Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/486997
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mychildhood was rough. My mother died when I was 6. She wasn't around much before that but it took a hard toll on me. Not long after her death, my father started sexually abusing me and my younger sister. The abuse lasted until we were in our teens. We never told anyone for fear of being separated. Flash- forward to our 20s. After long bouts of hatred toward him, we have forgiven but not forgotten. Both my sister's hus- band and my husband are aware of what my father did to us and are very wary of us being around him. We are comfortable being around him now, but we just want to know why he did this to us. We have tried to talk to him about it so many times but always chicken out. We both have had counseling, which has helped tremendously, but neither of us can get over not knowing why. How do we approach this? —Can'tShakeIt DEAR SHAKE » You and your sister seem like very resilient survivors. Thank goodness you have each other. I can imagine how daunting it would be to face your abuser, but you need answers and you deserve to try to get them. You and your sister should see a counselor together, with a goal of strategizing a way to co n f ro nt yo ur f at he r. I de - ally the conversation with him will happen with a counselor present. DEAR AMY » My boyfriend and I have been dating for three years. We're very happy and secure. I'd like to have a bet- ter relationship with my boyfriend's family. We've never really "clicked." Most of this is because his relatives openly prefer his ex-girlfriend (who is a family friend) to me. His parents/siblings invite his ex to events that we attend. This is awkward for me. The ex isn't a psy- cho — she just makes me uncomfortable and asks inappropriate questions. We all live a long dis- tance away. The relatives offer her the guest room, so we can't stay there when she's there. My boyfriend is not happy when she shows up, but he doesn't think there's anything abnormal about her being there. Here is what I want: No ex at smaller family event s with fewe r tha n 10 people. This is part of my larger wish to be respected/taken seriously by my boyfriend's family. How do I get that? — Annoyed DEAR ANNOYED » You don't get to dictate whom your boyfriend's relatives invite to their home. Nor can you create sensitivity or respect where it is lack- ing. What you can do is train yourself not to care. If this other woman says or does things that annoy you, assert yourself to her and try to create some reasonable boundaries in her interactions. If you have to travel a long distance and the guest room is not avail- able, you may choose to stay home. Survivor sisters wonder how to confront their abusive dad 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Don't get caught up in petty disagreements. The problem that arises will work out in your favor if you are adaptable. Your value will be recognized. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Keep moving. Get out with friends or relatives and have some fun. The busier you are, the happier you will be. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Determine what you want to accomplish and formulate a plan that will help you achieve your goal. Don't depend on others to show you the way. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your sensitivity will lead to an unintentional slight that hurts someone's feelings. Choose your words carefully and don't take offense if someone is critical. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't get involved with behind- the-scenes intrigue or shady behavior. You will be judged by your actions, making it important not to get involved in acts that might tarnish your reputation. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You have a lot to offer. Get involved in an organization that helps underprivileged people. With your compassionate and caring attitude, you will make a meaningful contribution. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't allow petty grievances to destroy your life. Let others have their say. Honesty and compromise will be your best bets. Remember that there are two sides to every story. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Get in on the action. A new challenge is waiting for you, so jump in and take part. If something sparks your interest, pursue it with vigor and charm. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Excess should be avoided. Some time at a spa, a shopping excursion or a new outfit will make you feel good, as long as you stick to your budget. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Tension will be running high. Consider backing down if someone approaches you with a conflicting idea. You can avoid turmoil if you keep your ideas to yourself and go about your business. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Regardless of your age, you need to get serious about your health. There is lots of informa- tion available, so find a routine that works for you. You'll ac- complish more as a result. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't wait for an opportunity to come to you. Your community offers plenty of options that will get you out of the house and rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, MARCH 28 SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B