Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/377929
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»My13-year- old niece, "Heather," is a beautiful girl. I love her but I don't like her. She has a bad attitude toward everyone. She lies con- stantly and is disrespect- ful and obnoxious. My 13-year-old daughter continues to be a target of Heather's bullying. Her be- havior has become so bad that my family and I do not want to be around her. However, we're expected to attend family events, and if we decide not to attend a family function, I'm blamed for being anti-social. I thought Heather was going through a phase and would eventually out- grow it. Her attitude and behavior have worsened. When I try to ad- dress my concerns with Heather's parents and grandmother (my moth- er), I always receive the same response: "It's just Heather being Heather." When I continue to push the issue, an argument ensues. How do I get Heather's parents and grandmother to understand how seri- ous the situation is? By not addressing the girl's issues, her parents and grandmother are condon- ing her bad behavior. —FrustratedAunt DEAR AUNT » "Heather's" parents and grandmother will not change their approach to her because either they don't see her behavior as a problem, don't care about your discomfort or don't dare upset the tyrant. You have all of the tools you need to make a change on your own behalf, so stop expecting others to do this work for you. If you don't like your niece's behavior, tell her: "Heather — enough. I'd like you to find a nicer way to speak to me." Then do your best to ignore her, because your family members do have a point: It is foolish to step up the drama with a 13-year-old. If she is bullying your daughter, you must make sure she doesn't have the opportunity by not leaving the two alone together. An obnoxious 13-year- old should not be running the family show. If other family members put you down because you object, you'll have to understand that bullying behavior doesn't happen in a vacu- um. You should feel sorry for this girl. She's going to have a bumpy ride. If you have had enough of the whole clan, then you should definitely limit your time with them. There are worse things than being anti- social. DEAR AMY » I read your answer to someone sign- ing her letter "Dilemma" — about friends who have a bedbug infestation in their home. I thought your answer was great, but you referred to the scientist who studies insects as an etym olo- gist. The correct term is entomologist. — Faithful Reader DEAR READER » Many readers reported this error, which appeared in some (but not all) newspapers carrying my column. I apologize and thank readers for the correction. No one will confront niece who bullies her entire family 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)— Taking on too much could dam- age your health. A relationship or situation will cause you grief and lead to change. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Group encounters will allow you the perfect opportunity to share your ideas. A change is as good as a rest. Don't be afraid to try something new. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Keen observation and listen- ing will provide lucrative infor- mation. Be prepared to work hard if you want to get ahead. Make the most of any chance. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep your own needs and wants in perspective. You risk being taken advantage of if you decide to address others' prob- lems ahead of your own. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Friends and relatives can be a source of inspiration. If you're open-minded, your options will multiply. Willingness to com- promise will help dissipate any problems that crop up. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — It's fine to be laid-back, but love and friendship aren't likely to find you if you are hiding in a corner. Take up a new pastime, and opportunities will improve. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Waffling will work against you. Size up what's going on and, without making a commit- ment, mention what you might contribute. That way, you gain the upper hand and buy time to make a decision. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Once you know what you want, be upfront and open. Secret deals and hidden agendas will lead to trouble. Don't let anyone talk you into a questionable venture. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — A new partnership will offer greater opportunities. Consider your options while highlighting your talents. You can make an important first impression if you volunteer your services. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Put an emphasis on getting ahead. Prove how valuable you are in the workplace by sharing your vision and plans. You will attract the attention of a future mentor. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't get drawn back into a disappointing relationship. Mak- ing travel plans or researching something you'd like to pursue will spur you to let go of the past and embrace the future. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You should exercise caution when forced to deal with other people's money or property. You could be blamed for a situation that you had no hand in. A fi- nancial change is on the horizon. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, SEPT. 9 TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER9,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B