Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/262936
3B Wednesday, February 19, 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 » After three years with my boy- friend, it has become clear we have different ideas of intimacy. When we first met, there were sparks, but he cooled to the point of reaching out maybe once every few months. I have tried talking about it, be- ing patient, initiating, giving him space to come around — but he just doesn't desire sex. We love each other and have kept the excitement in all ways ex- cept that one, but my eye has started to wander and I fear I might be tempted to cheat; I have an active libido! He has no insurance so I've gone to therapy alone, without result except that I seem to be pestering him more frequently, usually causing arguments. I don't want to leave him but don't know how much longer I can be patient. — 30 and Sad DEAR 30 AND SAD » Whether his dormant li- bido is part of him, or you, or is fixable, I can't say. There are steps he could take, though, to explore or explain his lack of interest, which he's apparently not taking. Knock-knock. You want to stay, you want regular sex, you want fidelity, you want. Unless he's actually trying to please you, it's time to face up to not getting what you want. Maybe you can be happy without sex (doubt- ful), but there's rarely happiness where the effort goes only one way. DEAR CAROLYN » My son's birthday was four months ago, and his godmother hasn't yet gotten him a birthday or Christmas gift. This is getting in the way of our socializing. Friday I sent them a text suggest- ing we meet up for dinner. They finally texted back days later to say they were at the movies and missed my message but let's try next weekend. This has been going on for four months! It's because they don't have my son's gifts yet. She was "sick" for his birthday party and then admitted later it was because she didn't have a gift. She rescheduled our Christmas gift exchange several times. I just got another text asking what my son wanted for his birthday. Really? Just get him a gift card or forget about it. It's getting to be a joke. Their kids and my son are good friends. This non- sense is getting in the way of their friendship as well. This has nothing to do with finances — I happen to know she splashed out on everyone else. What should I do? — Anonymous Put this thing to rest, please: "Forget gifts! Son just misses your kids." Revealing, too, I suspect: If you hold the no-presents-just-presence line, and resist the urge to huff about their phone attachments or out- splashings or etc., even in eye-roll form, then I think you'll clear the path to un- derstanding whether this godmother will ever make time for your family. Difference in libido causes rift in otherwise happy romance 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) — Spending your hard-earned cash on frivolous purchases or helping others will lead to finan- cial trouble. Adhere to a strict budget before it's too difficult to dig your way out of debt. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Neglecting your love life will be emotionally costly. Plan to share quality time with some- one special, or engage in events geared toward finding love. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Maintain patience and under- standing when dealing with oth- ers. A troublesome situation will escalate quickly if you aren't sensitive to the problems and challenges faced by others. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You'll be offered unwanted ad- vice. Disregard any such counsel and remain on the path that you feel most comfortable with. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Give your spirits a lift by spend- ing time with children or close friends. Treating yourself to a guilty pleasure will add to your enjoyment. Your good humor will be appreciated. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It may seem as though others are taking advantage of you. Make your feelings known in a firm but tactful way. Your frus- tration will only increase if you don't speak up. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Regardless of from whence it comes, do not repeat gossip. You will be looked upon as un- trustworthy, and it could cause irreparable damage to your reputation. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Focus on romance. Revitalize your relationship with someone special. Unexpected expenses may cramp your style, but you can still show your affection without trying to buy love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You are in need of some peace and solitude. Avoid conflicts that may cause emotional and physical distress. A quiet eve- ning alone will calm your nerves. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Refrain from discussing your financial status. Only a trusted professional adviser has the qualifications necessary to provide the information you re- quire. Relying on a well-meaning friend will result in problems. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Offering unsolicited ad- vice to peers will lead to trouble. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't have all the answers. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — There are many resources available that provide practical ways to refocus your attitude. Consider a discussion group that would inspire you to ap- proach life in a positive manner. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19