Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/312552
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»A parent insists on calling an adult child (as in, career, married, kids, 30s, etc.) a babyish childhood nickname. The child has asked that the parent not use the name multiple times. The parent claims they cannot change that easily, and seems (to outside parties) to be using the name more frequently. The par- ent will slip into this nickname at public events as well, including events involving the child's colleagues. The child does not believe the parent has bothered trying to adhere to the request at all. Is either side being unreasonable? —Nicknamed DEAR NICKNAMED » The parent who sticks to the name is being unrea- sonable, I suspect with intent. Power trip? Usually is. If you've spent any time in this forum at all, you know I'm going to say you can be right about your nickname — you're the adult child, obviously — and still not control your parent's use of it. But, you can choose not to fuss, since that's part of the power-trip circuit, and it's best not to complete it. And you can choose not to respond to the nickname. When this parent calls you Pookie, s/ he might as well be saying "armchair." Your head does not turn. And those "outside parties" who support you can all do the same, includ- ing play dumb. "'Pookie'? I'm sorry, who? Oh, you mean Dana." You can also limit this parent's presence at events. And, you can take deep cleansing breaths and remind yourself that a defiant, public nick- name-abuser is actually making more of a fool of him/herself than of Pookie. Refusing to try to see it that way is where the adult child would enter the unreasonable zone. Fair? DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Pookie: Thanks Carolyn, that does make sense (and makes me feel like I'm not nuts for being irritated by it). What if the parent sends emails that begin with "Pookie, (rest of email)"? Would you sug- gest ignoring the email altogether? — Nicknamed Again DEAR NICKNAMED AGAIN » Well, at least we know it's deliberate now! You can state clearly to the parent: "I'm just letting you know, from now on, if you start an email with Pookie, I will delete it unread" ... and stick to it. Or, you can decide this is private communication and not worth the trouble, and fight your battle on the public turf. It's a matter of your best judgment, both on the size of the battle you're fighting and on the possibility of collateral damage. Parent thwarts adult child's attempts to shake nickname 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:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aries(March21-April19)— Someone may feel left out if you are too busy with work. Take time to listen and offer sugges- tions. Equitably dividing your time will lead to success. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Confusion, mistakes and a lack of control could be problems for you today. Remain diligent at your workplace despite the conditions. Avoid restrictions. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You will capture the attention of your superiors. Show how much of a team player you can be. Make relevant suggestions that improve the workplace. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Someone close to you may be deceptive. Don't let your anger get the better of you. Try to pin- point the source of the problem. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will have to make some compromises to stay in the good graces of your colleagues today. Someone will feel that you've failed to be attentive or caring. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Children and loved ones should be included in your plans. Find something physical to partici- pate in. Sports events or other outdoor activities will provide a much-needed diversion. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take a good look around and consider what positive adjustments you can make to your home. Get feedback from friends and family. It's time to reorganize or recycle any unused or unwanted possessions. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Proceed with caution when using mechanical or electrical devices. You'll encounter prob- lems if you take a shortcut. You will get the results you want by being methodical and precise. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Consider starting a home- based business. Your ideas are good, but don't share them until you have everything in place. Someone will steal your deal if you aren't careful. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Emphasize your best traits when dealing with superiors. You will be well-equipped for a promotion if you develop a rap- port with those in a position to further your interests. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You need to make big per- sonal decisions without getting flustered. It may not be as dif- ficult as you imagine, although you may need to do some extra research to discover the right course of action. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Expand your circle of friends. Stimulate your curiosity by vis- iting different locations. Make the most of an opportunity to explore interesting people. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, MAY 15 THURSDAY,MAY15,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B