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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'ma(more or less) straight woman in a relationship with a man 10 years older. We've been together for more than a year, living in the same house (with housemates). He is mature, compas- sionate, sweet, and sup- portive in many ways. He had some experiences in his teen years that he feels have scarred him, including going to prison for a naive, one-time experience with selling drugs. He has dealt with his problems mainly through sobriety and Buddhism, but a few months before we met, he decided to start smoking marijuana again, both to process his teen angst and to elicit his creative, emotional side. He seems to spend about half (or more) of his evenings stoned. I don't smoke pot be- cause it makes me incred- ibly paranoid, and I don't really like him as much when he's high. Honestly, I don't even want to be around him. The fact that I hate it seems to make him smoke more. When he is sober, I am happy to be with him, and I feel at ease. When he is stoned, I dislike him and don't want to be around him. I want a relationship that feels good for the long haul. Should I suck it up and hope it's a phase? We have a hard time talk- ing about this stuff and the tension is terrible. —UnsureMonogamist DEAR UNSURE » Ac co rd in g to your narrative, your guy was 100 percent sober at one time — but all this stopped just before you met. Are you sure he has ever been completely sober? And since he's dropped the sobriety — what happened to the Buddhism? My read is that his previous periods of sobri- ety were phases — and what you have now — the person who is stoned half the time to unlock his creativity and deal with his teen issues and who doesn't seem to work very hard — that's him. You two have a classic addiction dynamic. He is not long-term partner/father-of-your- children material. He should seek spiritual and/or psychological counseling to deal with his "teen issues." DEAR AMY » My brother is engaged to a great woman whom we all love. She has two kids (ages 6 and 5) from a previous marriage. As a family we all love her kids, too! She and my brother are now expecting a baby and while there is no wedding date set, my real question is regarding a baby shower. I've heard of throwing a "sprinkle" for someone's second baby, but I don't know what is expected in this sort of situation. If we do anything we'd like it to be co-ed to involve my brother as well, but should we throw a full-on baby shower? — Eager (Almost) Aunt DEAR EAGER » This baby is a "first" for your family, so if you are able it would be nice to host a shower. Check with the expectant mother in advance about what items she might need, and involve the other children, too. Girlfriend ponders prospects with pot-smoking partner 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Go over your personal pa- pers and investments, and look into pending legal or financial matters, and you will discover a way to bring in extra cash. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If too much is being asked of you, take the time you need to consider your response and a course of action. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Jealousy is motivating some- one to undermine your progress. If partnership problems arise, be true to your beliefs but willing to listen and compromise. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Someone will show interest in your work, but if an offer is made, get details in writing. A handshake will not protect you if someone steals your ideas. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your luck is changing. Repay- ment of a debt or an influx of cash can be expected. A bargain will help you both stick to a strict budget and find the per- fect gift for someone special. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Financial gains are likely if you push for advancement. Deter- mine the value of your assets and skills and make changes to your personal and professional economic strategies. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Go ahead and make changes that can improve your life at home and at work. You will beat any opposition you face with your wisdom. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — In order to get ahead, you have to show greater consis- tency. If you are constantly running around in circles and changing your mind, you will be overlooked when it comes to advancement. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — No relationship will succeed if one person is more demanding or controlling. Reconsider who is on your side and who is working against you and protect against being used or discredited. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Reassess your personal paperwork before it's too late to take advantage of a tax break. Put procedures in place that will help to secure your future. Love is on the rise. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A break from routine will help to recharge your batteries. Get out with friends and enjoy life. An intriguing new acquaintance will capture your attention and your interest. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make sure the person you confide in is acting on your behalf. Don't share your creative ideas or you will witness some- one's act to reinvent something you've already discovered. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, DEC. 2 TUESDAY,DECEMBER2,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B