Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/357128
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mypartner (whom I have been living with for two years) is a loving, wonderful man. We live in the country, about an hour outside of our home city. A few weeks ago, he asked if I would mind if he spent the night at a friend's place in the city after a night of board games and drinks. I do not want to be a "control- ling wife," so I reluctantly told him it wasn't a big issue. Well, this week we opened that conversation again, and it is a big issue to me. I was raised with traditional values, and my partner and I attend church Sunday mornings. Not only does this slee- pover seem unusual for a grown man, but he would be missing church. I applaud him for making the responsible decision not to drive after drinking, but living out in the country was our choice. This means some- times accepting that an all-nighter with the pals in the big city may not be appropriate anymore. The men in my fam- ily never did things like this, and I am confused, because I wouldn't do it either. —Confusedin the Country DEAR CONFUSED » There is no one way to have a happy partnership. Some couples find balance in taking occasional fishing trips or theater weekends away from each other. But I will say this: Anecdotally speaking, the happiest, strongest cou- ples I've studied seem to want to sleep with their partners by their side, and would stay sober and drive through a blizzard to get home after a night playing "board games"(?) with friends. They don't seem to need escape to have slumber parties with other adults. Your job is not to control your partner. Reject the idea that you are "letting" him do some- thing you don't want him to do. Say to him, "Honey, I'm not in charge of you. I find this plan a little strange and baffling. But you should do what you want to do." (You might also choose to spend a night in the city with friends.) I notice that de- spite your "traditional" upbringing, you are not married to your partner. This could be a crossroads for both of you. If you are truly miserable with the prospect and the reality of this, then, everything else aside, you might not be with the right person. DEAR AMY » I recently read a reply to the in- quiry from "Mike," whose daughter is annoying him and he wants her to move out. The reply suggested that the daughter was de- pressed and needed sup- port instead of confronta- tion. You said that the "partying and staying out all night doesn't sound depressed to me." Alcohol is a depressant — you might know this — and if she's doing a lot of that, she may be slipping into depression. — Reader From the 'Burbs DEAR READER » You're right. Wife disagrees with partner who wants to stay in the city 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)— You will have trouble fulfilling your obligations if you take on too much. Deal with matters one at a time. Don't take your frustration out on family. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will find it difficult to determine where to begin. If you don't understand your choices, keep asking questions. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Complete your responsibilities competently, and agree to take on bigger jobs that will allow you to show your leadership ability. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Sit on the sidelines. You are asking for trouble if you meddle in someone else's business. Stay out of any situation that has the potential to be costly. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can keep up to date with financial changes if you do your research. Once you have the information you need, you can benefit, but you must be prepared to act precisely. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will gain positive atten- tion and support from an un- expected source. Personal and professional partnerships will move along smoothly today. Aim high and plan to celebrate. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Be aware of job opportunities in your area. Positive changes are available if you remain well- informed and prepared. Keep your eyes and ears open and your resume ready. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Use your charisma and com- munication skills to express your innovative ideas to those in your peer group. You are likely to be propelled in a new and promis- ing direction. Aries (March 21-April 19) — It's time to reduce your ex- penses. Prioritize your spending and cut down on unnecessary purchases. You will be able to earn some extra cash by ridding yourself of unwanted items. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't be discouraged if progress takes longer than anticipated. Be patient. Getting emotional will only make you feel worse as well as hold you back. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't listen to someone's false promises. Keep your mind on the job at hand. Limit unneces- sary travel or commuting that can cause you to be late or miss time at work. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Check out useful sites on the Internet or local seminars that can teach you new skills. You can improve your chances of success if you are willing to enhance and expand your knowledge. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, AUG. 2 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014 4 B