Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/348716
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Weliveona lovely little street where we frequently socialize with five other families, often in a large group. One of the men in our group, "Stan," doesn't like another man in our group, "Dan." The last few times we've hosted a group gathering, Stan drank too much and became quite rude and hostile to Dan. Stan takes cheap shots or makes snide comments just loud enough for only those close to hear — in- cluding Dan. Dan has never com- plained about it, but we feel it isn't fair that Dan be treated so badly when he is a guest in our home. Others in our group agree that Stan's drink- ing is getting out of hand but know that mention- ing it to him or his wife will cause hard feelings as they are both thin skinned (they get quite pouty if they aren't in- cluded in everything). We're planning another neighborhood barbecue and are hesitant to invite Stan due to his bad behavior. If we don't include them, we know the friendship will be over. It seems like a no- win situation. Any suggestions? —TroubleinParadise DEAR TROUBLE » The nice thing about "no-win" situ- ations is that because you don't have to worry about winning, you can blunder onward, trying. In this case, if this thin-skinned couple will sever ties with you regar- dless of what you do, you could give "Stan" the gift of a lifetime by being hon- est with him about his drinking. DEAR AMY» I may be accused of being sexist, but after spending over 20 years around health care nursing stations and hospital break rooms, I continue to be mystified and appalled by the way my female colleagues routinely violate the confidentiality of others. I'm referring to personal information regarding friends and co-workers, not their patients. Gossip about extra- marital affairs, financial woes and substance abuse — there seems to be no subject that is off limits. Away from work, I spend lots of time with groups of male friends, but I simply don't experi- ence the same cavalier treatment of others' per- sonal information. — Puzzled in the Pacific N W DEAR PUZZLED » I'll prob- ably be accused of being sexist for agreeing with you, but I do. I'm not nec- essarily appalled by this. One explanation of this stereotypical gender behavior is that women tend to use intimacies and personal informa- tion as a way of pulling the group together, while men trade in impersonal problem solving as a way to attain and maintain status. Friend's drinking behavior creates a no-win situation (You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook. Amy Dickinson's mem- oir, "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them" (Hyperion), is available in bookstores.) Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Cancer(June21-July22)— Relatives should not be allowed to meddle in your personal affairs. Your emotions will run high, but that doesn't mean you should make assumptions. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take a leadership position. Your skills, compassion and ability to communicate will sway others to join whatever cause, fight or promotion you try to launch. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will be enticed to spend more money than you should. Take a close look at your up- coming expenses. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Keep the peace regardless of what others may do or say. The less said, the better. You don't want to have regrets. Listen, but refrain from judgment. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't allow your stubborn- ness to hold you back. Co-work- ers may try to place the blame for a careless error on your shoulders. Stick to the truth, but don't point fingers. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You need to take control of your life. Fight boredom by checking out activities that will help you meet new people and experience new ways of doing things. Embrace change. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Disagreements will get over- heated if you aren't willing to back down. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and giving every- one due consideration will show that you can be gracious. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Explore new places today. Make plans to travel somewhere you have never been before. Don't stay home just because you don't want to go some- where alone. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Put some effort into inex- pensive projects. Your imagina- tion will spark a few innovative ideas that won't break the bank. Show others how versatile and inventive you can be. Aries (March 21-April 19) — It will be tough to get along with everyone today. Take a back seat and avoid potentially contentious situations. Move on to a tranquil, relaxing setting. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't abuse the trust that others place in you. Being deceptive or dishonest could cause a lot of friction. Don't risk losing a valuable friendship. Sit tight and let someone else make the first move. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You will face criticism if you are too outspoken. Don't waste your energy on people who don't share your vision. Collaborate with those who think along the same lines as you. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JULY 18 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 6 B