Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/319437
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»My phone plan allows me to see the texts of my kids, 19, 17 and 14. I monitor their chat occasionally. I don't let them know, and don't plan on intervening unless something gets completely out of control. Selfishly I like to see chats from the oldest, who is away at school, giving me some assur- ance he's alive! Thoughts? —Seeing DEAR SEEING » Wow. The "selfishly" says you know you're crossing a line with him. Stop reading his texts immediately — and those of your other children as they hit 18 — unless and until you have evidence- based concerns. Snooping on the youngers also crosses a line, but I don't recom- mend dropping that habit. While I believe strongly that kids need some pri- vate spaces, and that you need to front them a little trust to get them build- ing it on their own, I also think Cyberia has different rules, because it's a mis- take to foster an expecta- tion of privacy online. For that reason, I sup- port the parental snoop — but with one important condition. Tell your kids. Warn them you have ac- cess and aren't afraid to use it. Provide them with the following context: You're not interested in checking often; you're not going to say anything about what you see or get involved unless necessary. You're doing it solely to get them used to the idea that "online privacy" is an oxymoron. They shouldn't send or post anything they don't want to go public. "Do I want Mom or Dad to see this?" is an excel- lent standard for them to tattoo on their minds, at least while the concept of "future employer" remains blissfully abstract. DEAR CAROLYN » So, the guy I'm seeing has re- quested that I lose weight. I have not gained weight since we started dating, but I would like to lose weight and could certainly afford to lose 20 pounds. This is strictly about attractiveness from his perspective, as far as I can tell. There was no verbiage about unhealthy habits or concern for well-being. I do work out regularly, though probably not enough, and I love my evening wine. So, there's room for improvement. I don't know what to do while I lose weight or even if I can. This has affected my self-confidence. — Weighty Question DEAR WEIGHTY QUESTION » You're dating someone who dents your self-confi- dence versus enhancing it. Buh-bye, right? Since I'll get feedback about weight anyway, I'll say this much: You can get thinner, sure. "Improve," sure. Who can't. But: You got to your current shape not by being sick, apparently, or self-de- structive, or depressed, or ignorant of self-care; you got there by being your workout-dabbling, wine- enjoying self. Bypass years of anguish and hold out for someone who adores your natural state. Parent monitoring kids' texts must do it for the right reasons 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) — Be resolute in showing your family what is expected of them and what you will do in return. Until you deal with the problems at home, they will keep growing. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may not be getting the whole picture. Don't make a decision until all the information is available. Get the facts first. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You may see yourself heading toward adopting a different life- style. Find out all you can about the changes you are considering by attending a seminar. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't be pressured into spend- ing money on an unknown or questionable cause. You work too hard to lose your cash on someone else's whim. Say no. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Support will be yours, with people freely offering assistance that will enable you to reach your goals. You will be able to breeze through any and all as- signments that come your way. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — The creativity that has ben- efited your financial situation can be put to good use helping others. Offer your assistance, but be wary of taking on too many ventures at once. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Partnerships and coop- erative efforts will take a lot of your energy. Don't act in haste. It will require patience on your part to make things happen favorably. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Go over your projects with a fine-toothed comb before you present what you have to offer. You risk failure and disappoint- ment if you let some careless mistake slip through your guard. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Try brainstorming with friends who share your con- cerns and interests. A profitable venture can be yours if you are able to sell your plan to the right individual or organization. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Make sure that you are prepared for anything that comes along. You may have to make some adjustments to your original plans, but if you are flexible, you will achieve your goal. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will be able to take advantage of any situation that comes your way. Friends and colleagues will be impressed by your abilities, and you will gain respect and support. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your intuition is very sharp. Have faith in what you do. Stick to your game plan and don't be led astray by false promises. Follow your heart. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 WEDNESDAY,MAY28,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B