Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/467032
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Irecently invited an acquaintance, "Al," to a TV sports view- ing party. He invited his friend "Ed" to join us. Al and Ed have known each other their entire lives, but I had never met Ed before. They are both 70 years old. After the game ended, we three were talking when Ed suddenly said to me, "So, what are we go- ing to do now, make love?" Then, a few minutes later he said, "When I'm driving my car, you can pay off a bet." I had not made any sports bets with him. He was alluding to a sexual act. Al did not hear the crass questions. I ignored Ed's offensive behavior. Both Al and I are de- cent, kind and consider- ate people. I was dressed conservatively in sports attire. We were kind and welcoming to Ed. All of my friends are well-man- nered and courteous. Ed's offensive remarks were negative and insult- ing. He did not drink al- cohol and no drugs were present, so what gives? I told Al about this and he did not know why Ed acted offensively. —ProperandPuzzled Gal DEAR PROPER » There are any number of ways to respond to a rude remark in the moment, but I think the best is "Jeop- ardy" style — pose your response as a question. You say, "Excuse me? What did you just say to me?" After you call the offender out in this way, he will either moonwalk his remark back or double down and make things worse. Either way, you can say, "I don't like it. Not at all." Then you stand up and leave his presence. Not giving the person further access to you prevents him from offending again. Some brain disorders do cause inappropriate outbursts — could "Ed" be suffering from the be- ginning stages of demen- tia? However, it is not your job to diagnose or excuse this other person's behavior. Obviously, inviting him to next year's Super Bowl party is out of the question. DEAR AMY » You are ri- diculous in your response to "Relate or Wait?" Kids don't need to know the details of their parents' previous marriages/sex buddies/one-night stands. Why t ell kids you'v e been married before? If there are no other chil- dren, then NONONO. What is to be gained by telling? Who are these stupid people who want to tell? — Disgusted DEAR DISGUSTED » Some- one to whom you were once married is vastly dif- ferent from "sex buddies/ one-night stands, etc." One reason to disclose a previous marriage to children is because a marriage — even if brief — is an important part of a parent's life. Another reason is that a previous marriage is a historical fact. When a child learns about a previous marriage from someone other than the parent, he or she can find this lie of o miss ion hurtful and confusing. Party host throws a flag on guest's inappropriate behavior 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Think before you speak. Blurting out your opinions or feelings will leave you in a com- promising position. Consider the consequences of your actions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — If you feel uncertain about your future and unable to take action, consider picking up skills that will form a concrete plan. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't let the little things get you down. Join a group that special- izes in positive thinking, and focus on your strengths. It's up to you to make things happen. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Pleasure trips, a short excursion or an impromptu getaway will alleviate the boredom you are experiencing. Reach out to a friend you lost touch with. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll lack motivation if you listen to unnecessary com- plaints. Focus on the things you can do to improve your life and surrounding community. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make the most of your day. Book a vacation, make a new friend or take up a new hobby. Procrastination will lead to all sorts of missed opportunities. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A safe investment will be a source of financial security. Don't risk your savings on an untested commodity. Plan to make money using careful analysis in conjunction with a trusted financial adviser. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Creativity and finding solutions are highlighted today. Indulge in something that frees your imagination and shows your unique flair if you want to at- tract interest. Romance is on the rise. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will be amazed at the things you can do when you put your mind to it. If you challenge your intellect and expand your talents, you will get the best of any opponent. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Entertainment and good times should be scheduled. Get out with friends and enjoy an event that will enrich your mind and relationships. Be sure not to leave anyone out. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Complete a project or take care of a responsibility that's holding you back. Once you finish what needs to be done, it will be easier to take on projects you enjoy. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Get involved in community affairs. There is a lot going on behind the scenes, and you can make valuable contributions. Making new acquaintances will lead to opportunities. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, FEB. 21 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B