Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/275218
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 » Every so often my other half will complain about something I've done. It's nothing consequential and nothing that will end our relationship. Example: I sometimes put bags on the kitchen counter even though the bottoms of those bags are not necessarily hygienic. While I think it's perfectly valid to com- municate one's pet peeves, no matter how trivial, I can't get myself to do it when I find my other half doing bothersome things. At the same time, I hate feeling like crud when my other half points out a shortcoming. When I challenge in a generic way that (s)he (I'm keeping this gender neutral on purpose) also does things that bother me, so maybe we could just let this slide, I'm always asked to provide examples. However, because I don't "keep score," I can't provide these examples, and I'm left changing my behavior in what seems like a one-sided way. The last thing I want to do is keep tabs on these things, because it just seems so petty. But I don't want to be the doormat. — Scorekeeping DEAR SCOREKEEPING » "While I think it's perfectly valid to communicate one's pet peeves, no matter how trivial": Really? I think it stinks. Now, if you're talking about a one-time warning along the lines of "I have an irrational aversion to seeing unclean things on our kitchen countertops" with a rare , self-deprecat- ing refresher — "Remem- ber my bizarre countertop fixation" — then I do agree with you. But if one of you believes the other owes it to him/her to be ever mindful of his/her expec- tations, then I'm back to saying it stinks. It's to your credit that you don't have examples at the ready of your partner's nuisance moments. It also positions you well to stick to the more relevant point: "If you're suggesting that you're per- fect and never do anything wrong or annoying, then I ask you to reconsider." Avoid the tit-for-tat, though, and go straight for: "I think we'll both be happier if we don't nitpick than if we attempt to per- fect each other's behavior. I want home to be a place for us to be ourselves." If that doesn't fly, then ask yourself how much of your life you want to spend with someone who feels entitled to fix you. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: "Scorekeeping": How would your suggested conversation change if only one spouse has an- noying habits? My spouse is always noticing that I left the counter dirty or the sponge wet, etc., but pretty much never does those things himself. We have two small children. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » I refuse to believe there's someone who has no an- noying habits. Perfection is itself annoying when used as a cudgel against the imperfect. Frequent complaints about pet peeves alienate partner 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) — Being in contact with chil- dren will help you see the lighter side of life. If you're honest in your dealings, you will avoid questions about your motives. Aries (March 21-april 19) — Keep an open mind. consider the solutions being offered by others. respecting the opinions of your colleagues will be half the battle. Taurus (april 20-May 20) — you are likely to take on too much today. Look for possible changes that could help you cut corners, and delegate more jobs in order to free up some time. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — you will be given an opportunity to increase your income. Look at an old problem in a new light to find a way to advance. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — after much deliberation, you now have the knowledge and resources to make positive changes. Overcome your fear of failure and take the plunge. Leo (July 23-aug. 22) — you will receive an unexpected financial gain. Legal issues are in the process of being resolved. The plan you are involved in should be kept secret for the time being. Virgo (aug. 23-sept. 22) — you will be successful today, provided you have all the relevant documentation in place. Keep a close eye on your competitors. They will be look- ing for an opportunity to derail your plans. Libra (sept. 23-Oct. 23) — you have the power of persua- sion on your side. don't sit back and wait for events to transpire. Present your ideas to those in a position to help you reach your target. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — success is in sight. after much hard work, you will realize your ambitions. Maintain your current course and ignore those who try to change your mind. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-dec. 21) — an old friend will unex- pectedly come back into the picture. Love is in the air. spice up your personal life by offer- ing someone special a little romance and adventure. Capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 19) — you may need to make some alterations in your quest to move ahead. Find a more imaginative way to present your ideas. What works for others may not work for you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take care of nagging health issues by making medical appointments that you've been postponing. you will need to be at your best for the challenges that lie ahead. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Tuesday, March 11, 2014 redBLuFFdaILyNeWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B