Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/410423
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihaveavery wealthy aunt and uncle to whom my husband I have recently grown close. We moved to their area last year. They have been very generous in helping us get settled. We go out to dinner with them once in a while, or visit at their home (they sometimes come to ours, but seem un- comfortable there). They typi- cally invite us out and often pay. We did offer to pay once, but we were chastised and rebuffed, so we stopped offering when it became too uncomfort- able and awkward. We would pay for other things when given an opportunity (grocery items, parking fees, gas, etc.). Recently my aunt sent me a scathing email claiming we weren't doing our part in the relationship and that we expect them to pay for everything. This email attacked my character and was very clearly intended to hurt, which it did. My husband wants to write them off, which I am tempted to do. We have a lot going on in our lives (our first child is coming this win- ter) and don't need this drama. I don't want to be the one to initiate contact because, though I under- stand their position, they handled this poorly and cruelly and have been dishonest with us. My husband does not want our child to be around people who wield their money for power (as they seem to do), or who play mind games. I am inclined to agree. How should I ap- proach this situation? —It'sLonelyatthe Top DEAR LONELY » I agree that your aunt's email sounds unfair and un- called for, but I wonder if she is simply feeling unappreciated. You are conflicted about how to respond, but if your character has been attacked, don't you want to? I suggest finding the high road and stick- ing to it. You don't need to explain anything or defend yourselves, and your response should be politely vague. You should make sure your aunt and uncle are invited to any family or baby-related events, but otherwise maintain some distance. DEAR AMY » My spouse and I recently went to dinner and a movie with another couple and ar- rived at the theater about 15 minutes prior to the start of the show. In the theater, I sat next to one of them. I was interested in having a conversation with her, but she just took out her cellphone and starting playing bridge. I didn't think much about it until my spouse said this was the height of rudeness and that he was flabbergasted by it. How do you see this? — A Bridge Too Far DEAR BRIDGE » I agree with your spouse. Taking out your phone to play a game when you are sit- ting next to someone you are spending the evening with is announcing: "I am bored. I am also boring." After aunt's attack, niece should take the high road 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) — Your powers of persuasion are undeniable. Once you make a commitment and put yourself on the line, others will join in. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep up with trends. Sign up for a course that promises solid information about techno- logical advancements that could do wonders for your career. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Consider an investment opportunity. Do the ground- work and avoid joint ventures. Someone you are close to will be overly sensitive. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Put your needs first. Accept the challenge that a leadership opportunity offers. Have faith in your skills and talent. Consider mentoring others; it may help. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look beyond the present and broaden your list of potential business partners. Choose a person whose opinion you value and whose drive and determina- tion best match your own. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You'll be faced with trying individuals today. Refuse to let anyone draw you into a futile battle of wills. Save your energy for pursuits that are worth your while. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Tie up loose ends. Update your legal, medical and financial documents, and make travel plans that could help you out professionally and give you incentive to work harder. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Do whatever it takes to put a little spice in your life. Be a participant and show off your flirtatious personality. A close friend will bring you unexpected news. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't allow family problems to interfere with your job responsi- bilities. Be mindful of where you are, what you are doing and with whom you are dealing. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — There is always room for im- provement. Expand your mind, interests and friendships. The knowledge and experience you gain will make you a sought- after commodity. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Follow through on your home improvement ideas. Put a real- istic plan in place that will bring positive results for the lowest price. Don't try to achieve every- thing all at once. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will experience troubling times if you get into a disagree- ment. Talking to an outsider about your concerns will give you an interesting perspective regarding how to rectify the situation. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2014 4 D