Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/470875
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myboyfriend and I have been together for 12 years and have a 9-year-old child. My boyfriend has three kids from a previ- ous relationship. His ex also had another child a few months younger than mine (from a one-night stand). Naturally that child thinks my boyfriend is its father and calls him "Dad." My boy- friend and his family provide for this child financially just as they do for his biological children. No one has ever mentioned or explained this to the child. I can't help but resent my boyfriend for claim- ing this child, and he has also made it clear that he doesn't want any more children because he has "five" already. When is the appropri- ate time or age to tell this child the truth? Or am I being selfish, since my boyfriend is the only father the child knows? —TruthHurts DEAR HURTS » You are be- ing selfish. Your boyfriend sounds like a stand-up guy — you should take pride in his choice. I believe all children should be told the truth about their biological parentage as soon as they are able to understand the concept (somewhere around age 5), but this is not your job; it is the child's parents' duty to do this. In this case, the child's parents are his/her mother and the man who is the true "dad" — the man who accepts, helps to support and presum- ably loves the child. Perhaps you have explained to your own child why his/her parents aren't married. Children have the right to know the unique truths about their families. Your guy's choice not to have more children than he can support is wise and ethical. You have been forced into this unusual family structure but you should accept this unique challenge and support your partner's decision. DEAR AMY » Perhaps you can advise me on whether I am too hung up on eti- quette and social rules. A bride-to-be is requesting a shower with invitations stating that monetary gifts toward their honeymoon are desired. Absolutely no other gifts. The cou ple ar e we ll- compensated individuals with parents who are pay- ing for the wedding. This sounds supremely tacky to me and low-class. What do you think? — Hoping for No Invitation DEAR HOPING » I don't like to think of anything as either "high-class" or "low-class," but this practice is becoming more common (it is still considered "declasse" to mention gifts on an invi- tation, however). C ou p l es s ee a sk in g for honeymoon money as similar to register- ing for gifts. If this is what they want, then why not take the money you would have spent on a material gift and contribute toward giving the couple an experience they will appreciate and remember? Woman resents her guy's claim as father for child that is not his 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) — Take the initiative and become involved in an unusual creative project. A community event or gathering will benefit from your contributions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Now is not the best time to use persuasive tactics to get your way. Avoid confrontations and let everyone do his own thing. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Spend time away from home. Travel to an unexplored area of your community, take a pleasure trip or go to your library to read up on exotic destinations. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Review your qualifications and consider a change in vocation. If you are unsatisfied with your current position, take the steps necessary to move on. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Spruce up your living space. Invest in items that will add to your comfort and create a wel- come refuge from your hectic lifestyle. Enlist friends to help you out. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't fall for high-pressure sales talks. Acting in haste will be your downfall. Investigate the details of any commitment or contract thoroughly before you make a move. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Attend events that appeal to you. Your generous nature will be a definite asset to a group that helps a cause you believe in. You can make a difference. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Someone is holding back im- portant information. Don't rely on others' opinions. You should do some research to determine what will be the best course of action. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Be diligent in your work habits. Professional gatherings or business meetings will figure heavily in your advancement. Your commitment and drive will be observed and rewarded. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Resist the impulse to go over budget on an unnecessary luxury item. Difficulty in your financial situation will occur if you make a hasty monetary decision. Step back. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your emotions will be close to the surface. Don't place unrealistic demands on anyone, and think twice before you say something that's hurtful. Trying to make amends will be difficult. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — If you are feeling over- whelmed, stop and give yourself time to regroup. Personal or professional stress will limit your ability to see the situation clearly. It's better to be safe. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, FEB. 28 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B