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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamagood- looking, active senior widower. I look 10 years younger than I am. I've been dating an attractive widow (10 years younger) for nearly a year. I treated her like a princess. She wrote to me, "You're everything to me." Our relationship seemed fine until a re- cent lengthy phone conversa- tion, which turned to the subject of sex. Sex, she says, is the glue to a relationship. I disagree, believing a relationship has to be more substantive to be successful. She called me old-fash- ioned because I disagreed with her assertion that today all women have sex on the second or third date. I contend that not all women jump into bed that quickly. That's when I mentioned two previous relationships of hers in which she was sexually active. She blew up at me, said that I had crossed the line and told me not to call her again. I sent her flowers and a small gift with a note to call me but no response — not even a thank-you. Despite this, is there a chance for us? —OutofTimeinNY DEAR OUT OF TIME » You and your companion were dancing around an issue important to both of you. Neither of you is wrong about sex — but your views reflect your relative age and stage in life. On the one hand, she seems to be asserting that all women have sex early in a relationship (not true). On the other, she is offended, presumably be- cause you dared to imply that by your standards, she is just a wee bit slutty. This dust-up exposes a bit of a double standard: Women should be able to own their sexual choices free of judgment, and yet it is still considered ungentlemanly to bring up a woman's previous sexual relationships. Do not wait by the phone; this relationship is over. DEAR AMY» I'm 24, finan- cially independent and very busy. I work, free- lance on the side, play recreational sports, etc. I visit my parents about once (sometimes twice) a month. They live about 90 minutes away. They don't like to drive to the city , but eve ry t ime I come home, my father incessantly talks about how I "never visit." He says it so often that it makes me feel uncom- fortable, sad and guilty. I've tried talking to my mother about how this makes me feel, but she just says not to worry about it. Is there a way I can help them appreci- ate the time we spend together? — Only Child DEAR CHILD » You are sharing your reaction with the wrong person. Make sure he knows the door opens both ways and that you would trea- sure a visit from them. Disagreement about intimacy highlighted by age difference (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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— You will regret an emotional outburst. If someone is upset- ting you, walk away rather than overreact. An argument will not solve anything. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Make sure to maintain good health. Stick to a nutritional diet. Acquaint yourself with various sports or fitness plans. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will gain a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from a cultural or artistic hobby. Indulge your creative needs. Choose a project that excites you. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Indulge in private activities or personal training that can boost your confidence. Consider a daytrip. Domestic tension is best left alone for now. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make travel plans, or set your sights on another adven- ture that is sure to capture your interest. Get together with an old friend and share memories. Look back and move forward. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Devise a firm plan that will ensure a brighter future. You will be clearheaded and indus- trious, allowing you to hone your skills and discover what can help you achieve your goals. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Entertainment and friendly gatherings should highlight your day. You will inspire others and be inspired yourself. Share your most spectacular and original ideas. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your vivid imagination will lead to many possibilities and interesting pursuits. Write down any ideas that come to you. Decide the best route to take, and travel it with vigor. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Show your leadership abilities in organizational settings. Your contributions will bring great respect. A romantic relationship will enhance your personal life. Join forces with someone who shares your sentiments. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Avoid confrontations. You may feel that your goals are out of reach, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Address your game plan to see if you need to change your strategy. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You'll attract attention with your personal philosophy. Pres- ent a confident attitude. Your dreams will come to pass if you forge ahead with ingenuity. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Do a good deed by offering your knowledge to someone who could use a helping hand. Take time to review your personal papers to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 WEDNESDAY,JULY23,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B