Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/413019
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»My10-year- old daughter, "Amber," has a good friend, "Han- nah." They play well to- gether, and are extremely bright and creative. Over the past few months, they have started having more frequent play dates and sleepovers on the week- ends and this is where the problem begins. Hannah constantly wants play dates. Every single weekend, her mother asks if Amber is free. Amber enjoys Hannah, but also enjoys spending time at home. I have tried to tell Han- nah's mother that Amber can't play on a certain Saturday or Sunday be- cause she wants down- time at home, but then Hannah will call and tell Amber that she is bored. I feel awkward, too, be- cause Hannah's mom will call or text me multiple times a week asking for a play date for the girls. I have found myself saying yes to be polite, or lying and saying that we have plans. I have never been able to just say no. Amber has started to feel overwhelmed by Han- nah's constant demands and won't pick up when she calls. How do I help set a clear, reasonable boundary? —Can'tSayNo DEAR CAN'T » Toughen up, Mom. Your daughter needs you to be confident and in charge. Consider this process very impor- tant training for the more challenging issues that will come later. Some parents just don't seem to have the staying power to be with their children for the entire weekend. Not surprisingly, these needy and boring parents tend to have needy and bored children. Fortunately, you aren't one of those parents, and you don't have one of those children. Your duty is to establish, protect and defend the culture within your own household. When others want to encroach upon it, you will have to create a "rule" for everyone to follow: "'Amber' can have one overnight with a friend every other week. She can do one daytime play date on a weekend, if we are free." DEAR AMY » I have a co-worker who regularly comes in more than an hour late. Our boss works in another part of the building and doesn't no- tice. My co-worker gets all h er w or k d on e , s o I gu es s that's what really matters. But it still bugs me. I gain nothing by rat- ting her out, but I think about doing it all the time. I've written several emails to my boss, but I've never sent them. Should I just let this go? — Not a Rat DEAR NOT » If you have pondered notifying your boss and have decided against it, then you should follow your instincts. However, my instincts are that this actually does have an impact on you (you are constantly distracted by it) and — unless your co-worker has a special arrangement with your boss — she is essentially stealing time from the business. I suggest a very simply worded, neutral email. Pushy play dates challenge people-pleaser to say no 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) — A misunderstanding or miscommunication between you and a partner will have to be remedied if you are going to move forward. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A disagreeable attitude will compromise your position. Be known for your talents, not your irritability. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — No matter whom you are dealing with, if an agreement is drawn up, you must read the fine print. Don't make impulsive deals that cause setbacks. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Compromise will be called for when dealing with partners. Go out of your way to reach a ben- eficial agreement. Get whatever you agree on in writing. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Household matters will take precedence. Make home improvements that will increase your comfort, convenience and family enjoyment. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Make an appointment with a financial adviser to look over in- vestment possibilities. There are ways to improve your monetary situation; now is time to alter your financial outlook. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Stubbornness will be your downfall. Insistence on doing things your way will have a det- rimental effect on your personal and professional partnerships. If you cannot agree, you'd be bet- ter off moving forward alone. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your dreams of promotion will diminish if you get involved in office politics or gossip. You may not agree with some rules and regulations, but you need to follow them. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Frivolous spending can damage your financial security. Before you spend, question whether you really need to make the purchase. You'll feel better with less stuff and more money. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Someone will not realize the ad- vice they're offering isn't what you need. Don't take offense; just make it very clear that you don't want anyone interfering in your personal life. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Put your house in order. Gather up instruction manuals and re- lated warranties or guarantees. Discard possessions or records that are no longer relevant. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Friction and hostility between family members will prey on your mind. Scrutinize your own actions before putting blame elsewhere. Criticizing is irritat- ing; finding a solution and fixing the problem is thoughtful. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, NOV. 8 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014 4 B