Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/252862
2D Daily News – Saturday, February 1, 2014 DILBERT Scott Adams PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis PICKLES Brian Crane BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman GET FUZZY Darby Conley ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey ARGYLE SWEATER Scott Hilburn BIZARRO Dan Piraro DEAR CAROLYN » You gave a really thoughtful response a while back to a friend who felt like she was missing out on celebra- tions of her milestones because her same-age friends passed them a few years prior. I would love your take on how you would deal with this when it's family who's not recipro- cating. My hus- band is the youngest of five kids and our two children are the youngest grandkids of six: 18, 17, 15, 13, 5, 4. Our chil- dren's births and events aren't similarly acknowl- edged as were their older cousins'. For example: My son's birthday hit at the same time as his elder cousin's graduation. Party and gifts for the latter, no acknowledgment of the former. I understand the grand- parents' energy is much different at 75 than it was at 62 — and the aunts and uncles are now rais- ing teenagers, who have completely different needs. Should I just not be com- paring the treatment of those grandkids who came first? Do I just accept the fact that we're having a different experience? — Unequal DEAR UNEQUAL » Yes, exactly. The world is a big place, and your kids' worlds are bigger than the limited world of their extended family. Where your husband's family isn't jumping in with the experiences you were hop- ing for, you can jump in to give your kids a different experience entirely. If you're really feelin' it, this can be liberating. For example: Christmas for the older cousins used to be a big multi-family melee, right? Which was great for them? Which is why you want it for your kids? All true, but those me- lees also become an expec- tation, which becomes an obligation. Curling-ribbon handcuffs. With the family in a different place now, you're free to take your kids to [blank] for Christ- mas, just because. If it helps, people with small or far-flung or de- ceased families do this all the time. The only differ- ence is that your extended family is right there and therefore seems like an option, which then sets you up for this disappointment you describe. If instead you see family as just a dif- ferent form of unavailable, then I think you'll unlock more possibilities as well as pre-empt a lot of the hard feelings. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Unequal: We have always turned to our friends and our own sense of festivity to forge traditions around our son's milestones. My son notices nothing other than his own delight in our own rituals — if anything, he feels sorry for friends who get stuck with "family parties" on their birthdays instead of having big, fun bashes with all their friends like he does. If you don't act like your kids are being de- prived, they'll never know differently. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Amen, thanks. Family's support of milestones isn't what mother expected Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn 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. 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. Answer to Previous Puzzle 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. NEA Crossword Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Do not allow anyone to play with your heart or call your emotional stability into ques- tion. Give yourself some time to think. Uncertainty around your love life is evident. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Secret encounters may lead to a thrilling adventure. Be cautious about sharing details about private affairs. Now is a great time to take a pleasure trip if you can. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You may have an unrealistic idea about your environment and your current position. Be sure that you're clear about your range of obligations. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Emotional deception may lead you down the wrong path. You must face whatever is at the heart of the matter if you want to put it right. Be precise and completely honest. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — It's best not to promise anything that you can't actually deliver. You are prone to spend- ing too much right now. Resist the temptation to agree to any joint financial ventures. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your lover may feel the need to resort to emotional blackmail if you have been ne- glecting his or her needs. Burn your energy through physical activities. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Be careful what you say to your colleagues today, or they may misinterpret you. Think carefully about your reactions. Taking a drastic approach will not make up for past mistakes. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Children may choose to fib about their whereabouts today. Traveling will work out well, whether for business or pleasure. Avoid get-rich-quick investment schemes. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Problems with gas, oil or water in your home may mess up your day. Be careful if you choose to fix your own appli- ances. A family member may be overindulgent. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Bureaucratic delays may cause anxiety today. Get all of your papers in order carefully. Avoid institutions or hospitals if at all possible. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A business trip may lead to a new opportunity. Be will- ing to make any move that will broaden your horizons. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Offering goods or services may be a way to make a bit of extra cash. Think about ways to include the whole family in a business venture. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, FEB. 1