Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/458035
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea friend who is not really a friend at all. We attend graduate school together. What started out as being i n t he s am e st ud y g ro up and saying "hello" in the hallway has turned into a toxic relationship that I can't endure. "Emily" always has a million problems, which she deems much worse than what anyone else is going through. For instance, when I told her my childhood pet was very sick and needed to be put to sleep, she told me to "quit throwing my- self a pity party" because she had "real" problems. I have tried just listening politely to her problems, then started distancing myself from her, but this only led to her becoming needier. She regularly asks for updates on where I am, what I'm doing, what I'm eating, etc., and passes judgment on all aspects of my life. I have gently informed her I am an adult and do not appreciate this unsolicited advice or being burdened with her problems, but nothing seems to work. I do not know what else to do. Do you have sugges- tions for "breaking up" as gracefully as possible? —FedupWith "Frenemy" DEAR FED UP » You have already expressed yourself quite plainly. Based on what you say about this person, she will neither hear nor heed you. You should avoid her if y ou c a n, b u t gi v e he r as little of yourself as possible when you do intersect. If she approaches you, listen politely but don't offer intimate details of your own in response. There are valid reasons not to confront someone you perceive as toxic and/ or volatile. School ties can sometimes evolve into genial and professionally fruitful associations. If she confronts you, tell her the truth: you feel the friendship was not balanced and so you are keeping some distance — but you wish her well. DEAR AMY » After the deaths of our parents, my sister and I have continued having family get-togethers. Last spring, at my daughter's 20th birthday celebration, my sister and my daughter-in-law had "words." Now my daughter-in-law refuses to attend any family events where my sister will be present. She has also gone as far as not allowing my young granddaughter to attend these events, stating that my sister is a "bad influence." If my son attends family events without his wife, they end up fighting. Neither woman be- lieves she is in the wrong. Any suggestions? — Torn Apart DEAR TORN » Contact both women to say, "I am so sorry you are engaged in this dispute, but I want you both to know that I will not limit invitations to my home. You and your families will be in- cluded in all of our larger family celebrations, and I will leave it up to you if you want to attend." 'Frenemy' becomes needy as friend starts pulling away 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Positive action will be your best bet. Your ingenuity and charisma will attract interesting and influential partners. A love relationship will take a turn. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Work on developing your ideas until you are ready to present what you have to offer. Sharing your ideas prematurely will result in lack of interest. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Making personal changes to your appearance or attitude will go a long way. If you ask for what you need, you will get the response to move forward. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Slowly, you will pick up momen- tum. You may feel energetic, but you will make mistakes if you overload your plate. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Apologize if you want to keep the peace at home. There are always two sides to every situation. Respect the fact that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Stick to what you are good at doing. Starting a new venture when you still have one in the works will distract you from your ultimate goal. Use your energy wisely. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Focus on love and togetherness. Do whatever is necessary to provide a dramatic and dynamic day for someone special. Make the time you spend memorable. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Check the information you receive before you make a deci- sion. Changing course without having all the details will result in confusion. Don't make a choice based on someone else's recommendation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Rely on your resources. Some- one who reneges on a com- mitment will disappoint you. A personal relationship will take a meaningful turn. Make your move and make it count. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Plenty of opportunities are on the horizon. If you reduce your expenditures, you may be able to get in on a lucrative ven- ture. A long-term investment will pay off. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will be faced with numerous decisions. Put off making a commitment until you have explored all your op- tions. Hasty actions will be your downfall. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Someone you know well will offer the tips you need to make a sound financial decision. Share your concepts and use the voice of experience to help you chart your course. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, FEB. 5 THURSDAY,FEBRUARY5,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B