Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/328734
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»Atmy wedding six years ago, my mother gave a tipsy, bone- headed toast that implied she wasn't all that fond of my husband. My husband has gotten over it — he and my mom actually have a great relationship — but his parents were complete- ly offended, and made it clear at the time that they weren't interested in any joint family hangouts. This hadn't been a problem, as our parents live 500 miles away from each other, but now my husband and I are expecting our first child. Some family blending is going to be necessary. Do you have any advice for how I can mend this unkempt relationship? I feel the disastrous toast should be addressed. —BelatedlyJoining Families DEAR JOINING FAMILIES » Your in-laws made them- selves clear six years ago, so there's at least some chance they're over the insult, too — or at least far enough past their fury to breathe the same air as your mom. Can't your husband talk to his parents? Ask them to give her a chance — if not for him, then for their grandchild? DEAR CAROLYN » Husband would rather head-in-the- sand this problem. As in, "Our parents are very different types of people, probably won't enjoy each other, and we should just always keep them sepa- rate." I think it needs to be shown that we can all, yes, manage to spend a day with each other without anyone dying at the end. — Joining Families Again DEAR JOINING FAMILIES » If you have any kind of warm relationship with your in-laws, then say openly that you'd like to get both families together, and ask what it will take to put your mother's drunken buffoonery behind you. If you don't, then just throw them all together and expect them to be adults about it. They may not, but that doesn't mean you'd be wrong to treat them as if they will. Some- times trying to anticipate people's bad behavior becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Plus, any poor behavior is the fault of the person behaving badly, not the fault of the host. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Toast: I don't get this. If you know certain groups wouldn't get along, why even bother hosting them together? My husband's parents and mine barely know each other. Why do we have to force the Cosby Show ideal family onto everything? — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » If you have no interest in togeth- erness, then I'm with you. In this case, though, the obstacle is an injury that is in the past and, among some of the key parties, al- ready healed, plus there's the reasonable expectation that a grandchild will cre- ate a bunch of milestone- marking events that will involve either mixing fam- ily or awkward contortions to avoid mixing family. In-laws are still fuming over mom's drunken wedding toast 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) — Events could get out of hand if you are too emotional. It's best to hold back and act as an observer if you want to avoid getting dragged into a dispute. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your quest for success is likely to dominate you. Before making a move, consider the effects a change will have on others. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Love, friendship and high spirits will keep you feeling on top of the world today. Be sure to include younger and older family members in your activities. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will make a lot more progress if you stop trying to persuade people to see things your way. Belief in your own worth is more important. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will meet someone who interests you if you get out and socialize. Attend an event, get-together or activity that will allow you to put your charm to good use. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make your work uniquely your own. Don't tempt fate by shar- ing your plans. Be protective of your ideas to ensure that others don't try to profit from your efforts. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A loved one may feel neglected or taken for granted. Being conscientious and caring will help you avoid an emotional encounter. Nurture what you've got before it's too late. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Keep your secrets tucked away. You can get through anything if you remain calm and in control. Once the dust has settled, you can put your plans in motion. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Consider all your options before making a decision. Someone will offer insightful advice, allowing you to find a solution to an urgent dilemma. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You may be lacking the key facts of a situation that is de- veloping around you. Refuse to let anyone influence you. Stay neutral until you know the whole truth. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Let your imagination run free. Fantasize about your future, and you will discover a new and exciting avenue that will help to get you where you want to go. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't be too eager to pick up the tab for someone else. Hold on to your cash. Lending, borrowing or making a donation will not turn out in your favor. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, JUNE 12 THURSDAY,JUNE12,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B