Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/400396
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mywifeof11 years started transition- ing into menopause a few months ago. "Sally" is now 54, and our adolescent daughter "Maggie" is really start- ing to be affected by her mom's mood swings. She tells me that she's at times afraid of her mom. She's hesitant to ask her any- thing, fear- ing a verbal assault. Sally's mood can change at the drop of a hat. When she becomes angry there is no stopping her. She's not physically abusive but is heavy- handed with language. We both love her very much and hate to see this happening to her. Sally's doctor will not prescribe any medical treatment unless she experiences hot flashes, which she does not. And the few times I have broached the subject with Sally, she's become very irate and blamed her anger on me and Mag- gie. What can we do? We want to help her. —HopingforaChange DEAR HOPING » These extreme outbursts might be related to your wife's hormonal changes, but she could also be experi- encing symptoms related to depression, bipolar disorder, another mood disorder or another ill- ness altogether. You say her doctor refused to treat her medi- cally. She should seek a second opinion. Recog- nizing the signs of a rage before it overtakes her and using meditation and breathing techniques will help her. Meet with your wife privately (outside the home and away from your daughter). Tell her how worried you are. You must advocate for your daughter, and you must do everything pos- sible to protect her from her mother's rages. It's important that you get help for yourself. A family therapist can strat- egize ways to cope with this at home. If your wife would commit to therapy along with you (or on her own), that would be very helpful, but regardless, you should seek help. DEAR AMY » My wife's cousin is getting married, and has chosen a destina- tion wedding. An uncle forwarded an email to us that was written by her cousin, inviting family and friends to join them. Does this constitute a wedding invitation in this day and age? We have no idea if we're being excluded, or invited. A second-hand email for an event such as this seems a bit lacking. Tradi- tion and etiquette never looked so appealing. — Confused DEAR CONFUSED » I agree that this wedding noti- fication is lacking on a number of fronts, among them style, substance and clarity of intention. The kindest response would be for you to reply directly to the couple via email: "We received an email forwarded by Uncle John notifying us of your upcoming wedding. We are very excited for you both. We are confused if this constitutes an invita- tion from you. Please let us know. Regardless, congratulations." Wife's mood swings have husband and child worried 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) — Compliments will come your way as a result of your self- improvement. The only person you can change is yourself, so refrain from critiquing others. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — New friendships are bound to form if you get involved in a cause that you're passionate about. Get out and explore sub- jects that hold interest for you. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't jeopardize your rep- utation or position by becoming involved in squabbles at work or home. Stay on the sidelines. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Adventurous times are head- ing your way. A risk will result in a financial gain. Consider a resi- dential move if it will bring you closer to a better job market. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — New friends are coming into your life. Attending a commu- nity event or taking an out-of- town trip will introduce you to potential partners both profes- sional and personal. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Resist the urge to get too attached to business partners or clients. Keep your profe- ssional and personal lives separate, or you stand the chance of losing your job and credibility. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will be the life of the party today. Your clever wit and entertaining personality will ensure that everyone has a good time. Love is in the air. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You will get more accomplished if you do the work yourself. Others will not be in the mood to help you out. Once you finish your tasks, reward yourself with something pleasant. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be true to yourself. If an unsatisfactory relationship can't be rectified, you should deal with it once and for all. Letting matters linger will not solve anything. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Reward your hard work with something that you've wanted to do or purchase for a long time. Gathering together with close friends, doing some traveling or taking part in an enjoyable activity will hit the spot. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Money can be made if you are ready to take a risk. You will be dynamic and eager to step out and be the life of the party. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — An unnecessary repair or overpriced purchase will leave you upset. Make sure you get full value for your dollar. Shop around for the very best deal. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, OCT. 18 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B