Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/299919
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 someone wonderful in my life. We've been living together for almost three years and she wants to get married in a year. Things are great but from time to time I wonder if she's just a little on the bossy side. She's two years older than I am, well- traveled and very focused. Our relation- ship really benefits from her maturity. She's got a really high- pressure job, and fortunately for us her pay reflects that. I am an artist who works from home so I'm insu- lated from that fast-paced, stress-filled corporate culture. Because of her busy schedule, I take care of most of the household stuff to lighten her load; we've both decided that's the best approach. I hope this doesn't sound like I am venting because we have a great relationship. This is not me complaining that she holds the remote because things like that are small and not impor- tant to me. My real concern is that whenever I drop subtle hints that she might be acting just a little bit pushy, she doesn't say a word and just bends her head as if I've disappointed her somehow and gives me this look that suggests I am crazy. The topic doesn't seem to ever get off the ground. This situation has played out several times, and I usually choose not to push it. I can't solicit opinions from any married guys. We all lose touch with friends whenever we're involved in a serious relationship, and I am certainly guilty of that. My parents absolutely adore her, and often remind me that she's quite the catch. I am probably con- cerned about nothing and these are issues that all busy couples face. — Concerned About Nothing? DEAR CONCERNED » What she earns, doing what, how old she is, where she has traveled, and what these say about her behaviors (innate or acquired) make for a nice little red-herring parade. It's not even what you want to talk about that matters; it's that you can talk about it with her. Ap- parently all you've done to this point is hint — subtly at that! — so her cocked head could be saying not that you're crazy, but instead that you're speak- ing a language she doesn't understand. Or that you have something in your teeth and she's not sure whether to tell you. So, state what you mean: "When you X, I feel Y." Or, "I'm not comfort- able with X. I'd like to do/ talk about doing Y in- stead." Or, "I'd like to slow down a bit on X. I need time to think." Actual feel- ings, actual truth, actual words. When you can speak up — when you feel confi- dent she will hear you out, respect your needs and not punish you for challenging her — then actual wonderful becomes a possibility, too. One more thing: You toss off that "we all" become isolated from friends. Actually, we don't — only some do. Communicating with bossy girlfriend proves to be difficult 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 Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Avoid confrontations. You may feel that your goals are out of reach, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Take a close look at your game plan. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You'll attract attention with your personal philosophy. Pres- ent a confident attitude to the world. Your dreams will come to pass if you are ingenious. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Do a good deed by offering your knowledge to someone who could use a helping hand. Take time to review your papers. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will regret an emotional outburst. If someone you care about upsets you, it would be better to remain calm and walk away rather than get upset. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Make sure to maintain good health in the coming days. Stick to a nutritious diet. Acquaint yourself with various sports or fitness plans, and get active with physical programs. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will gain a lot of pleasure from a cultural or artistic hobby. Go ahead and indulge your creative needs. Choose a project that excites you and get started on it. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Indulge in activities or workouts that can boost your confidence. Consider a day trip to an interesting destination. Domestic tension is best left alone for now. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make travel plans, or set your sights on an adventure that is sure to capture your interest. Get together with an old friend and share memories. Look back while moving forward. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Devise a firm plan that will ensure you a brighter future. You will be clear-headed today, allowing you to hone your skills and figure out what you need to do to get ahead. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Entertainment and time spent with friends should highlight your day. You will be inspired and inspirational in equal measure. Share your most spectacular ideas. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your vivid imagination will lead to many possibilities and interesting pursuits. Write down any ideas that come to you. De- cide the best route to take and pursue it with vigor. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Show your leadership abilities when they're called for. Your contributions will bring you great respect. A romantic relationship will enhance your personal life. Join forces. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Wednesday, april 23, 2014 redBlUFFdailyneWs.COM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B