Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/286200
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 am starting a new relationship with a woman I am excited about. One problem that I am not eager to address is that within the past few years, I broke off an en- gagement to a woman who was, at times, abusive. I feel like I would not be dating unless I was over this ex, but I am apprehensive about how this new person might feel about this part of my past. If I were in her place, I might wonder about a person who breaks off an engagement or about a person who was with an abusive person. Any suggestions? — Touchy Subject DEAR TOUCHY SUBJECT » The right person for you will not only roll with your past, but also be grateful to you for sharing it. That's why the bulk of my advice isn't going to be about ways to broach the subject, but about choos- ing people who won't leave you feeling as if you have to broach certain topics just-so. Look for someone who listens, who is comfortable in her own skin and with her own failings, and who doesn't trot out a bunch of rigid ideas about how things are "supposed" to be. It can be on any topic; people who are set and certain in their ways usu- ally can't wait to let others know this. Most important, hold off on a long-term commit- ment until you find some- one who makes you feel OK about being your bad self (both senses intended), but who also inspires you to be good. How this translates for you now: Be patient with this woman you're excited about. Find out who she is. Then, when you get to the point where you want her to know this about you, then trust that and share. Even if the worst hap- pens and she judges you harshly for it, then you'll at least have learned this relationship wasn't going anywhere good. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Touchy Subject: I had a brief first marriage to an abuser, and when I was getting serious with the man who is now my hus- band, I worried that when he learned this it might make him think less of me: that I had bad judgment, was too much trouble to take on, and the like. Carolyn's advice is spot on. The right person will not make you feel bad about your past, and will be grateful for the oppor- tunity to know you better. When I felt the time was right, I shared that part of my past and it felt like a huge weight was lifted. My now-husband could not have been more accepting or understand- ing, we grew even closer, and it was like turning on the light to see there is no monster under your bed. Get to know her, and good luck! Also, congratu- lations on taking care of yourself and calling off that engagement. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Or, to see that there is a monster. I love that image, thanks — memorable and apt. Don't be ashamed of your past and how it's shaped you 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) — Don't allow frustration and disappointment to cause prob- lems at home or work. Actions speak louder than words. Do what needs to be done. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If your intentions are sincere, you will gather support for your plans. You may face some criti- cism, but, in time, others will respect your efforts. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Confusing changes may be occurring within an important partnership. You are being pulled in several directions. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You are in need of a change. Break out of your routine. Travel, enroll in an interesting course, or take time to recon- nect with an old friend. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A minor disagreement or misun- derstanding can cause a delay in your plans. Make your intentions clear, without criticism or ac- cusations, in order to get back on track quickly. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't let a procrastinator hold you back. Ask questions and be open and flexible where change is concerned. Scrutinize docu- ments and proceed with your plans. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You'll be stressed out by too many obligations. Don't be a pushover. Say no to anyone asking for too much or urging you to do something that isn't in your best interest. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Someone may be trying to undermine your achievements. Remember to speak up and set the record straight. Taking a firm stance will help you to stay focused and in control. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You may be thrown off bal- ance by an unexpected obsta- cle. Pay attention to the actions of others before making a move. Don't commit to anything with- out considering the outcome. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A change in your routine will provide a new path of achieve- ment. Keep an open mind. Con- sider all the options and choose the one with the most benefits. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take the helpful advice that someone is giving you. Change is only possible if you allow new ideas to take hold. Clinging to past behaviors and prac- tices will keep you from moving ahead. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Have confidence in your plans, and continue down your chosen path. With some positive input and a creative idea, you can make your dreams a reality. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Saturday, March 29, 2014 rEdBLuFFdaILyNEWS.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B