Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/465103
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Agoodfriend of mine from college has a preschool-age daughter, the same age as mine. I love seeing my friend, but our daughters do not get along. Neither girl can share with the other, and my friend's daughter is a bit too aggressive for my daughter. They are usually good in "neutral" spaces, like parks or another friend's house, but not good with each other in their own homes. I am constantly getting invites from my friend to get together, but lately I've been making up ex- cuses to decline. I feel bad not see- ing them, but the play dates are just not fun for anyone. How can I tell my friend the truth without hurting her feelings? Any suggestions on how I can improve the relationship between my daughter and my friend's daughter? —DuelingDaughters DEAR DUELING » Rather than make excuses, you should talk to your friend about the dynamic be- tween your children and put your heads together to see if you can come up with remedies. Some kids just don't have great chemistry. The cause can be everything from basic temperament to relative physical size, or something as simple as their nap schedules. Tell your friend you're feeling a little over- whelmed. Acknowledge, "Sometimes it's frustrat- ing because, although I really want to see you, it is tough on me when the girls don't get along. Can you think of ways we can make it better for them?" This dynamic presents an opportunity for both moms to prompt the children toward more pro-social behavior. Meeting in neutral locations and for briefer time periods is a good way to start. DEAR AMY » I have a large family and we celebrate family birthdays at a monthly get-together with a potluck dinner. The dinner is always held at my house and I usually furnish the entree. One granddaughter and her husband never contribute anything and never bring birthday cards for the honored family members. I have specifically asked her to bring something, and I made it easy by suggest- ing something simple like a Jell-O salad — but still, they bring nothing. These two always eat. I don't want to alienate them from the family, as we all love them and want them with us. — Wondering Gramma DEAR GRAMMA » You have already instructed this couple on the particu- lars of a "potluck." Now, you should ask: "Why don't you two ever bring something to share at the family dinner?" After you ask this sim- ple question, you should wait for their answer. If the couple feel they can't afford to pull a dish together (or bring a beverage to share), they could contribute by helping clean up, but you should once again urge them toward compulsory contribution. Constant fighting between preschoolers spoils play dates 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) — Don't take on so much that you don't know where to start. Regroup before you make a move. A firm agenda will enable you to finish what you start. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — An older relative or friend will need assistance. Honesty will help you avoid becoming the subject of gossip. Positive ac- tions will bring the best results. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Join a group that will help you to develop your skills, knowl- edge and social ability. Partner- ships are encouraged. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't allow romance to interfere with your performance. You will excel in both aspects of life if you set boundAries. Keep your love and work lives separate. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — The success you are after will be yours if you can employ your ability to win allies. Your charisma is an asset; don't be shy, use it. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Someone will take advantage of your good nature. Stick to what you know and refuse to let anyone talk you into doing something that could jeopardize your reputation. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You'll have trouble making up your mind. Refrain from making a hasty decision. Get the facts first if you want to avoid backtracking. Time is on your side. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Jealousy will mount at work due to false informa- tion being spread. Don't be too trusting or gossipy. Keep your personal details private, and don't encourage hearsay. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take time to do things that you enjoy. Get together with a friend or join the youngsters in your life for some playtime. Do whatever takes your mind off uncertain- ties and eases your stress. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Relationships with the people you live with will be tumultuous. Focus on putting in extra hours at work, or pursue an activity outside your living quarters. An argument will lead to sorrow. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — With a few changes, you will achieve your goal. Past experience will be a valuable resource when you are making plans. Discard ideas that are going nowhere. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't let the regrets in your life overpower you. The impor- tant thing is to let go of the past and learn from your errors so you can move forward without emotional baggage. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B