Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/278161
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 » How do friends drift apart if I'm the only one drifting? I have a friend who lives somewhat near me, who I've known since college. We weren't super close, but I suppose since we've known each other so long, we've kept up this friendship. I would like it to drift into the ether. My friend is selfish and consistently negative — she constantly complains about how tough her life is, even though she has everything she's ever wanted — i.e., husband, kids, certain amount of money, big houe, etc. I find our (thankfully) infrequent get-togethers draining, and find myself compet- ing with her in complaints to — I suppose, childishly — prove that she actually has it quite good. I then vent about these visits to my husband and friends, and I'm sure they're sick of hearing about them. I've tried to drift away by not initiating contact, but she always seeks me out eventually. My other friends and husband say I should suck it up and do these quarterly get-togeth- ers, but I don't wanna! Is there anything I can do short of a big dramatic breakup? Don't really want to do that either. — Drifting DEAR DRIFTING » Why are ending the friendship and "suck it up and go" the only choices on my menu? What happened to telling her the truth? Each of her complaint sessions is an opportu- nity for you to say: "You know, I've listened to you complain about how tough your life is — for years, really — but from the out- side, you appear to have everything you wanted. If that's not enough, then is it time to look inward to figure out what's missing?" Win-win, right? She'll either take it to heart or never call you again. I suppose she could spin your candor into something she wants to hear and then resume complaining, but then you can say: "OK, let's try this: Tell me something positive about your life. We'll talk about that." If even that doesn't work, two words: theater tickets. You don't talk, then talk about the show. By then, the "dramatic breakup" option might not sound so bad. DEAR CAROLYN » I just put my foot in my mouth. One of my (fairly distant) co-workers has been out all week. He came in today and I said hi and asked if he'd been on vacation. (I know I shouldn't have done that. It just came to my mind.) Unfortunately he'd had a death in the family. I extended my condolences, of course, but I know I put him in a tough position of having to talk about some- thing he likely wouldn't have brought up organical- ly. Is there anything I can do or say now to apologize, or would it be better to let it drop? — Co-worker DEAR CO-WORKER » Yes to letting it drop; your condo- lences were enough. Friendship that's a drag needs to take a positive turn 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) — An encounter with an old friend may open up past wounds. Get any issues out in the open and clear the air. Put history behind you, and move on. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You may feel that no matter what you do, you aren't getting any farther ahead. Don't expect others to be sympathetic. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — There are many interesting events underway that won't break your budget. Put aside any demands that are weighing you down and have some fun. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Expect someone to break a promise or let you down. Even though you are disappointed, resist the urge to seek revenge. Chalk it up to experience. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You can make a valuable connection. The time is right to share your skills and ideas. Collaborating with an unusual partner will result in a new mon- eymaking venture. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — There is no need to be confined to doing the same thing over and over again. Be inventive, use your imagination and be open to new experiences. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You need a change at home, but before getting started on an improvement project, you should consult those who share your space. You may end up undoing what has already been completed. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Love is on the rise. Be alert to what is happening around you. Don't reveal personal information up front. Some- one may be trying to sabotage your plans. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Believe in what you do. There will always be someone who tries to change your opinion or criticize your ideas. Welcome any helpful advice and ignore the negative remarks. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stay close to home, where you feel safe and com- fortable. Giving in to emotional vulnerability in social settings will lower your confidence. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Follow up on any financial leads that manifest themselves. A profitable investment is likely if you play your cards right. Lis- ten to any complaints, and be honest about your feelings. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Positive changes are head- ing your way. Your talents and capabilities are gaining mo- mentum and attention. Taking on too much at once will be your downfall. Pick and choose wisely. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, MARCH 15 Saturday, March 15, 2014 rEdBLuFFdaILyNEWS.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B