Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/283910
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 » I like to have a good set of casual friends from work, church etc. and a couple of close friends, but my wife only wants one or two very close friends. Since we move around a lot, I tend to have more casual friends and struggle sometimes to find close friends, but she has no friends other than me. I don't think this is healthy for her, but I'm not quite sure what to do about it. It also makes me feel guilty for going out with my friends and leaving her behind; she has made it clear that she does not want to come along. She works from home, which makes it even worse for her. Any thoughts on how to work this out? — Different Ideas DEAR DIFFERENT IDEAS » Are you sure there's a "this" to work out? Would she agree this is unhealthy/"even worse" for her ? While I agree such iso- lation isn't ideal, I defer to her on what suits her best. As long as she isn't pres- suring you to stay home, or trying to guilt you into denying your nature, and as long as she's at peace with your current ar- rangement, then arguably there's nothing for you to fix: She happily meets her need for solitude while you meet your need for companionship. In this scenario, the so- lution to your guilt would be to cut it out; she's OK with it. Enough said. There is an obvious flaw to this arrangement, though: Presumably you enjoy her company, and so it must be sad for you to go everywhere stag. If that's the accurate scenario, then your prob- lem, not hers, is the one that needs working out, by broaching the idea of her joining you more often to see friends. Show your respect for her needs by making it about yours: "I respect that you're a homebody — and accept it 90 percent of the time, but I also miss you and want to go out with you. Would you humor me by coming out ... once a month?" If this doesn't give you a satisfying result, or if you are worried about her then you do need to express your discomfort. Just treat it as a first step vs. an answer. DEAR CAROLYN » My ex-husband and I have learned to co-parent very well and are supportive of each other. He recently remarried. I commented on how much his ring looks like his "old" one. That's when I was hit upside the head with "Oh, it's the same ring!" Huh?!?! He said he hadn't told his new wife. The ring has a very per- sonal inscription inside. Should I bring this up to her? I don't want to cause problems between us or between them. I'm just VERY uncomfortable with this situation. — Ex-Wife DEAR EX-WIFE » Your primary responsibility now is of parent. In that role, egad, you leave the boat un-rocked. Man prefers companionship while his wife prefers solitude 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) — Being around children or older relatives will give you a new perspective on something. you can increase your confidence by conquering a physical challenge. Taurus (april 20-May 20) — you have the ability to shape your future. There is good advice to be had if you ask questions. assistance will be offered. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — your creativity may lead you in an unexpected direction. Be receptive to unusual strategies and ideas that could increase your chances for advancement. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — you have a lot to lose if you let yourself be talked into a ques- tionable activity. Be clear about your intentions and able to make stellar judgment calls. Leo (July 23-aug. 22) — you will be successful in your chosen field as long as you continue to exude diligence and ingenuity. Use your charismatic power of persuasion and show- case your unique talents. Virgo (aug. 23-sept. 22) — a challenging social activity will remind you of your capabilities. Multiply your efforts of self- promotion, and you will excel professionally. Present what you have to offer. Libra (sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Personal contact and face- to-face meetings will help you close a deal. attend as many business gatherings as you can to meet people of influence. Scorpio (Oct. 24-nov. 22) — What you considered a small project will develop into something more meaningful and lucrative. Take care not to be misled by a new acquaintance with a sudden interest in your work. Sagittarius (nov. 23-dec. 21) — you may receive an unusual request from an old friend. al- though you may be tempted, trust in your own judgment. refuse to be seduced by flattery or crushed by criticism. Capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 19) — don't be persuaded by some- one offering you a "foolproof" moneymaking scheme. you have invested a lot to get to where you are. Taking a detour now would be a big mistake. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — your energetic and inquisi- tive nature will open up a world of new possibilities. The more you learn, the easier it will be to improve your financial status. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — consider the pros and cons before making any impulsive changes. an invitation that ap- pears promising at the moment could cause difficulties in the future, as well as damage your reputation. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 redBLUFFdaILyneWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B