Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/295740
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 » Thank you for taking my ques- tion last week (http:// wapo.st/1jwTvyL) (about disagreements with my boyfriend). I was surprised when you included the domestic violence link (http://bitly.com/Nenzm4) because he had never been violent. He still hasn't been, but that weekend he yelled at me pretty bad, and sys- tematically insulted my entire character. When we talked normally he said he was purposely trying to hurt my feelings. He admitted he should have communicated bet- ter, but never apologized for yelling, though I apolo- gized for "setting him off" multiple times. I broke up with him. — Dif fe re nt Pe rspectives Again DEAR DIFFERENT PERSPEC- TIVE » Domestic violence education is applicable to situations of verbal/ emotional abuse, because they're just different points on the same con- tinuum. When someone thinks it's OK to cause you deliberate harm in one way, how much of a leap is it to another kind of deliberate harm? As for why I made abuse connections when you hadn't even men- tioned yelling, it was this: "He feels that if we go somewhere together we SHOULD spend every second together." That's classic control, which is a predictor of relationship violence. Even though you broke up (phew), I think you still would benefit from reading more on the topic. "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker is eye-opening, and a quick and absorbing read. Take care. DEAR CAROLYN » My husband and I are at an impasse in our relation- ship. We cannot see each other's points of view and are just existing in a miser- able state. I've begged for marriage counseling for a year, which just yesterday he reluctantly agreed to. However, he has basically stated that when marriage counseling fails (not if), "I give up." We have kids and we love each other, we just can't seem to live together right now. Am I wasting my time sav- ing a relationship that he sees as doomed? — Marriage on the Cliff DEAR ON THE CLIFF » He agreed to marriage counseling, so go. Even if it fails, counseling won't have been a waste because it's a basic step before giving up altogether. That may seem silly, but it can be important to be able to tell yourself you "tried everything." And, if you choose well, your therapist can help you through whatever the next step happens to be. One suggestion before you start: Go into counsel- ing looking for new ways to understand what's hap- pening, new ways to frame your marriage, new ways to speak to your husband, versus a new way to save the marriage or get your husband to see your side. Set only the goals that are within your control. Woman decides to call it quits with her abusive boyfriend 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) — Use common sense if you mix business with pleasure. Your prospects may be damaged if you are indiscreet. Rumors could ruin your reputation. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You are well on your way to achieving your goals. Be proud of your hard work and don't listen to negative remarks. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Treat yourself to something. A moneymaking opportunity could be hidden in an old idea. Revive past goals and get working on a project you've ignored. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A home improvement project will go smoothly if you get ev- eryone to pitch in. The younger members of the family will enjoy being included. Enjoy teamwork. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Get out of your comfort zone with a new sport or exercise. The increased activity will help your body and mind stay in top shape. An unscheduled trip could result in a romantic relationship. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Make sure your explanations are crystal clear. A misinterpreted remark could cause a rift with a friend or colleague. Be espe- cially careful when operating machinery or equipment. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You have been lax about following your fitness goals. Get back on track or you will be battling weakness and pounds that you'd thought conquered. A romantic involvement is likely. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A friend or family member is likely to complain. Get your chores out of the way, even if you are feeling under the weath- er, and avoid an argument. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Attending an intellec- tual event will bring you into contact with influential people. Be truthful about your qualifi- cations in order to gain inside information. A career change could be in the offing. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Seek professional help if you are having a problem that ap- pears too difficult to handle on your own. Focus on how you can make your relationship with oth- ers better. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your monetary situation is due for a shakeup. Lady Luck is looking out for you. Financial gains are apparent if you follow your instincts. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Added stress is causing mis- takes that could end up costing you financially, emotionally or physically. Make sure to get lots of rest before taking on more responsibility. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Tuesday, april 15, 2014 redBluFFdailyNeWs.COM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B