Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/355874
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mynew daughter is almost 4 months old, and I feel as though my in-laws don't love her as much as they do h er m al e c o us i n , w ho is 2. They take the boy for sleepovers and are always buying him toys but don't do these things for my daughter. When everyone is together, not nearly as much attention is focused on my baby, compared with her little cousin. They are Middle Eastern, so I know it's common for them to place higher value on boys as opposed to girls, but I always thought that this wouldn't be the case in my situation. This breaks my heart. Our baby is young now, but once she is older, then she will definitely be aware of the favorit- ism, which I won't be able to tolerate. Am I overreacting? My husband says it's because she is so young right now and that they will be showing her the same love once she's older. —UpsetMom DEAR MOM » You are overreacting, but it is understandable. Your in-laws have had two years to get to know their grandson, and if he is their first grandchild, they may have a powerful attachment to him. You should assume that as your daughter grows, she will coo, smile and toddle her way into their hearts too. What you must not do is to continue to project your hurt feelings onto your young daughter. If this favoritism continues, your insecurity and anger about it will only high- light the imbalance for your child. Good grandparents, like good parents, learn that they have ample room in their hearts for all of the children in their lives. They may not love each child in the exact s am e wa y , b ut t he y lo ve them individually and abundantly. Give your in-laws op- portunities to hold and enjoy her. See if they want to have her with them for two or three hours one afternoon while you run an errand or two. This will give them a chance to get to know her gradually. DEAR AMY » "Linda from Michigan" wrote about a loud phone yakker in a coffee shop. My husband, one of the m ost co urteous people I've ever met, had an ingenious solution. When someone next to him in a quiet corner of a bookstore (no less!) began talking loudly on a cellphone, he simply started reading aloud at the same volume from the medical text he was perusing. That worked pretty quickly! I recommend it. — Sophronia in Cambridge, Mass. DEAR SOPHRONIA » Some bookstores have prohibi- tions on cellphone use. I like your husband's reaction. Grandparents show favoritism toward male grandchild You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Leo(July23-Aug.22)— The opportunity to form your own business looks favorable. Take the first steps with pride. You will find that small victories will lead to better possibilities. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Career matters should be at the top of your list. You can take advantage of a lucrative finan- cial deal if you are ready to act. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Show off your best qualities. Your improved appearance will make you confident. You will earn more respect from others if you feel better about yourself. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Others may try to influence you, but don't do anything that could compromise your health today. Overindulging will lead to troublesome health concerns. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Use a friend as a sound- ing board for your ideas. By voicing your dreams, you are likely to attract help that could take your plans and spin them in a favorable direction. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Business dealings and negotiations will not be fruitful today. Set aside time to work on your own tasks, and avoid being drawn into any disagreements. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — By joining in discussions with people from different back- grounds, you will find a space to share novel and creative ideas. You will broaden your prospects and find compatible partners. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — The health concerns of an older relative must not be over- looked. Take a close look at this person's surroundings to help safeguard against accidents. Being responsible will result in an unexpected reward for you. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Stay away from the spotlight today. Unless your opinion is asked for, keep quiet. You could end up in a verbal tug- of-war or a vulnerable position. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't let restlessness or irritability get to you. Instead, catch up on unfinished chores that have been nagging at you. Focus inward and stay out of trouble. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Consider modernizing your look. You can be more stylish without falling prey to the latest fashion trends. Ask your friends for help and advice if you get confused. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You will benefit if you put more effort into achieving harmony at home. Being agreeable and offering assistance will help you build strong relationships and family ties. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JULY 31 THURSDAY,JULY31,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B