Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/792585
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Forthefirst time in years, I have been thinking about an episode from my earlier life. I got pregnant before my 16th birthday. It was the first time I'd had sex; we used a condom, and it broke. That's all it took. I was devastated. I felt betrayed by life, and I decided to termi- nate my pregnancy. Well, 19 years later, I'm actually still friends with my ex. He is married and has gorgeous chil- dren and I couldn't feel happier for him! My boyfriend (of eight years) is ... "OK." We have issues due to his online habits, where he gets in- volved with other women. But, despite his lapse in judgment, do I "owe it to him" to tell him the truth about my history? He wants children someday. I have ZERO desire for children. He assumes all women want to have babies. I really want to tell him of my past, but I'm 35 now. Does my choice when I was a teenager matter? If he judges me, does HE matter? —NotaMom DEAR NOT » You have been with Mr. "Just OK" for eight years. So my first question for you is why you stay with someone you don't trust? Secondly, if you have kept this knowledge so close for the entirety of your relationship with him, why tell him now? I suspect that this is a test of sorts. You tell him about the abortion, he judges and rejects you and your relation- ship ends (in your mind) because of his reaction, and in his mind because of your long-ago choice. I don't think there is a right answer concern- ing disclosing this choice. But I do know this: If you trusted him enough to make a life with him, you would probably have told him a long time ago. If he trusted you, he wouldn't be looking for relation- ships with other women. Your complete mis- ma t ch c on c e rn in g t he desire to have children is reason enough to part. Either you haven't com- municated this to him, or he doesn't believe you. Aside from your re- lationship with Mr. OK, there is a deeper reason you are ruminating. A therapist could help you to sort it out. DEAR AMY » I know you've had lots of responses con- cerning whether to invite a troublesome parent to a wedding. Here's my story: One sister invited my alcoholic father to her wedding. He disappeared and left her alone on the dance floor, and was eventually escorted out after shoving a man. My other sister did not invite him, to avoid a similar scene. She regrets it, and wishes she would have gotten a "minder." I married last and invited him, with a minder. He was on his best behavior, and it was a wonderful day because I was honest about my expectations. — AML DEAR AML » The same challenging guest inspired three different outcomes. I'm happy your solution worked. Woman ponders disclosing long-ago choice to boyfriend 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) — Make a commitment to do your best. Figure out the best way to get what you want, and start moving forward. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep a lid on the way you feel. Observation will be in your best interest. Don't make assump- tions or engage in arguments based on insufficient facts. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You need to seriously assess the secrets you've been keeping and the cost of doing so. Certain matters should be revealed to help eliminate uncertainty. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't try to change others. Make an honest attempt to increase your inner strength. Making your life better begins within. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The so-called oppor- tunity someone is giving you is probably not going to help you as much as it would him or her. Branch out alone, without broadcasting what you are go- ing to do. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Al- tering your vocation or domestic situation will open a window of opportunity, giving you clear passage to get what you want. Children and elders will play a role in your life. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Keep your enemies close so that you can see what might be used against you. Protect yourself against bad health, financial loss and a poor reputation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you look for an opportunity, you will find it. Take time to nurture partnerships and to include those who can be of as- sistance to you when you need it. Romance is featured. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Work from home, if possible. You'll get more done and avoid interference. Unusual lifestyle changes will give you peace of mind and greater insight into your future. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you express your feelings, you will find a way to improve your personal life or bring greater business opportu- nities within reach. Love can't be forced or bought. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Emotional distress will take charge if you try to control situ- ations. Choose to let everyone, including yourself, have the freedom to do whatever will bring the best results. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Reconnect with a former co-worker in order to forge a new beginning. Your ability to make things happen through discipline and hard work will be admired. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, FEB. 28 TUESDAY,FEBRUARY28,2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B