Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/276076
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 » My boyfriend of three months constantly wants to be to- gether. We're still in high school, and see each other there every day. I appreci- ate that he likes hanging out with me so much, and I love hanging out with him. But he's insistent on me being with him whenever it's remotely possible. I sometimes feel that I need a break. When he's asking me to procrastinate on schoolwork, or skimp on practice for an upcoming audition, I start to put my foot down, but it's dif- ficult. He argues and begs to squeeze a few minutes (hours, a whole day) out of my schedule. Last night, we spent almost an hour confirming that I in fact could not go on a day trip with him today. Am I avoiding him, or giving him too little time? Should I drop a few activi- ties to be with him more? And how can I say "no" without being made to feel guilty or suffer for it every time? — Harried Sally DEAR HARRIED SALLY » No. 3, easy: Date someone who won't pressure you. Or, stop negotiating for an hour after you say no. Nos. 1 and 2 are your call, but I can connect your letter's dots for you: Yes, you're avoiding him some- what (understandably — he's being a pest); and no, you shouldn't "drop a few activities," because if you really wanted to you'd be doing it, not asking me. Hectoring someone for togetherness is not ro- mantic. It's needy, cloying, disrespectful. But while it may initially be flattering to have someone appar- ently want you so so badly, the constant pressure to change your decisions tends to pry out some legitimate questions about the meaning of "you." If he's trying to take you away from everything else you care about — things you choose and work hard toward — then does he really like you ? Or just your physical presence? Possessiveness, after all, is an abuse precursor. It needn't even be this high-concept. He wants A, you want Z, and he's not even suggesting you meet at M; he's pushing you to the point of discomfort toward A. Is that why you have a boyfriend — to argue? To be continually challenged or negated? Time to learn the art of drawing and respecting lines: (1) Decide what you feel comfortable doing; (2) Say yes to things within your lines and no to things beyond them; (3) Trust that if you're right for each other , then you'll both be either comfortable with these limits or open to compromise without pres- sure or guilt. (4) Walk away from any insisting/arguing/begging/ guilt-tripping, every time. You: "I can see you Friday, no sooner." He: (Pres- sure.) You: "I like you. I have things to do. I won't go eight rounds on this." He: (Pressure.) You: "I'm going to hang up now." Then do. Enforcement is the linchpin. If he continues the pressure and disrespect, break up. Teen feels overwhelmed by boyfriend wanting attention 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) — A recent accomplishment may tempt you to take on more projects. Focusing on too many things at once will be counterproductive. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Look for a career-changing opportunity today. Your abilities and personality will catch some- one's attention. Be honest with yourself and don't underesti- mate what you have to offer. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Avoid making hasty decisions. Take time to weigh all the pros and cons. You will have prob- lems if you rush ahead without considering the consequences. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your unique talents make you who you are. Don't be afraid to stand out in the crowd. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Be cognizant of professional opportunities that come your way. Review any leads or details personally. Someone in the background may be trying to feed you false information. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You're in a high cycle, so take advantage of any opportunity to express your likes or dislikes. A change of scenery will add a spark to a relationship. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A stressful money matter can be resolved. Don't feel torn between problems at work and issues at home. Trust your judg- ment. Advice from others may lead you astray. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You may not realize it, but communication and network- ing will pave the way for future alliances. Continue plans to advance your education. The knowledge you obtain will en- hance your career prospects. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take the time you need to gather your thoughts. Refuse to let anyone entice you into revealing your plans. Keep a low profile in order to avoid criticism and interference. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — There is a whirlwind of activity around you. You may be asked to make a quick financial decision. Don't feel that you have to participate in a joint venture. Choose your partners wisely. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Learn to be selective in your confidants. A private comment may be repeated. Speaking out too freely may cause difficulties between you and your partner. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't allow anyone or anything to impede your prog- ress. Stay firm and in control of any situation you face. A well- meaning acquaintance could inadvertently delay your plans. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 Wednesday, March 12, 2014 redBLUFFdaILyneWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B