Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/294060
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 finished my undergrad a year ago, have a good job, and consider myself financially stable. My boyfriend is fin- ishing his master's and will graduate with $200,000 in student debt. We've been together for nine months and have not talked seri- ously about his debt. I know we both want to be married and have kids, travel and live comfortable lives. I don't see that being a possibility. Homeown- ership and kids seem impossible under that kind of debt. I've considered talking to a financial adviser but doubt that will help much. I don't want to break up with him, but, the way I see it, he'd have to throw massive amounts of money into his loans, and what I make would support us. I would end up resent- ing him for that. Should I break it off? — Not My Debt DEAR NOT MY DEBT » May- be. Probably. If you'd walk away over money without talking to him "seriously" first, then, definitely. But for his sake, not yours. Debt like that will dog you, limit you, wake you up to stare at the ceiling at 3 a.m. if one's job is the least bit unstable. I sympathize with all of your misgiv- ings. I also recognize this has become a reality and, coldly I guess, hope others will read this and weigh the return on education in- vestments carefully before making them. Here's the other answer that I can't shake: A lot of us would choose our mates, and their liabilities — education debt, chronic illness, (guano)-crazy fam- ily — over homeownership, travel ... even comfort, depending on how you define it. So, break it off? If he's not the guy you'd choose over your preferred life- style, then, yes. If you're not sure yet, then talking seriously about money sounds like a fine place to start finding out. DEAR CAROLYN » I'm due with baby No. 3 in May, and we picked a name after the place my hus- band and I fell in love. My mother-in-law told my husband we couldn't name our daughter that because she hates the name. She later told my hus- band that if we named our baby something she didn't like, she wouldn't call her by it. She'd make up a name she liked because she's a "free spirit." It makes me feel disrespect- ed and angry. Carolyn, it would be so great if you could respond with a letter I can give my mother-in-law. This be- havior is nothing new, but I hate the drama she loves to drum up around special occasions like the birth of our children. — M. Stick with your name and ignore your mother- in-law. She's just being herself, fighting hardest for the spotlight when it's focused on others. Since that's about her, not you or your family, the only things on your to-do list are to resist the urge to take offense. Future of relationship made uncertain by massive debt 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) — Keep an up-to-date record of your business contacts. Don't be shy if you are looking to change or advance your career. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You will feel energetic and in high spirits. Get together with a close friend for a day of fun and laughter. A sightseeing excur- sion could lead to romance. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your home may not be the safe haven that you'd like it to be. Minor disagreements could develop into major arguments. Keep your opinions to yourself. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Stop hesitating and take the plunge. Your life is not going to change if you wait for others to make the first move. Take the initiative and chase your goals. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Keep your eyes and ears open to any financial suggestions you receive. Be ready to take action. Moving decisively and quickly could pave the way to an unex- pected moneymaking venture. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Overindulgence is not an answer to your problems. If you are distressed or confused, talk it out with someone you trust. Someone from your past is likely to want to re-enter your life. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You may discover some money that you had forgotten about. Now is the best time to com- plete any unfinished chores or tackle tasks that you have been putting off. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Find an imaginative way to sell your ideas. Your talents will go unnoticed unless you market your skills effectively. Take any opportunity to help others in your community. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You should remain obser- vant and tight-lipped today. If you are too open, you will leave yourself open to criticism. Don't give anyone the chance to use your words against you. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Changes are happening all around you. Now is a good time for reflection and contempla- tion. Imagine ways to improve your life, and examine different avenues that will get you there. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You may be intrigued by a fascinating opportunity. Before you sign something or make an investment, look into the legal details. Rather than take a gamble, you should make an informed decision. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You are likely to meet some- one who will take a special place in your heart. Talking about your intentions will lead to long-term plans. Put love first. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Friday, april 11, 2014 rEdBlUFFdailyNEWS.COM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B