Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/337841
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»When I became engaged to my now-husband, I explicitly told friends and family I was not interested in any bridal showers. I'm very quiet and shy with few female friends/relatives and was never interested in being the center of attention. My mother-in- law ignored all of my protests and planned a bridal shower, inviting only her family members (most of whom I'd never met). I had no choice but to go and be gracious, even though the experience was extremely uncomfortable. I am pregnant and know my mother-in-law will immediately begin plans for a baby shower when she finds out. I have no interest in repeating the experience and have decided not to commit to any future dates as potential surprise parties, in addition to telling her I prefer to have no party. "Mom" has lots of anger issues and will not take the news well. Is it petty of me to say a polite but firm "No, thanks," or must I suck it up yet again? —NoParties DEAR NO PARTIES » It's your life. "No, thanks" is never petty. Normally I'd say that baby showers are differ- en t, a nd t ha t in vo lv in g people in celebrations can be an early step in creating a community for your child, but this is different. You're still at a point where your mother- in-law is in control, you make no mention of where your husband is in all this, and a baby is about to make any mother-in-law boundary problems exponentially worse. So, my advice here is to take it up with your husband. Not just the shower, but the whole "anger issues" thing. He needs to be willing to serve as the protective wall between his young family and her issues. Is he? If not, it's counseling or marriage seminar time, to allow a disinterested third party to explain the perils of not making each other your mutual priority. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Shower: What if you don't want advice or questions either? I'm having this weird urge to go hide in a cabin in the woods until I give birth. Is it weird that I'm not interested in dis- cussing my future child? — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Oh, gosh, no — I swear the population would double if new parents didn't have to run the gantlet of unso- licited advice. OK, maybe not double, but I've never had anyone report they were delight- ed by all the advice they got; all reports have been of how annoying and intrusive it is, this societal impulse to coach new parents. And, you might want to stay in your cabin till your baby's an adult, because the advice flow isn't diminishing anytime soon. (Was that part unsolicited?) Husband needs to stand up to controlling and intrusive mom 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 Cancer(June21-July22)— You will have some unsettling moments if you come on too strong when socializing. Don't make any overtures that might be taken the wrong way. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Confusion will set in if you don't have a clear-cut picture of what's happening around you. Ask questions, but don't offer advice until you have the facts. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — The opposition you face today will only serve to strengthen your resolve. You are on an upward spiral. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You may not want to venture too far from home. The people you encounter while out and about will seem particularly touchy and irritable. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Overcoming a setback within a partnership will lead to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Starting a self- improvement program will bring positive results and boost your confidence. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A humanitarian gesture on your part will have a profound effect on those around you. Your generous spirit will not go unnoticed. An unexpected reward is coming your way. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Family problems will come to a head if you are too control- ling or stubborn. You can stave off an emotional outburst if you make time for your partner and close relatives. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take a long look at where you are and where you are headed. It may be time to revise your game plan. An idea you have will hold the key to making extra cash. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Expect to encounter a complication regarding your vocational journey, but don't give up on your dreams. Look for an unconventional way to profit using your unique talents. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Stick to your budget and don't deplete your savings by making frivolous or spur-of-the- moment purchases. Find a way to trim your spending habits as well as bring in extra cash. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Get out and socialize. Attend a lecture or presentation where you can share your ideas. A chance encounter will help you form a new business partnership. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — If you are not doing what you have always dreamed about, ask yourself why not. Consider put- ting more energy into improving your credentials and boosting your profile. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol SATURDAY, JUNE 28 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014 4 D