Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/281401
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 » A friend forwarded to me the online-dating profile of a former boyfriend of mine, and asked if that was him. She said they had spoken on the phone and were to meet in person. She was trying to feel out what I thought about it. I said I couldn't tell her what to do, but I'm sure she knew I was upset. I would never do that to a friend, and I feel that if she is my friend, then she would not contact him. What do you think? — Curious DEAR CURIOUS » Yours is a common view, so over the years I've tried to see things that way, to have your perspective of feeling betrayed by friends who date your exes. Nevertheless, I agree only in one very narrow circumstance: when the ex caused you significant and deliberate harm. There's also this coun- terargument: If you were her friend, then she'd have your blessing to seek happiness wherever she thinks she'll find it. There are other men on earth, of course, but for whatever reason you and he didn't work; meanwhile, she apparently sees some- thing in him that works for her. DEAR CAROLYN » I have a close friend of many years (we're in our early/mid- 20s) who has been nothing but considerate and sup- portive to me. I can only hope I've been as good a friend to her. Recently she's begun seeing someone who is in a relationship with someone else. She's over the moon with new love, but I feel deeply uncomfortable lis- tening to her stories about this entanglement. I can't reconcile the caring, giving person I know with some- one who would knowingly assist in the deception and injury of another. I've tried couching my hesitance in terms of not wanting to see her get hurt by someone who is already invested elsewhere, but she's waved away the objection and I don't think trying to guilt-trip her is the right thing to do. What exactly are my options here? Her relation- ship isn't my life to live, but it makes me question her deeper character. — The Other Woman's Best Friend DEAR FRIEND » You can read character in the messes people make, yes, but you can also read it in the ways they clean them up. Plus, this could still just be a bad case of the young-and-stupids. Stop couching and start telling your truth. Not to guilt or judge her — again, half of this story is yet unwritten — but to inform. "Talking about this makes me really uncomfortable, knowing he's still with this other girl." You can be both blunt and loving, too: "You're too good a person to stay in denial forever, but whenever you're ready to get your head out of your (dark place), it won't be too soon." Take the long view before you take a stand. Woman is miffed by friend who wants to date her ex 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 Aries (March 21-April 19) — It may take some extra effort on your part to get things moving. Take your time, be persistent, and prepare to change your tactics if you aren't getting the desired results. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Financial opportunities are present. Someone may try to in- clude you in a dubious situation. Don't damage your integrity by becoming involved in something that goes against your beliefs. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A new solution to an old problem will come your way. Show concern and diplomacy when needed. Your objectivity and honesty may be called upon to defuse a disagreement. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Be more aggressive in your drive to get ahead. Decisive action will give you the payoff you are looking for. If you hesitate, you will miss out on an opportunity. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A love connection is possible. You need to add some vitality to your life. Find a subject you are enthusiastic about, then mingle with like-minded people. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You may be thrown off balance by a troubling situation at home. Stick to your original objectives. It's not the right time to make a commitment to a new venture. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Those around you are inspired by your knowledge and insight. Your confidence and ability make you a dynamic presence. Use all of your talents, and you will be sure to advance. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Try not to get stuck on one thing when there is so much to do. Your energy level is high, and you will accomplish more if you show greater diversity. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You may be easygoing, but don't allow anyone to treat you badly. If you don't stand up for yourself now, you will be taken for granted in the future. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will soon see the benefits of your hard work. A project that interests you will be successful if you keep your intentions under your hat for the time being. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — There is a positive atmosphere surrounding your domestic life. Be sure to spend some time nurturing important relationships. A home-improve- ment project will bring you closer together. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — A misunderstanding is likely to arise. Take care of any matter that has the potential to lead to trouble. Do your best to find a solution and make any amend- ments necessary. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol FRIDAY, MARCH 21 Friday, March 21, 2014 rEdBLUFFdaiLyNEWS.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B