Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/317955
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»Iwas interested in the question (http://wapo.st/1inBaQq) from the woman whose boyfriend started smok- ing and said, "This is me, deal with it." I have been mulling over the concept of uncondi- tional love. Where does uncondi- tional love fit into this sort of situation? Or is uncondi- tional love only applicable between parents and children? —Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » I'm not sure even parents and children have uncon- ditional love. There are betrayals deep enough to destroy what are arguably humanity's closest bonds. To me, barring such extreme betrayals, uncon- ditional love in a practical sense is that your love is for whom you know a person to be — sense of humor, intellect, way of looking at the world, history with you, talents, strengths, expressions, stories — that aren't af- fected by this or that belief or action or outcome. I suppose an outcome can reveal that what you thought you knew about a person was wrong, and so there's always a condi- tion somewhere, but I still think people have a base- line self, and loving that is as close to unconditional as we can get. However: Your willing- ness to live with that person, or condone that person's actions, or even visit that person, can be independent of that base- line love. I don't think the love in the smoking ques- tion rose to the level of "unconditional," but let's say it had, in the sense that the letter-writer loved the resumed-smoker for reasons not subject to change. In that case, the letter-writer could still end the relationship over the behavior — it would just be a matter of "I love you completely but there's no amount of love that will keep me in a home with a smoker." Which does happen, of course. One can have "unconditional" love (as pragmatically defined) both for a partner and for oneself, right? And in that case, when the two are at odds, you have to choose one. For unconditional love that doesn't have any strings or disclaimers, we have dogs. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Unconditional Love: Dogs have taught me about unconditional love, but what I've learned from cats over the years is that it's important too, if you can, to give the kind of love someone wants and is able to ac- cept. Too often we want to give the kind of love we want to give or the kind that makes us feel good. Cats in particular seem hardwired to only be able to receive the kind of love they want, regardless of whether or not you want to be all snuggly and kissy- face with them. — Anonymous 2 DEAR ANONYMOUS 2 » It just kills me that you have a point. Thanks. Sometimes you have to see past flaws with loving eyes 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)— Your insight and intelligence will leave a favorable impression. Do your best to build a solid base, and it will allow you to head in a direction that suits you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't get conned into taking on someone else's responsibilities. Whether the pressure is coming from friends or family, let every- one know you can't be bullied. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Self-improvement efforts will give you confidence and the ability to sell your ideas. Be proud of achievements. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't be too quick to offer un- solicited advice. If you come off as a know-it-all, you may end up being saddled with projects that you don't want. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — There are many confusing changes going on around you. Trust your instincts. You will find the right path if you believe in your capabilities, talents and integrity. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't feel that you have to conform to the same schedule day after day. Put in extra time. Your boss will thank you, and you can accomplish a lot with- out the distraction of others. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you are feeling sluggish, it's because you aren't devoting enough time to physical activity. Get out in the fresh air and play. A fitness challenge will promote energy and enthusiasm. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Real estate deals look quite lucrative at present. First im- pressions will be very important. By spending a little cash, you can make beneficial changes that could net a high return. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You may be sabotaging your own happiness. Get out with friends to explore entertaining activities. Laughter really is the best medicine. A fun-loving at- titude will attract attention. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Try to devise new means to increase your cash flow. You have several ideas worth mar- keting. Stick to a budget that is realistic, and forge ahead. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Stifle your temper today. Take an honest look at your own shortcomings before you try to change someone else. Accep- tance will be the key to avoiding discord. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't make excuses for someone who is being dishon- est. You can best protect your reputation by showing honesty and integrity. Don't waffle under pressure from someone with selfish motives. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, MAY 24 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014 6 B