Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/251338
4D Daily News – Thursday, January 30, 2014 Woman trying to get pregnant struggles to be happy for others jumpy about it yourself? As a way of explaining why you might not appear as thrilled as you genuinely are for her? Maybe you're afraid that's grouch behavior, but I see that as the way friends look out for each other — by being transparent and taking it from there instead of letting them walk blindly into a minefield. Talk to her. By the way, you're right, a "few" months is pre-panic territory. DEAR CAROLYN » A friend of mine has recently announced her pregnancy. I have been trying for a few months to conceive, haven't been successful yet. I don't think I'm at a point yet where I need to panic, but I'm a worrywart, so my emotions are fragile. This friend and her husband have semi-invited themselves Carolyn to my house Hax for a weekAsk Carolyn end. It seems that they want to celebrate their happy news ... and while I want to do that with them, I'm also jealous and upset that it hasn't happened for me yet. I am able to deal with this from afar, but a weekend of them in my house? I don't want to be a grouch or a downer. Any tips on rebuttals when the "Oh don't worry, you're next" and "I can't drink, for obvious reasons" comments come? — Not So Lucky (Yet) DEAR ANONYMOUS » This is a tutorial in saying no. Thanks. DEAR NOT SO LUCKY » DEAR CAROLYN » You haven't told her yet that you're a few months into trying? That you're happy for her but also Re: Friend: Also, if you're not ready, you can tell your friend that it turns out it's not a good time. And then YOU invite her when you're ready. Whether it's a semi-self-invitation or a full-blown one, it's your home. If you're not ready to be "on" for a houseguest, then politely and kindly put her off. — Anonymous DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Friend: I'm six months pregnant, and we found out a month ago that our daughter has several serious congenital heart defects. The best cardiologists in the country are thinking that she might not live beyond 48 hours after birth. A month ago I was agonizing over the "best" stroller and wondering if I'd look fat. Now I'm thinking a nurse will have to do a quickie baptism in the delivery room. This is all to say that if you know someone with a healthy pregnancy, even if you're going through difficulties, try to be happy for them. People with experience had told me that every healthy pregnancy is a blessing, and now I see the truth of that statement. — Anonymous 2 BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman Brian Crane PICKLES DEAR ANONYMOUS 2 » I hope you come out of this darkness sooner than you dare hope, and I second your "try to be happy for them," thank you. It applies well beyond pregnancy, too. 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 THURSDAY, JAN. 30 Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You may feel depressed today if you allow unpleasant memories to keep you brooding. Don't place limitations upon yourself by refusing to get involved in something new. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You can earn some extra money if you make intelligent use of your creative talents. Explore the possibility of a small business venture and consider looking for a partner. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You stand to make significant gains through a female contact. Traveling for business will be fruitful. You will communicate comfortably and effectively. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Avoid involvement in secret affairs that may damage your Dan Piraro ARGYLE SWEATER reputation. Read personal papers carefully at this time. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your ability to communicate with charm will help you attract the partner of your choice. This is a good time to formulate and complete agreements. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A romance can develop through work-related functions or business trips. Be wary, as this connection may damage your reputation and set you back professionally. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Socializing and travel should be on your agenda. You will make a great impression if you turn on the charm and reveal your outgoing nature. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Real estate will turn out to be lucrative. You can make changes to your home that will increase its value. Take time to investigate an issue that may be causing anxiety. Scott Hilburn Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Catch up on email today. Discuss any personal problems that are bothering you with your relatives. Get involved in humanitarian groups that are important to you. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Professional advancement is on the horizon. Your consistent ability to finish work on time will enable you to set a good example, and you will receive recognition. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It's a good time to ask for favors. You should join a group with a humanitarian cause. Your reputation will grow based on the company you choose to keep. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Put some extra time, effort and money into beautifying your home environment. Investments can be lucrative if you make careful choices. Don't allow family members to upset you. NEA Crossword