Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/393898
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'mthe punching bag in a rela- tionship with my com- mon-law spouse. We have three children (ages 4, 2, and a baby). I hold down a profes- sional career and do a significant portion of housework as well as devote all my nonwork waking hours to car- ing for and teaching the children — but still I am belittled and accused of not doing enough. Her family members constantly warn her that I will leave (I have never threatened to leave). This makes her more frus- trated and she takes this out on me. She can't see the harm she's doing to our rela- tionship because she's too busy looking at how "un- fair" things are for her. How can I make her see how her actions hurt others? —TiredofBeing Pushed Around DEAR TIRED » You and your partner are endur- ing the most challenging phase of family life. In the best circumstances, it is not pretty. And in the worst cases parenthood looks like your house- hold, with two exhausted parents who — instead of offering love and support — are serving up blame and recrimination to each other. You don't outline particulars about her behavior, and you don't say how long she has been behaving this way, but I'm going to make the (kinder) assumption that she is completely over- whelmed, and/or possibly depressed. Has she been screened for postpartum depression? You two need as much practical help as you can get. You and your partner must have some alone time, so you can work on some of these issues, con- nect and reconnect with- out the kids around. If your partner is unwilling to treat you differently, then yes, your relation- ship is definitely at risk. DEAR AMY » My husband and I have been married for a little over two years and have been trying for a baby for about 19 months now. It is stressful enough dealing with this but what really bothers us is when everyone asks, "So, when are you guys having a baby?" I know they mean well, but it's still frustrating and annoying. I'm hop- ing you or your readers can help us with some responses. — Frustrated and Trying DEAR FRUSTRATED » This question seems to be the default query for some people after the wedding hoopla dies down and they simply can't think of anything else to ask you about. I hope it's not true that "everyone" asks you about this. This question is so deeply intimate and pre- sumptuous it is bound to pull you up short. Of course, answering honestly is an option: "We're dealing with some fertility challenges." Otherwise, I suggest keeping your response neutral and vague. Man feels like punching bag for ungrateful partner 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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23)— Despite your best intentions, a current love connection will pose a problem for you. Take a step back and try to see things from a different perspective. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Attention to detail and the ability to absorb information will help your unceasing quest for success reach a turning point. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will feel like you are running out of steam. Have a sincere chat with anyone who is being demanding or difficult, and set realistic boundaries. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Tackle correspondence or personal files that are overdue, and sort out what's irrelevant and put it aside. Homing in on what's important will help you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Trust your instincts. You have the knowledge to conquer a lu- crative project, and the time to put your ideas in motion is now. Be assertive when showcasing your talents. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Long-lasting damage will occur if you are too demanding. Try to see the situation from your opponent's perspective. Go out of your way to keep the peace and keep things moving. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will reap benefits from property or personal invest- ments. Everyone will be on your side, and changes at home will be well-received. Don't give up when you are close to winning. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You will have conflicts with youngsters. Financial losses are likely if you get involved with an unscrupulous salesperson. Your social life could use a boost. Get out and enjoy yourself. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be careful when it comes to sharing your plans. Someone will want to take credit for your ideas. If you feel uncertain, it would be best to avoid getting involved in a joint endeavor. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Lectures and travel should be part of your plans. Don't hesi- tate to ask friends and family for advice if you are questioning what you should do next. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — If a project has reached a dead end, take stock and consider taking a different approach. Look for someone who can offer a con- tribution that will get you back on track. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Unexpected surprises lie ahead. Pay close attention to your finances. Go over your spending in detail and cut your overhead. You'll feel less stress if you know you can cover your expenses. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, OCT. 7 TUESDAY,OCTOBER7,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B