Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/284793
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 spouse "friended" an old flame on Facebook some months ago. When I said I felt uncomfortable with this, I was told that they are just friends and not to worry. We've actually had several emotional discus- sions about this since, but nothing has changed. Now when I see that the friend has "liked" or commented (which is often), I feel increasingly uneasy. Am I being unreasonable? How can I just let it go? — Spouse DEAR SPOUSE » Dunno. This can be a problem because it really is, or because you only think it is, and I don't have enough information to tell which is true. So, I can only advise you to pay careful atten- tion to the context. Has Spouse started behaving differently? Does Spouse have a history of crossing lines, with this ex or with anyone else? Or, do you have a history of being jealous and/or feeling threatened when a partner has any friend at all who could also be a romantic rival? Some old flames are harmless and some aren't, so it's essential not to go into this with any precon- ceived notions. If you're already certain that old flame + social media = boom, then you're not go- ing to be able to see clearly what's really going on. It'll all be warped by your lens, so you'll be upset repeat- edly over something harm- less — and then have no leverage or credibility left when something is actually harmful. I guess it comes down to, why were you instantly uncomfortable? DEAR CAROLYN » When- ever I bring up a concern I have over a female friend of my boyfriend's, he automatically assumes I want him to just stop being friends with that woman. I've never said, "Don't be friends with X" or "I don't like you being friends with Y." It's always, "I feel un- comfortable with the way you treat X, can we talk about it?" I've never asked him to stop being friends with someone and I never will. What do I do about this situation? — Assumptions DEAR ASSUMPTIONS » Unfortunately there's no one right answer, there are only possibilities: that you're jealous; that he has something to hide; that these friendships are innocent but he's either a poor communicator or experience has taught him to be defensive; that you have bigger problems or incompatibilities and the female-friend argument is just where they're show- ing up. All I can advise you is to tease out more of what's going on — look to the broader context, not just this one issue — and address it for what it is, with guidance from a good therapist if you can't crack it yourselves. Suspicions fly when spouse reconnects with an old flame 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) — Your involvement in a charitable organization will have unex- pected benefits. In addition to helping others, you will make a new acquaintance. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your trusting nature could tempt others to try to take advantage of you. Make sure you read the fine print before agreeing to any new venture. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Reserve judgment, don't meddle, and have the confi- dence in others to solve prob- lems without your help. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The future looks bright. An investment opportunity should be considered. Staying active will keep you in top shape for the exciting times ahead. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Face up to your problems. The sooner you begin the process, the better you will feel. Keep your emotions under control and make strategic practical choices. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Follow your intuition to discover an unusual way to improve your financial future. You should also take steps to resolve any health issues that have been concern- ing you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Do something to lift your spirits. A new look will lead to compli- ments. Plan a social event with people you find stimulating. Brainstorming could result in a profitable idea. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Dealing with past disappoint- ments is the most critical step in moving forward. Your loved ones will offer support if you are receptive. Let go of negativity and focus on the good things. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Remaining honest will be essential in all of your relation- ships. Success in financial matters will depend on diligence and patience. You will come out ahead if you take control. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Take a second look at your commitments. You may have overlooked an important detail that will cost you emotionally or financially. Someone from your past will surface. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You have more to offer than you think. Your financial future will improve if you increase your knowledge. An important friend- ship will develop if you follow through with a joint venture. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Make time for love and romance. Plan a trip to a musical or sport- ing event. A shared interest in a charitable organization will result in a rewarding friendship and commitment. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, MARCH 27 Thursday, March 27, 2014 rEdBLuFFdaILyNEWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B