Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/415476
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iraisedmy three children to be self- sufficient and polite. They are all grown now and, though they have th eir fla ws, th ey know how to take care of themselves. After being single for over 15 years, I married a very kind man with a daughter. She is now 18. Every- thing is sup- plied for her immediately upon her de- mand. There is no "earning it," nor any expectation of thanks or gratitude. She has gone through four autos already be- cause she either runs into things or just doesn't like them, so her father gets her something else. She attempted to kill herself about a year ago and this has her father running scared. I have tried to talk to him about having her take more responsibility for her actions. I believe that having higher expec- tations for her would be good for everyone. She has no life skills. He says that I need to stay out of it and to trust him to parent his daugh- ter the way he sees fit. She will be entering a great big world that she has been sheltered from and I am afraid that it will be VERY difficult for her. I fear that her father will always bail her out. This is the only thing that my husband and I argue about. Any advice? —Interloper DEAR INTERLOPER » Y ou think this young woman needs preparation for living on her own. How optimistic of you! Simply stated, she will never live on her own unless her father makes a personal and determined commit- ment to her well-being — and to you (because you are his wife, and also because you have good instincts). Unless all of you re- ceive professional help, it will continue. Your stepdaughter should receive a mental health evaluation imme- diately. Her father needs parenting coaching. You two need professional support to strengthen your marriage. DEAR AMY » My fiance and I plan to get married next summer. We don't enjoy being the center of atten- tion and to avoid wedding drama we have opted to sign the papers in our hometown and then to have the ceremony by ourselves at a resort in another country. We do, however, want to have a low-key party (50 people) to celebrate before leaving. There will be cake, food, decora- tions, music and dancing. It would be similar to a wedding, but without all of the traditions. What should we call this party? Is there a name for events like this? — No Bridezilla DEAR NO » Depending on the timing, you could call the party an "engagement party" or a "pre-wedding celebration." If you held it right before your trip, it might be fun for your guests to "see you off" on your adventure. You could change clothes, wheel your suitcases out through the throng and wave goodbye as you leave for the airport. Stepdaughter lacks life skills to thrive, live on her own 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) — You may find that someone is feeling rejected. Unless the two of you start to communicate, there could be problems. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't donate too much time or cash to organizations. You may find that you are being taken advantage of. Added re- sponsibilities may be inevitable. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Ask for favors, but offer something in return. You can successfully start your own business. This is an excellent time to turn dreams into reality. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Loose lips may be undermin- ing your reputation. Don't let others know your thoughts. For the time being, focus on what you are trying to accomplish. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Creative courses will raise your earning potential and lead to a successful enterprise. Don't go halfway; follow your ideas through to completion. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will attract romantic part- ners with your charismatic per- sonality and energetic approach to life. Don't tell someone you love him or her if you aren't sure. Be certain of your feelings. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Friends or relatives may interfere with your personal objectives. If you need some advice, try to find someone who is impartial and knows the ins and outs of your situation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — This will not be the day to take chances. Lock your money up where it's safe. Stay out of stores where you might be enticed to purchase household items. Make sure your legal af- fairs are in order. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your home environment appears to be extremely active. Plan your day carefully if you wish to dodge any setbacks. Make a list of priorities. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Difficulties with authority figures will surface. Be diplo- matic so that you don't antago- nize someone, but don't allow anyone to curtail your freedom, either. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Problems with groups may upset you. The only person you can really know and help is yourself. Put an effort into self-improvement. You will be successful. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put your effort into getting your own work done, and refrain from interacting with peers who are just wasting time. Stay focused if you want to please everyone around you. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, NOV. 13 THURSDAY,NOVEMBER13,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B