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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myboy- friend left for a student exchange program in France for six months, there are still more than two months left. The thing is, after he left I had a brea kdown; school was too much, and him being away wasn't helping. I texted him things I deeply regret. I questioned his love many times. I feel like he still loves me, but it's not the same as before. I have been trying for almost a month to be positive. I'm trying not to doubt him and to be there for him. I even asked him if there was something I could change that would make him happier, but nothing seems to work. Sometimes I feel like I am doing too much and am too intense, but I fear losing him. I tried talking about our plans for the future but he told me he doesn't like to plan this far ahead because he doesn't even know what he wants to do after his studies. The other day, I told him how many days were left before he came back and he became an- gry. He told me he didn't like it that I was keeping track. I just took back control over my life and losing him would put me back where I started. I don't know how to act or what to do anymore. —DistressedBoyfriend DEAR DISTRESSED » Long distance is never easy, and on top of that you've gone through someth ing tr aumat ic. I'm very sorry. An important re- minder here: It is much harder to be left than it is to leave. Your job right now is to keep putting yourself back together, and that means cutting yourself (and your boyfriend) some slack. Your insecurity is affecting your rela- tionship. Even at a dis- tance, he feels crowded. Please, give your rela- tionship some space to breathe. It will be good for both of you. If you don't push so hard, you will actually feel more in control. Your main focus right now should be on getting better, not on altering yourself to make up for things you did when you weren't well. Remember that mental well-being is a process, so try not to let setbacks derail you, and try not to jump to conclusions about your relationship right now. It is scary to think that your relationship might have changed, but ultimately this experience will teach you about your- self. Living in a foreign country can be a liberat- ing experience, but it can also be very isolating, especially when someone you care about is having a difficult time. If you stop demanding attention, you may receive it more readily. I hope you're connect- ing with people closer to home. Family, friends, or a support group may be able to give you perspective on this. Definitely check in with your school's counselor. A student suffers through a long-distance relationship 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) — Personal gains are heading in your direction. Accept the inevi- table and welcome the changes that will give you the push you need to pursue ambitious goals. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Deal with unfinished busi- ness. Take on institutions or government agencies that are taking advantage of you or your community. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Take charge and don't budge if you feel it's not in your best interest. Don't worry about a stalemate. The results will turn in your favor. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Look at all aspects of an agree- ment, and negotiate on your own behalf. Knowing what you want will help you find success. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Set up a meeting, interview or talk with an expert in order to help you make decisions regard- ing your current position and future pursuits. An internship or apprenticeship looks promising. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Changes at home can be made that will help you save money or cut your overhead. A move or change in the way you handle your financial affairs should stabilize your life. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A personal connection with someone close to you will encourage you to explore the unknown and consider doing things differently. Personal gains look promising. Aim to get fit and fabulous. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You know what's best, and you know what to do, so don't allow anyone to play emo- tional mind games with you. Put your trust in yourself. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Build your assets, take care of investments and make changes at home that will help cut costs or boost your home's value. Financial growth is good, but indulgence is not. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Emotions will surface if things don't go your way finan- cially. Use common sense and be practical when dealing with change that could get costly. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Plan your actions with precision and look over the fine print when dealing with per- sonal documents. Discuss your concerns or potential problems, but don't disclose information that will incriminate you. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Get involved in a program that will encourage good health, fitness and longevity. Taking better care of your physical and financial needs is highlighted. Think before you spend money. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 2 B