Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/790023
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Withoutgo- ing into lengthy detail, we have been dealing with a bad relative for at least five years. We have constantly dealt with their inappropriate behavio r. It has go tten to the point now that we don't even want to deal with this person anymore, but if we cut ties, they twist stories around and make us look bad. This person cries a (lying) sob story to the family matriarch to con money from her, and she falls for it every time. I am tired of being stressed about this per- son; everyone is walking on eggshells. I feel we shouldn't have to do something just to appease this per- son. It will only encour- age and condone their behavior. Yet we don't want to ruffle the family feathers. Normally I would say the hell with it — we should do what we feel is right. The bigger part of the problem is the family matriarch. She is so controlling, everyone is afraid to cross her for fear of her cutting them out of the family (and her will). —AtWits'End DEAR AT WITS' END » You need to decide what is most important to you — your own personal and emotional integrity, or the (possibly slim) chance of some financial gain down the road. You cannot count on someone who behaves poorly to ever change. Only know that if you tolerate and condone this behavior, it will continue, and likely escalate — because people like this tend to raise the stakes in order to control people who are growing tired of being manipulated. The way out is through true liberation. You just say, "I'm done dancing around you. Do what you are going to do and say what you're going to say ... it no longer matters to me." First you have to genuinely not give the tiniest hoot about what people (whom you don't respect anyway) think of you. You also have to be willing to say "bye- bye" to any money that is dangling over your head. If you can manage this, you will be the envy of your family, as they continue to walk on egg- shells in exchange for the chance to play the family lottery. DEAR AMY » Thank you, thank you, thank you, for recommending Head Start to the "Old- Fashioned Grandma in OR," whose grand- daughter was yelling and swearing at her toddler son. I am a Head Start teacher and part of what we do is to help chil- dren (and their parents) navigate different ways to behave. — Teacher DEAR TEACHER » I de- scribed Head Start as "a miracle," for good reason. Thank you and your fel- low teachers. Toxic family member keeps manipulating the matriarch 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Look over personal paper- work, contracts or records to find information that will help you make better choices going forward. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Question your motives if some- one tries to block or interfere with your achievements. Clear up any misunderstanding before you assume a position. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Getting along with your peers will be in your best interest. If you call upon people you have worked with in the past, you'll be given inside information. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your ability to express what you want to see happen will en- courage others to help you make your plan a success. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Educate yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. Seek advice from experienced pros, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on things. Trust in your ability. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Traveling, learning and interact- ing with interesting people will encourage you to make lifestyle changes. Physical action will bring positive results. Celebrate with someone you love. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Make affordable plans with children, family or a loved one. Living within your means will help you enjoy the day instead of adding to your stress. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Troubles will surface when dealing with domestic or rela- tionship matters. Be willing to compromise and discuss concerns openly. Strive for equality, balance and peace of mind. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Be careful what you share with your peers. Some- one will use personal informa- tion against you to deter your progress. Don't overreact to someone's argument when you should be countering with facts. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Personal improvements will lead to unexpected gains. Refuse to let an emotional inci- dent cost you. Keep your mind on the facts, and move forward with confidence. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — An emotional situation will escalate into an unsavory en- counter if you get involved with people who don't share your values or beliefs. Avoid travel, and proceed with caution. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Bring about positive change. Altering your appearance or methods will make others take notice. Follow through with your plans if you want to prosper. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 6 B