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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»Iaminmy 30s. Last year my fian- cee broke up with me. Afterward I did absolutely everything to make her see that was not the best decision for us. I was blindsided and feel it was my fault that I let this breakup happen. I spent two months in pain. There was a lot of crying, a lot of self- reflection, a lot of self-loathing and a lot of seclusion. Then I found out she was back in a relationship with her ex. During this transition phase, I started reading online articles about "how to get over your ex." My friends reached out, stat- ing it was for the best, I was better off and time would heal the broken heart (FYI — not true). I started working out again and am now in pretty good shape. I have thrown myself into my new work. I bought a new car and a new motorcycle. I go on long drives/rides just to clear my head. I started traveling again. None of my solutions helped. Whenever I have free time, my mind wan- ders to her. Even after eight months, I still have dreams about her. This terrifies me. Honestly, what is go- ing on? Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated. —TheDamagedGuy DEAR DAMAGED » Please, don't take responsibility for your ex's behavior. You have chosen a constructive path to fol- low that involves getting exercise and staying healthy, making a positive commitment to work and sharing your feelings. You seem very much on track. Denial, followed by excruciating pain, fol- lowed by crying, followed by n ew c a r b uy i n g a nd trip-taking — this is the bumpy trajectory of slow healing and recovery. This is painful. No other emotional experi- ence really compares to a love betrayal. Keep going. Give yourself permission to occasionally wallow in the dark heart of this. Seek counseling with a person specializing in dealing with men; analyzing your past relationships (including this one) and your current feelings and behavior will lead to insight. DEAR AMY » I'm in my 40s, and I recently got married for the second time. My husband and I had a female friend who was supposed to be in our wedding party, but out of nowhere abruptly dropped out of everything and didn't call to say she wasn't coming (one of her children did notify us). We asked her if there was a problem or if we had done something wrong, and she said no — all was fine. My gut tells me something is not right. If we run into her, how should we handle it? — Easygoing Bride and Groom DEAR EASYGOING » Your gut usually knows more than you. If you run into this friend (and I hope you do), you should be very honest. Say, "My gut tells me all is not right with you. Are you OK? Can we talk about it?" Unexpected breakup paves bumpy path for recovery 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)— Be willing to accommodate as many people as you can in order to become a mediator. Your vi- sion will be viewed as practical. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — This is not a good time to enter into a joint venture. Family relationships and friendships will suffer if you attempt to put together business partnerships. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Establish new partnerships. Your projects will take shape if you pay attention to detail, but you should not share your ideas until your plans are underway. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you are unsettled about money matters, get a profes- sional assessment of your finan- cial concerns. It is your respon- sibility to provide. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will be riding an emo- tional roller coaster today. Take some time for a short road trip or change of scenery to tempo- rarily distract you from problems that need time to improve. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You can't move ahead if you keep looking back. Inject some fresh ideas into your routine. Personal, educational or professional pursuits will result in lucrative, stimulating changes. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Romance is in the air. If you widen your circle of friends, you will discover a unique way to develop professional or personal partnerships with upwardly mobile individuals. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You have a vivid imagina- tion. Don't get hung up on one project or issue; dealing with a variety of situations will help you complete so much more. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you find yourself floundering, ask for help. Swallow your pride if it will help you get ahead. Stubbornness will not get you where you need to be. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Take a peek at the possibilities that surround you. Creativity and romance are highlighted and should take top priority. Share your affection with some- one special in order to enhance your relationship. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Someone will try to thwart your financial plans. Be aware of where and to whom your per- sonal information is available. Caution is key, so don't share your secrets. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Follow through with your plans. Don't feel that you have to explain yourself to people who don't share your vision. Be on guard and stay on track in order to reach your goal. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B