Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/315771
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»Iam writing because my husband and I are facing a huge dilemma. He cannot find a job in the U.S. He recently got a job offer in Asia and wants us to go. I have conflicting emo- tions about this, as I do not speak the language and feel it would be very isolating for me. I would be leaving all my family and friends. We have no kids and my husband thinks now is the time to take a risk. Any advice? —C. DEAR C. » I am sympathetic to concerns of isolation. Even for a gregarious person, parachuting into a language barrier and a cultural divide while your spouse heads off to work can be daunting. But, hello — er, konnichiwa/ni hao/anyong haseyo/ etc. — there are language schools (in which you enroll the moment you OK the move), and expat communities, and Skype, and basic, inner resources that mankind has tapped into in the face of all manner of daunting experiences. So instead of "risk" or "dilemma," try on "adventure." "Challenge." "A chance to push my limits" ... or just "prove to myself I'm not soft." Then see how you feel about going. If you do agree to the move, vow to embrace it with your whole heart. In return, request a promise from him to pull the plug — after a year? x years? — should you de- velop a misery your efforts can't fix. Just make sure you choose a long enough period of time for you to reasonably expect some roots to grow, and arrive prepared. Considering that it can take a year or more for people to adjust to a domestic move, going there with an eye on the exit date will defeat the purpose completely. DEAR CAROLYN » I'm a 22-year-old in a long-dis- tance relationship. Recent- ly, his parents asked if we plan on moving in together when we are living in the same city (in a year). His parents are religious and do not approve. We had planned on living together, and agree that answering their ques- tion honestly is the most respectful option. How can we tell them without offending them or being disrespectful? — Between a Bible and a Hard Place DEAR BETWEEN A BIBLE » Technically, you're a year away from this hard place. Nothing's certain till you sign a lease, and just because his parents seem to be looking for trouble doesn't mean you have to help them find it. Your boyfriend can cer- tainly set the stage in the meantime, by explaining that your being together is a year away and therefore premature to discuss, but that, for the record, he does not share their disap- proval of cohabitation. His maintaining this is about him, not you, while they process this would be the kind and mature thing, not to mention shrewd. Employment opportunity is outside wife's comfort zone 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 Gemini(May21-June20) — Don't get caught up in workplace bickering. If you have a complaint, follow the proper channels. Negativity and grum- bling could trigger problems. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Remembering the fun you had in the past will lead to a return to the things you enjoyed doing most. Rekindle the moment by revisiting old friends. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — This is your lucky day. You may receive an unexpected profit through a previous investment. Your ideas for financial gains will prove favorable. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Someone around you will be short-tempered. If you over- react, you will only create more hostility. Find a solitary activity. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Do your best at work and at home. Your peers or partners aren't likely to be cooperative. Rely on your own efforts and tread carefully to avoid misunderstandings. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Self-improvement strategies will work to your advantage. Use your initiative, and apply your strong work ethic to the things you find most appealing. Stay in control. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can't avoid unpleas- antness forever. Ignoring the problems will not make them go away. Take action and face any contentious issues before they become impossible to deal with. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your personal problems may come under scrutiny from meddling friends or relatives. Be diplomatic, but make it clear that you intend to solve your own issues. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Go over proposals or con- tracts with a fine-toothed comb, and get everything in writing. You could face long- term problems if you take people at face value. Protect your assets and your reputation. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you have been feeling blue, take time to relax. It might be the time to begin some improve- ment projects. The busier you are, the less time you'll spend dwelling on problems. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your drive to help those in need will bring you personal satisfaction and enrich your life. Personal and community commitments will bring you unexpected benefits. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your desire to learn is com- mendable and unstoppable. Meeting with others and com- paring thoughts and ideas will keep you up-to-date. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 WEDNESDAY,MAY21,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B