Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/283367
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 » People in your columns often cannot believe how rude and intrusive someone's questions are. I am one of the people who asks these questions. I don't mean to be rude. I am just very open and direct, and asking questions is how I show my interest in someone. The trou- ble is that what one person finds off-putting, many will find a great way to move past shallow filler conversation. I value this part of my personal- ity, as it has enabled me to quickly make friends and get to know people at a deeper level. I don't, however, want to make others uncomfort- able. Is there something I can say to let people know they are free to tell me if something is too personal? Should I just accept that I will occasionally rub some- one the wrong way? — Bored by Social Niceties DEAR BORED » People do have different privacy thresholds, so I won't suggest you develop a whole new restrained personality, but it would be an act of kindness either to avoid the handful of hot topics people keep writing to me about, or to flag them upfront — as in, "This is a taboo topic so shut me down as needed," followed by your question. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Don't ask: "You're so great! Why don't you have a boy- friend?" This is sometimes meant as a compliment, but I always hear it as, "I can't tell what's wrong with you by just looking at you. Please explain to me why no one loves you." I have never, ever, ever gotten this question from a single person. Also, I think "Bored" paints a false dichotomy between boring "social niceties" and "move(s) past shallow filler conver- sation." Lots of people use the "I'm not rude/mean, I'm just honest" dodge, and usually those people are jerks. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » It is true that some people can get away with bolder ques- tions than others — and often it's because they con- vey interest versus a lust for dirt. As in, non-jerks. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Don't ask: You are not entitled to have the world solve your boredom problem. You are not entitled to put people on the spot just so you can avoid what is (to you) deadly tedium. You are not entitled to know anything about anyone. — Anonymous 2 DEAR ANONYMOUS 2 » Yes, yes, you're right — but the initial question was about getting to know people, not about titillation. Being shamed into asking about nothing besides the weath- er is a lonely business. The trick of drawing someone out versus prying is in not judging, isn't it? Wanting to know people, caring about them, goes over better than wanting to feel superior to them, and often it's not the ques- tion itself but the context that tells the difference. Asking personal questions can reek of rude behavior 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) — There is no need to be envious. Devote energy to your goals, and you will be successful. Precious time will be wasted if you get caught up making comparisons. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Consider the consequences before rushing into a situation, or you may end up repeating past errors. Make sure to take a long look at any proposition. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't sell yourself short. Be proud of all you have expe- rienced and accomplished. Expanding your social circle will provide you with associations. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't be reluctant to act quickly if an opportunity arises. The offer may be revoked if you are too slow to accept. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Get involved with those who have similar ambitions to yours. You have made great strides, but a little extra help never hurts. A team effort will be beneficial to your current situation. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — While your professional profile may be strong, a personal relationship may be weakening. Allot some time to take care of your home, family, friendships and any other connection you deem important. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Maximize the positive energy that currently surrounds you. It's likely that your current col- leagues will play a key role in your future plans. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It's fine to follow your dreams, but be honest about your intentions. Don't make any false promises if you want to con- tinue to get the necessary help to reach your goals. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Romance is highlighted. Take a chance and get involved in a project that interests you. A sudden change of plans will take you by surprise and bring you a tasty reward. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Refuse to be bullied into some- thing that you don't agree with. Be flexible, and try to arrange a compromise that will suit everyone. Don't say something you may regret later. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keep abreast of what's going on around you. Focus on collabo- rating with influential people. Consider the past before renew- ing contact with an old friend or lover. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You shouldn't assume that everyone is as honest as you are. Do your homework before accepting a tempting offer. An exciting new prospect may come with strings attached. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, MARCH 25 Tuesday, March 25, 2014 redBLuFFdaILyNeWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B