Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/323127
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»Igot married about a year ago, at age 30. Before that, I lived with my parents for a few years in my 20s to save some money after school. This really helped us relate to each other better as adults, but it also made it very tough for them when I moved back out and later got married. Even though she likes my husband a lot, Mom is always trying to maneuver ways to see me alone, excluding him. Is this normal? By the way, it's not like my husband and I are conjoined at the hip; I visit my parents by myself plenty of the time. I feel like Mom is uncomfortable relating to the married me and doesn't enjoy my company unless I'm alone. Any thoughts? —Virginia DEAR VIRGINIA » Have you brought this out into the open with your mom? "I may be reading this wrong, but it appears to me that you're always trying to maneuver ways to see me without Chuckles. Is there something you're not telling me? Please don't be afraid to tell me the truth." Then don't react emo- tionally when she does. It might help if you think of any truth as a better outcome than, "Oh, no, everything's fine," which has almost zero produc- tive worth when you've already witnessed an odd pattern in someone's behavior. All you can say to that one is, "OK, I'll take you at your word, but if anything changes let me know" — and see if her way of dealing with you and your husband does in fact change. If she does offer up a reason, then handling her answer gracefully will help with whatever follows. The most likely answer is that she just misses your company, and your company is something that changes when a spouse is or isn't around. A less- likely but still common answer is that she doesn't like your husband or doesn't like the way you are around him. You and she are more likely to withstand the dropping of a bomb like that if you hold it together, thank her for her candor, say you need time to pro- cess the information, and then do just that. DEAR CAROLYN » As an adult, is it ever OK to tell your parent you don't like their significant other and/ or that you think their significant other doesn't treat them well? I feel like my dad is being taken ad- vantage of by his girlfriend. He spends a lot of time and money and effort on her. She spends little of those things on him. But since I'm an adult, this has no bearing on my day-to-day life. And since my dad's an adult, well, he gets to choose who he spends time with. I just hate watching it. — An onymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » "So, how are things going with Girlfriend. Are you happy?" Then, listen. Of- ten people will find a way to tell you whether your concern would be welcome or seen as an imposition. Daughter suspects her mom is excluding her husband 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 be tempted to change your plans. Someone pretending to be a friend could be trying to throw you off course. Use ideas to confuse the competition. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — An unexpected change could work to your advantage. You may not have been considering professional moves, but a posi- tive result will unfold. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your entertaining attitude will attract people of influence. Your emotions will be difficult to control, but can be assets if you want to get your point across. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Avoid office politics and gossip. Any opinion you give will lead to a bad situation that could dam- age your reputation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your chutzpah will gain you added respect if you speak up about issues that concern you. Your enthusiasm and knowledge will help you win valuable allies. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It's not healthy to compare yourself to others. There are bound to be a lot of factors that you know nothing about. Be content with your own lot in life and grateful for what you have. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Meeting with people from outside your circle will pres- ent you with interesting ways to move forward personally or professionally. If you share as much as you can, you will make new friends. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't make a commitment or start a new partnership. Take time to rejuvenate before you attempt to finish your to-do list. Paying attention to personal matters should take top priority. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Do your best to display honesty in personal and profes- sional relationships. Boasting will not help you win trust or allies. Stick to the facts in order to make a good impression. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look at a long-term invest- ment that will help you build your assets safely. Don't hold back when forceful pursuit is required. Balance and integrity will bring good results. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Romance is on the rise. Make special plans with someone you care for, or get out and meet someone new. Personal happiness can help you perform better in all walks of life. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Fond memories will make you want to get in touch with an old friend. Getting together with people who share your interests or concerns will lead to a joint venture. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol TUESDAY, JUNE 3 TUESDAY,JUNE3,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B