Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/288630
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 fiancee has a large social network predating our relationship, which I am learning to navigate. Over the course of the past few years, I have attended almost every dinner, party and other outing with my spouse-to-be and have been outgo- ing with all of her friends. As a result, I have always been greeted warmly by them. My fian- cee's friend is having an engagement celebration weekend at an out-of-town resort. The guest list included the friends and significant others of the bride- and groom-to-be, including my fiancee, but I was not addressed on the invite. When my fiancee respond- ed that both of us were coming, she was informed that it was a "friends only" event and that the invite was for her to attend solo. As for the other significant others, we were told that they are mutual friends. By inference, this means that I am not — I am just the person my fiancee has been dating. Have I misinterpreted my role all along? Should this change how I ap- proach them going for- ward? Should this change how my fiancee approach- es them going forward? And what if it doesn't change her friendship with them; should I be hurt by her loyalties? — Feeling Left Out DEAR FEELING LEFT OUT » You just took a face-slap, so it makes sense that you're responding emo- tionally — but taking one opinion as a consensus is a dangerous habit to get into. Whether it's a rave or a rejection like this one, even a painful, surprising one from someone you've made an effort to get to know for several years, it's still just one view. So, no, this shouldn't change how you approach "them," nor should it change how your fiancee approaches "them." Open your mind to the information available in the way your fiancee responds to this insult. Did she acknowledge your hurt feelings? Did she feel hurt? Did she tell her friend that your exclusion was insulting to her? Was she insulted? Or did your fiancee already regard this friend as peripheral to her? Can you then be OK with her decision either way, to take the invitation or leave it, because you're confi- dent she has your back in ways that matter and with people who matter? Or, was she not insulted because your fiancee regards you as outside this group? Did this exclusion trigger a general reaction in you because it's just the latest sign this group hasn't embraced you? And your fiancee is torn in her loyalties? The most important information I'm missing is whether you can talk about stuff like this with your fi- ancee, freely, productively and without defensiveness on either side. It can definitely be tough on a couple if their peer groups aren't rooting for them, but not damag- ing as long as you two are rooting for each other. Man gets the cold shoulder from fiancee's circle of friends 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) — do your research before you make any personal changes. don't be disappointed if others don't share your goals. you will find new sources of income. Taurus (april 20-May 20) — some relationships are due for a change. if you are being pres- sured, separate yourself from those who don't have your best interests at heart. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Follow your instincts when dealing with money. luck and opportunity will enable you to make some lucrative changes. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Be firm in your beliefs. Those who care for you will be in your corner. ignore anyone who tries to talk you out of something that you feel is necessary. Leo (July 23-aug. 22) — don't risk your career by getting romantically involved with a co-worker. The resulting jealousy and resentment of your colleagues could ruin your name and your job prospects. Virgo (aug. 23-sept. 22) — it's time to put your money- making ideas to good use. you can make improvements to your financial and business plans if you keep your emotions out of the equation. Libra (sept. 23-Oct. 23) — seek advice from trusted friends before signing a contract or agreement. you could face dire consequences if you don't have the correct information in advance. Scorpio (Oct. 24-nov. 22) — Well-meaning friends may try to lead you down a differ- ent path. remember that you are responsible for your future. Trust in your ability, and make your own decisions. Sagittarius (nov. 23-dec. 21) — someone will try to take credit for your ideas. Be careful to keep your plans a secret until you know who is on your side and who is not. Capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 19) — a relationship with someone is likely to bewilder you. Take time to examine your feelings and to consider the motives involved before making any changes that alter your future. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Fight depression and make positive improvements both at home and in your workspace in order to relieve stress. realize that you cannot force others to see things your way, no matter how good your intentions are. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Use your creative abilities to make your projects stand out. let your personality shine, regardless of what you are working on, and you will reap sweet rewards. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 Wednesday, april 2, 2014 redBlUFFdailyneWs.COM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B