Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/815280
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mywifeand I love the beach. We walk on the beach, kayak, picnic, and in the summer we swim. When it's hot and the beach is crowded, my wife invariably asks me, "Are you checking out that girl in the bikini?" I always say, "No," which is a lie she sees right through. An argument ensues, dampening our other- wise beautiful day. I am in my 50s. I have no delusions of long-term futures with young girls (or anyone else) on the beach, but I love to look at attractive females. I try, apparently unsuc- cessfully, to be discreet, but my natural instinct is to stand and applaud. I know I sound like a dirty old man, but I doubt I am alone. So, how can I be hon- est and not hurt my wife? And can we still go to the beach? —Lyingonthe Beach DEAR LYING » I think many of us in middle age passively admire young and beautiful people without being lascivious (your wife might actually be in this category, but from your own descrip- tion, you are not). And so no — I won't help you to find a way to check out women in front of your wife. You say you know you sound like a dirty old man, and you're right; you do. In fact, I read this letter to one of my daughters, who rolled her eyes and said, "Ugh, gross." I doubt that was the reaction you were going for. All "attractive fe- males" know when they're being checked out. Some may enjoy the attention, but even if they do, the last thing they want on their day at the beach is a round of applause from you. In this context, your wife's feelings are more im- portant than theirs — or yours — because she is the one you're married to. She is (presumably) the woman you're going home with. You have a choice here: either stop checking out women, or come clean when she catches you and risk an argu- ment. The first choice will make your beautiful beach days continue for many years, the second one will probably lead to her turning these beach trips into solo expeditions. Stop blaming your wife for being frustrated about your inability to keep your eyes in your head. DEAR AMY » The letter from "Disturbed Dad" literally made me sick. This dad was trying to teach his young chil- dren that stepfamilies aren't "real" relatives. Thank you for re-educat- ing him. — Grateful for my Steps DEAR GRATEFUL » Many readers responded as you have. Thank you. Man at the beach gives the bikinis a round of applause 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 Taurus(April20-May20)— Apply what you know to some- thing that you find interesting, enjoyable and motivating. It will make chores easier if you have something to look forward to. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Get together with people who have something to offer. Share your thoughts and consider what's doable. Don't overstep your bounds. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your emotions will take control if you let a partner, domestic issue or child get the upper hand. Don't feel obliged to make a snap decision. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take a close look at your profes- sional position and potential advancement. Keep up with the latest technology. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Taking a short trip or attending a seminar or meeting that can provide you with information that is pertinent to something you want to pursue will help you avoid making a mistake. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Partnerships will go through an adjustment. Be ready with alternative suggestions to avoid being railroaded into something you don't like. Ask a friend to help resolve a dispute. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An intense push to get things done will pay off profession- ally, but will also challenge you physically. Take time to rejuve- nate to avoid health issues that interfere with your progress. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Personal problems should be dealt with quickly. The more you ignore an uncomfortable situation, the worse it will be- come. Do what needs to be done and move on. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Too much of anything will work against you. Keep your distance from people who are unpredictable, inconsistent or emotionally unstable. Concen- trate on your appearance. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A financial proposal should be considered carefully. Tak- ing baby steps to reach your goal will work out better than stretching your budget. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You'll be faced with decisions that can challenge you physi- cally or wreak havoc on your reputation. When in doubt, slow down and weigh the pros and cons. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't take on too much or get involved in something that has the potential to upset your relationship with a personal or professional partner. Modera- tion will be necessary to avoid conflicts. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, APRIL 25 TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B