Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/264976
5B Saturday, February 22, 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 » I have been single my entire adult life, until last weekend when the man I have been dating for the past several months and I decided to see each other exclusively. However, during our talk, he did state that he thinks our relationship has a shelf life and that we probably won't last long term. I have been extremely happy since we talked and really feel like this is the right situation for me right now. He is great and is the only person I want to date at this moment. I also feel like the relationship is low-pressure; we can have our own lives, and I can stay "me" and keep some aspects of my single lifestyle. My friends think I am selling myself short. Part of me thinks they are right, the other part of me wants to spend the next few months with someone who makes me happy rather than going on lots of mediocre dates. Having said that, I am 30 and I would like to get married someday. Is this relation- ship a waste of time? — If It Makes You Happy ... DEAR IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY » That all depends on your temperament. Are you just telling yourself you can handle it, when your history says the end will trigger years of wish- ful what-ifs and self-flagel- lation? Are you privately hoping he will change his mind? Or can you genuine- ly enjoy his companionship while it lasts and then walk away — and do you have the history to prove that? The answer has to be about you, because what are happy circumstances to Person A can send Person B spiraling. Maybe these few months of happy will give you a useful win- dow into your own needs in future relationships, and maybe they'll become a painful obstacle to finding what you want. If you don't have enough relationship history to read through for clues, then broaden the scope and look back for any signs of kidding yourself and/or knowing yourself pretty well. Con- sider how well your friends know you, too; if they've held your hand through meltdowns resulting from high hopes and noncom- mittal men, then listen to them now. For what it's worth — they're right and you know it. The issue is not whether you can do better, though, since you clearly can, but whether this detour is one you'll regret or be grateful you took. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Happy: "He did state that he thinks our relationship has a shelf life and that we probably won't last long- term." Perhaps Happy should consult George Clooney's exes. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » His being honest is better than feigning longterm inter- est, for sure — but hiding behind a get-out-of-com- mitment-free card is not to be confused with actually behaving well. Is she selling herself short by staying in short-term 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 Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Consider your current position. Keep up to date with job opportunities through social media or newspapers. Carefully review your qualifications and update your resume to suit the job market. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Fix things you've been putting off. By freeing your time, you'll be able to take on a project that interests you and could increase your earning potential. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't get involved in any new ventures. Stay close to home and nurture personal relation- ships. Elderly relatives would enjoy hearing from you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You need a change of scenery. Don't feel that it's necessary to embark on a major excursion. Instead, make changes to your surroundings to add to your en- tertainment or sense of security. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You will be given extra assign- ments. Rather than get upset, make the commitment to do the best job possible, and keep your complaints to yourself. Your professionalism will pay off. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your generous nature is upsetting your budget. You cannot buy love, so stop paying for everything and everyone. Chances are someone has ulterior motives and is taking advantage of you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Someone you deal with is not living up to a promise. An angry confrontation will only make matters worse. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your mind is brimming with innovative ideas. Share your plans with close friends. You will accomplish a lot if everyone directs his or her energies to the same goal. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Keep your cash in your pock- et. There are lots of unscrupu- lous people trying to convince you to part with your money. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will meet with people who have different beliefs and values. Respect their opinions, and don't try to change their views. An open mind will also help you gain freedom. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Consider and reflect upon a personal situation. Someone with whom you have dealings may feel you have been too demanding. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your intuitive and thoughtful nature will result in an interest- ing and rewarding friendship. While this is a positive develop- ment, don't divulge too much private information too quickly. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, FEB. 22