Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/406189
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamhaving trouble communicating with my mom. I moved to California when I was 18 (my parents live in an- other state), and I started from the bottom and made a name for myself. I work and usually at- tend school, but I decided to take a break this semester. I am working full time and volunteering. When I informed my mom about my plan, she went crazy and told me how everyone knew I would fail and not finish my degree. She doesn't support my feelings or thoughts — ever — and always jumps to negative conclusions. I end up ignoring her, and that makes everything worse. Help! How can I calmly talk with my mom so that she will hear my side of the story? —Sad DEAR SAD » It's hard enough to be in charge of your life without being undermined by the voice of doom from home. It is strange how those who think the least of us seem to take up the most space. Given the situation you describe, you were wise to put a lot of distance be- tween you. The best way for you to be in touch is textual. You should email her or send a postal letter. Carefully compose your communique, wait a day and read it back to yourself. Keep your state- ments calm and respect- ful and focused on how her behavior affects you. DEAR AMY » My son-in-law had an emotional affair and has never apologized to my daughter. He is a stay-at-home dad and is providing child care for the "other woman's" chil- dren, while also maintain- ing an emotional connec- tion with her. My daughter has told both of them that all con- tact must go through her (as she has tried to sal- vage this mar ri a ge) , but he continues to sneak and lie and try to be friends with this other woman. My husband and I have sat by passively as if nothing has happened so she can try to make this marriage work, even though the therapist told him to stay away from the other woman. My younger grand- children are unaware of his misdeeds as far as we know, but the older one has had to hear some of these conversations. There is no way this mar- riage can continue, and my daughter feels beaten and betrayed. Is it wrong to end a marriage when it is laden with mistrust and misdeeds? — Perplexed Parents DEAR PERPLEXED » Even though you say you are passively pretending nothing is going on, you seem quite involved — perhaps overly involved — in this couple's marital drama. Let your daughter know that you will con- tinue to be supportive of her but unfortunately you cannot fix this for her. You should urge her to continue with therapy. The big question she needs to answer is, "If my husband's behavior doesn't change, what will my life be like? What is best for our children?" Long distance doesn't quiet parental voice of doom 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Friends will question what you are trying to accomplish. Your nature and effervescent disposition will attract attention and bring about a challenge. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It's vital that you keep re- cords of your personal expendi- tures and assets. You work hard, but money has a way of slipping through your fingers. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will have to decide whether a romantic relationship has become too one-sided. A serious discussion is in order. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Trust your intuition if some- thing doesn't feel right, and make the necessary alterations. Use discretion, and refrain from being too forthcoming. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — An unusual creative project will get you heading in a new direction. Not only will you make new acquaintances, but you will also discover abilities and skills you didn't know you had. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Find a quiet corner where you can reflect on your personal life and explore your emotions. Soul-searching will give you a better understanding of your motivations, needs and wants. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Let your charm lead the way. New friendships will develop if you mingle. Attend events that bring you into contact with those who share your favorite pastimes. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Read the fine print. Make sure you understand what's included and what isn't. It's up to you to be diligent and to ask questions before you sign on the dotted line. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may be feeling anxious or temperamental. You won't be helping anyone if you fly off the handle. Keep your opinions to yourself for now. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Things will improve if you work alone. You will accom- plish more without distrac- tions or interruptions and if you eliminate jobs that have been put on hold for too long. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take advantage of your high energy and clear thinking so you will be able to accomplish your goals and open up time to do things you enjoy. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will face ups and downs regarding family matters. Listen to complaints and work to rectify the problems that exist before they have a chance to escalate. It's essential to cooperate. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B