Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/258322
3B Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – Daily News 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 » "Ex" and I dated on and off for years, which ended years ago. It was not a healthy relationship. I am two years into a much health- ier and happier relation- ship. The problem is that Ex's parents want to visit me and insist on coming to my home that I share with my cur- rent partner. Ex's parents were always very kind to me, but I just want to be done with that very sad chapter of my life. As an introvert, I find it very invasive that they would invite themselves to my home, especially since they know I am seriously involved with someone else. The last time they invited themselves over, a couple of years ago, Ex basically told me I'm a horrible person for not wanting to hang with Ex's parents, which made me feel guilty enough to meet with them. I don't want this to continue. Is there a kind way to give them the brush? — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Their "insist(ing) on coming to my home" is inappropri- ate, and that's your per- mission not to worry one bit whether you'd be a jerk to say no to them. If you did want to see them, then all you'd need to say is that X is an excellent restaurant/cof- fee shop and you'll meet them there Thursday at 7. To pull the plug entirely, merely say that you have always appreciated their kindness, but that remind- ers of this part of your past are painful for you and you hope they'll understand why you're choosing to decline their invitation. DEAR CAROLYN » I have the big H. Luckily, I have been asymptomatic and am taking a daily prescrip- tion to reduce the chance of spreading it to others. When exactly do I tell a guy that I have it? I realize not every guy will want to be with some- one who has this. I lucked out with my ex, in that I told him after a couple of dates — and after we had fooled around a bit — but before we had sex. Should I do the same thing in the future? I did debate on not telling until after having sex, since this is such an important part of a rela- tionship to me, but saying, "Oh, by the way, I have herpes," seems like setting myself up to fail. My friend suggested acting like I just found out about it and haven't known the entire time. What do you think? — When to Tell DEAR WHEN TO TELL » You had it right the first time. You say you "lucked out," but consider that your ex responded well because you did the right thing. Plus, you apparently chose someone who had the decency not to make you pay for your honesty or for having a health condition that says nothing about you except that you've had sex before. That's some luck, but also judgment. Waiting until after you've had sex, and worse, pretending you just found out? Ask yourself how that's conscionable. Severing ties with an ex's parents proves to be difficult 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) — Step back from stress- ful situations. By putting your thoughts in order, you will find it easier to get on the right track. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Ensure that you have all the tools required to make your ideas reality. If you get out and socialize, you'll be admired for your unique contributions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Apply yourself diligently, and communicate your intentions precisely. Misunderstandings will develop if others feel you are neglecting your duties. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Planning short trips to new locations will help you discover different cultures. Interesting conversations will develop as you share your knowledge. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — It would be a good idea to take stock of your financial situation. It may be necessary to make a change. An opportunity to im- prove your earning potential will develop if you put serious effort into learning new skills. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Have some fun. Organize an entertainment with old friends. They will welcome the chance to share in your sparkling wit and excellent memory. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Be wary of people trying to coerce you into something you don't agree with. Stand your ground, even if it means walking away from someone you thought was your friend. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — New connections can be made through groups or interests that you pursue. The approval you re- ceive for your contributions will bring beneficial and long-lasting results. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Treat yourself to some personal pleasures. Take a walk, settle down with a good book or listen to your favorite music. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't be afraid to seek advice from people who can provide you with valuable information. Your intuition and memory are both highlighted today, put- ting you in a good position to negotiate. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Ignore people who try to persuade you to overspend on items you don't need. Don't make hasty decisions that may cause personal, emotional or financial setbacks. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your heightened emotions may get out of control today. Keep your expectations realistic. Don't cause unnecessary prob- lems by forging ahead without considering alternatives. Think twice before taking action. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, FEB. 11