Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/397780
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Thelasttime I spoke to my daughter was five years ago. I hosted a first birth- day party for her son at my home and she severed ties with me after a petty argument. Since then, she has given birth to additional children, and for sev- eral years, I sent cards and gifts in the hopes of reconciling. I stopped giving because the only response I received was through second- ary sources; she never responded directly to my email or letters. I feel I had every right to be angry that day long ago. Both she and her husband were upset over my choice of party decorations (among other things). Post-fight, it came out that she felt unsup- ported during my mar- riage to my abusive ex- husband. And although I divorced him many years ago, it was evidently still acutely painful for her. While I respect that she's happy and has moved on, I've yet to heal from the turmoil of a lov- ing parent-child relation- ship gone wrong. I've given up, and yet I have no closure and do not foresee any. Am I wrong for feeling that way? —WrongedMother DEAR MOTHER » You have chosen this space to try to restate your origi- nal gripes against your daughter, along with ask- ing if you are "wrong" for feeling the way you feel. Your feelings are your feelings. They are neither wrong nor right. I can't help but won- der, however, about your daughter's feelings. In the midst of all the detail you supply, you mention your marriage to an abusive ex-husband. Is it possible that this estrangement is based on your daughter's anger over your inability to protect her? This is painful for you, but as long as you review your petty conflict and keep score (while ignor- ing the big stuff), you will never find closure. Be transparent about your own actions. Take responsibility for your choices. Apologize. Making this effort will enable closure for you. DEAR AMY » Recently I hosted a holiday dinner for 12 people. After all the leftovers were wrapped and put away, one of the guests approached me and asked i f s he c o ul d ha ve s om e of the leftovers for her dog. I was mortified, and the only response I was able to utter was, "Sure." I was taught that you never ask for leftovers un- less the host offers them. I am mad at myself for not saying anything, but what could I have said? With more holidays coming up, I'm sure people would like to know how to handle this sort of thing. — Tongue-Tied Hostess DEAR HOSTESS » How's this for an answer: "Can you take our holiday left- overs home for your dog? Um , no . " Being a gracious hostess does not mean that you are required to provide leftovers for your guests to take home for their own consumption — or their pets'. Roots run deep in mother daughter rift; closure unlikely 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) — Use your genial personality to get others to assist you. At- tend an event that will help you increase your connections. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't forget those less for- tunate. Sharing and caring will improve your relationships with the people in your life, and the rewards will be satisfying. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It's time to re-evaluate a romantic relationship. If your current situation is deteriorat- ing, step back and determine what needs to be done. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Now is the perfect time to consider a job change. Your friends are likely to recommend a position that suits you to a T. Put yourself on the line. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will have good times if you get together with the younger people in your life. Don't just sit on the sidelines; join in and have some fun. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your financial position is moving in a positive direction. Keep certain details a secret. Revealing too much personal information will lead to compli- cated situations that leave you feeling guilty. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Take note that someone is trying to downplay your abilities. Make a point to ensure that you receive credit for your tasks, and speak up if you are being treated unfairly. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — This is not the right time to lend or borrow. Your monetary situation is fluctuating, so keep an accurate record and track your expenses very carefully. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Clear up any uncertainties you are having with someone you deal with daily. Doubts and reservations are best handled honestly if you want to have a healthy relationship. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You are currently in a transition- al phase. Welcome changes and adjustments that will improve your lifestyle and profes- sional status. Being receptive to change will be the key to your success. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You are in the mood for light- hearted entertainment. Get in touch with distant friends and make plans for a reunion. Time away from your busy schedule will give you a break. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Workplace woes are likely if you become overly involved in the personal matters of your colleagues. Keep your private affairs a secret. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, OCT. 14 TUESDAY,OCTOBER14,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B