning a shower? Is there a polite way to tell my fiancee's family (mother and two sisters) that there is no space for them? —FrustratedGroom DEAR GROOM » The most appropriate people to throw bridal show- ers are not mothers or mothers-in-law, but bridesmaids, or friends of the couple who live in the town where the couple resides. This current dust-up illustrates one good reason behind this re- commendation. But yes, it is fine to have two parties in two different towns. Yes, your family must find space for these three women at your home- town shower. Even if they were planning their own shower, the polite thing would have been to include and invite them from the start. It is a shame that this is happening — normally in-laws have to meet personally before they commence the snip- ing. You and your fiancee need to work hard, and as a team, to establish that you expect people to behave and to respect your various family relationships. DEAR AMY » OMG I almost spit out my cornflakes when I read the letter from "Sam, in Los Angeles, CA" who wondered why none of the women he took out wanted to sleep with him. I knew you would deliver the response he deserved. Thank you for making me laugh. — A Fan DEAR FAN » Thank you! I'll be here all week, appearing at breakfast tables throughout North America. Groom ponders the correct bridal shower etiquette 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) — Confusion will set in while traveling or discussing important matters if you let your emotions intervene. Personal growth should be your goal. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Talk to people who can offer facts that will help you make better choices. Collaborate with someone, but don't feel obliged to take part in a joint venture. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Put your ideas on display, and collaborate with people you feel have something to offer. Com- promise will lead you to victory. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — An unusual partnership will interest you. Consider how well each complements the other, as well as the likelihood of you both achieving your goals. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Being a part of something big will give you a sense of belong- ing and the ability to move forward in life without reserva- tions. Personal improvements are favored. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Check out a place in your community that you have never visited before. The people you encounter will spark your imagi- nation and inspire you to do something life-altering. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Step into the limelight and show off your attributes. You'll attract people who can contrib- ute to your life and help improve it. Personal relationships look promising. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Work to improve your relation- ships. Choose to encourage oth- ers rather than criticize them. Look inward and make simple but effective changes that will add to your popularity. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Domestic improvements, fam- ily trips or get-togethers and romantic interactions should be your priorities. If you play the instigator, the incentives you put in place will get others to pitch in and help. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make your home your castle. Alter your living space to suit your needs and help you develop the projects you want to pursue. Someone unique and creative will inspire you. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Share little with people trying to pry into your life. Stick to familiar territory and focus on bringing about positive personal changes. Romance is highlighted. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Avoid unnecessary travel, and be careful when dealing with institutions or government agencies. Protect against insult, injury and loss. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, FEB. 18 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017 6 B