Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/237882
6B Daily News – Tuesday, January 7, 2014 Rape survivor seeks leave from work to focus on recovery DEAR CAROLYN » I'm a young professional with a decent office job. I generally like my co-workers. At work I am cheerful and friendly and, at least to the eye, in perfect health. But I'm also a recovering rape survivor who is battling an increasingly debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder. Recently things have gone downhill and Carolyn I find myself Hax at least once Ask Carolyn a day crying. I am working with a therapist, doctor, etc., but things have become so overwhelming that I've decided I need to take a leave of absence from work to focus more intensely on my therapy and learn how to self-care again. I've talked to my boss about this and she is supportive. The question then becomes what to tell my co-workers? My boss said she'd be fine with just telling them I'm burned out and taking a long vacation (about five weeks), but I'm not comfortable with that, as my leaving gives everyone else more work and I don't want people to think I'm making things harder for them. The other option is, of course, to say "medical leave," but I feel like that's going to invite a lot of questions I can't answer. A lot of my co-workers are around my age and we are friendly outside of work to the point that I know intimate details of their life. I just can't deal with sharing this one of mine. Help? — Invisible Illness "Medical leave" is the way to go, and it's the only explanation you need for mature acquaintances, who will have questions but also enough sense not to ask them. Those who aren't there yet will pry, yes, but the only answer required is "Thank you for your concern. It's a private matter." As for the more-thanacquaintances, "intimate details" crew, you can say you're sorry to be cryptic, and ask that they humor you on this and not press. Some assurance that you're not in stage-4-cancer-type danger would be appropriate, too, worded vaguely. Take care. DEAR INVISIBLE » Re: Medical leave: I agree with DEAR CAROLYN » "medical leave" on this one, but, more importantly, just wanted to give "Invisible Illness" a shout out of love and support. We've never met, but your post was touching, and I've never been raped nor do I think I know anyone who has been. I think it's great that you know yourself as "recovering" and a "survivor" and are taking this time off for yourself. If you were my coworker, you'd have nothing but my support, and I'd gladly take on a little extra if it meant I could help in some small way. Take care of you right now; you'll always have a chance to do something kind for your co-workers or someone else down the line. All the best to you and your continued recovery! I hope you find peace. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman Brian Crane PICKLES This is lovely, thank you. Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Darby Conley GET FUZZY Sudoku Instructions: The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the number only once. SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey Answer to Previous Puzzle PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis Celebrity Cipher By Luis Campos Instructions: Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. Scott Adams DILBERT BIZARRO Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Focus on your home and make changes that ease your stress and add to your comfort. A change in direction may upset you, but the benefits will far exceed any discomfort you feel. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Make innovative moves that will ensure your financial and emotional freedom. Setting a goal and focusing on your destination will prove a sure strategy for happiness. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Lend a helping hand, and you will make new contacts and win support for your own goals. Opportunity is knocking; you need to answer the door. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't let opposition stand between you and what you think is right. Choose your words wisely, and don't mince them. Dan Piraro ARGYLE SWEATER Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Keep your eyes open. There will be plenty of obscure movements underway that could go easily unnoticed if you aren't observant. Preparation and detail will counter any underhandedness. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You need to go where the action is, and don't be afraid to get physical. Participate and make a difference, but don't expect everything to fall into place. Pay special attention to your budget. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Avoid letting a critic put pressure on you. Concentrate on the activities that you feel most comfortable doing, or devote some time to a creative hobby that brings you pleasure. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make a personal change that will give you something to look forward to. Improve your appeal or fix up a space to help hone your domestic skills. Scott Hilburn Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A positive attitude and a plan will lead to satisfaction and gratification. Love is on the rise, and planning something special for someone will improve your relationship. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Stay calm and be realistic. You mustn't feel threatened or pressured into doing something that you don't want to do. Avoid being too accommodating. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Let your concerns be known. Schedule meetings or engage in an activity that will bring you knowledge. Explore your more creative ideas. Someone from your past will help you make a decision. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make changes at home that will help you feel better about your future. A move to a location that offers greater professional or financial opportunities should be considered. NEA Crossword