Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/292656
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 have been unhappy in my mar- riage for a long time. So long, in fact, that it started long before it became a marriage. I always had an excuse for putting off end- ing the relationship. In the beginning it was, "I'll wait until after the summer"; "OK, now I'll wait until after the holidays" ... etc., etc., etc. Never happened. Then it was, "I can't do it now, the wedding is already being planned; I can't disappoint family and friends." Eight years, two children and a major home renovation later, we are still married. He is aware that I am not happy, but I'm sure he does not believe I would ever actually leave. Our kids are amazing — I don't regret anything because I can't imagine my life without being mom to these two children, who are 2 and 5. We recently renovated our home and now live in our dream home, in which he put a lot of his own blood, sweat and tears. We have done some counseling; however, I feel I am at a point where I am not interested in fixing the marriage and trying to stay together. I know I don't want to be married to him anymore but, logis- tically, I don't know how I would act on this. I worry about the effect on our kids — although I can't imagine the con- stant tension and almost daily bitter, nasty argu- ments in front of them are having any positive impact. We all love our house, neighborhood, etc., and I do not want to lose it and have to move into an apartment. We are also in a great school district in which my older child just started kindergarten. I work part time and don't make enough money to live on my own. These are the things that are keeping me from taking action. How do people do this? The logistics of going through a divorce seem like enough to make one stay in a miser- able marriage. — Trapped DEAR TRAPPED » So many years of so many deci- sions undermining your own well-being — and of bringing others aboard in the process. I would want to get to the bottom of that before I made any more decisions, especially as big and consequential a deci- sion as dissolving a family. You say "we" have tried counseling, but you don't say you have gone, solo. Please do, to figure out what drove you to keep postponing tough conse- quences and to build a life on excuse after excuse. At some point you might still need to find a lawyer, a better job and a new home, but, first things first: Find you. I also urge you to find, in the meantime, a way to stop the "bitter, nasty arguments," especially in front of the kids. You may indeed be finished with your marriage, but your kids are just starting to learn from you how to handle emotions, how to solve problems, how to treat others, how to trust. Woman can't seem to find a way out of unhappy marriage 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) — The more people you are in contact with, the more encour- agement you will receive. Be vigorous and determined as you pursue your goals. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you try to manage group ef- forts, quarrels and hurt feelings will result. Rather than start a debate, stick to your projects. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Recharge your energy by arrang- ing a trip or adventure with a friend or family member. Inves- tigate some local attractions. You may discover romance. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You will have good luck persuading others to invest in your ideas. Your colleagues will support your effort. You will be satisfied with the feedback. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take a long, hard look at your current partnerships. You may be feeling disappointed or disil- lusioned, but if you are realistic, you will find answers and make the right choice. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You may be blamed for difficulties in the workplace. If you have been careless in your habits, you will have to admit your shortcomings and face the music. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Youngsters in your family circle will prove instrumental in a decision regarding a current project. Your popularity will soar once your plans are unveiled. Prepare to be in high demand. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take a logical and realistic approach to a situation that requires a decision. You can save yourself a lot of grief by not grasping at the first option available. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Change is in the air. A new career could materialize as the result of a business trip. Expanding your horizons will stimulate your creativity and present intriguing possibilities. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You may be overwhelmed and under pressure. Consider your health before you waste time getting worked up over some- thing that you can't control. Financial matters will improve if you act quickly. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Being stubborn won't help solve your problems. Ease up and collaborate with all comers in order to get results. Coop- eration and compromise will be necessary. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't give anyone the chance to take credit for your work. Keep your ideas under wraps until you can be sure you'll get the recognition you deserve. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 Wednesday, april 9, 2014 redBlUFFdailyneWs.COM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B