Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/372136
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'vebeen dating my girlfriend for nearly two years. We live together and love each other. The problem is that we have very different ideas about fitness. While my girlfriend is a sweet and caring woman who means the world to me, she is very overweight. She does not yet have weight-re- lated health problems, but I feel it is merely a matter of time (we are in our 30s). I care about her, and it is driving a wedge between us. I like to go to the gym and do active things, while her idea of a good time generally consists of being docile in various locations. I've tried several ways to change her lifestyle. I've bought us both gym memberships, signed us up for fun runs, suggested healthier cooking and recipe ideas, and have tried to expose her to fun fitness activities like yoga, Zumba and spin classes. Nothing sticks! She seems to find any excuse to stay docile and has actually gained weight! It's beginning to af- fect my confidence. I'm beginning to feel that I'm just not worth the work it would take her to get to a healthy weight and lifestyle. I feel so shallow that this is a concern for me, but I don't want to go through my middle years doing activities alone and dealing with the health problems a life of inactiv- ity will bring to her. Do I need to end this relationship? Is this something that can be worked through? —HealthyBoyfriend DEAR BOYFRIEND » I'm go- ing to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that even if your girl- friend was thin and inac- tive, you two would still be a mismatch because you are an active person and she likes to be "docile in various locations." Your only option here is to try to change yourself. One huge change would be for you to accept your girlfriend exactly as she is. Another change would be for you to slow down and become more like her. Realistically, I don't believe you can do either of these things. Be hon- est with her about how you feel and describe the impact of her lifestyle choices on you. Ask her to join you in talking about this with a counselor. DEAR AMY » I gave my brother a $50 gift card for Christmas. Some months later, he took me out for lunch and paid the check with the gift card I had given him. Am I right in thinking that was a little strange? — Generous Brother DEAR GENEROUS » If by "strange" you mean "thoughtful and kind," then yes, this is strange. Imagine this: You give your brother an expensive bottle of wine or a fresh baked blueberry pie. He thanks you by inviting you to share it with him, thus letting you enjoy the gift while also witnessing him enjoying it. Your brother arrived at a thoughtful way of using your gift to spend time with you. That's a nice thing to do. Girlfriend's obesity starts to take toll on active boyfriend 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22) — Don't hold back if it's time to make an important decision. Your anxiety level will decrease once you have made your choice and moved on. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — An interesting proposal will grab your attention. Be prepared to take action if it will improve your earning potential. You will receive valuable advice. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't get downhearted if events are not moving as fast as you would like. Maintain your focus and keep plugging away. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Share your ideas, but don't give away information that may be used against you or stolen. Someone you think of as your ally will disappoint you. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Make sure that you don't fall prey to a swindler or con artists. Defend your actions and beliefs with conviction, and question anyone offering something that is too good to be true. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Romance is in the stars. Make special plans with someone you love. Your fresh ideas will gain support and you will make great progress in your ventures. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Financial rewards are pos- sible if you are patient. Staying on top of changing trends in your field, coupled with the knowledge you gain from experience, will lead to victory. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Be attentive to both busi- ness and personal partners. An interesting deal may fall through if you are not attuned to the needs of others. Ask questions and share your thoughts. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Present your innovative ideas to as many people as you can. The information offered will lead to favorable returns and a chance to move forward and achieve your dreams. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Social events will ease your stress. Get out and have some fun with the people who bring you the most joy. A surprising someone will offer a valid solution. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Forge ahead with your tasks in spite of what others may say or do. You can only count on your own talent, integrity and desire to get ahead, not someone else's idle promises. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your leadership ability will rise to the surface. No matter what situation or challenge unfolds, people will be on your side, every step of the way. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, AUG. 29 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014 6 B