Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/494374
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'mafraid that my husband has a drinking problem. In the 18 years I've known him, he has always been able to hold his alco- hol, but I'm beginning to fear he is an alcoholic. He drinks every single day. After work, he stops by a bar with friends or visits his father for "a couple of beers." Those are followed by a couple more at home. On weekends, I'm the designated driver, as he plans on drinking to excess. He has never been abusive or mean to me. He is not uncoordinated and sloppy when he drinks. Usually after a weekend binge, he goes right to bed and sleeps it off. He is hardworking, holds a steady job and brings home a regular paycheck. When I've tried to talk to him about this, he says that he just has a high tolerance and can handle his alcohol. Amy, I want to have children soon, but my husband is afraid that they will cramp his style and he won't be able to party anymore. At almost 40 years old, shouldn't he be over the partying aspect of his life? Is it possible to be an alcoholic and be a nice guy with a steady job? —Worried DEAR WORRIED » Of course it's possible to be an al- coholic and be a nice guy with a steady job. Alcoholism is a serious and chronic disease, not a character flaw. (Character counts when a person chooses to get help.) Though alcohol can turn some people into monsters, other people are just whittled away, little by little, until the calendar pages flip by and they realize they forgot (or chose not) to have children because they were too busy partying. (And, while I'm at it, can we find some way other than "partying" to describe drinking to exce ss? ) Of course your hus- band has a drinking prob- lem. He's sleeping off his drunk on the weekends and designating you as his driver so that he can drink to excess. A person has a "drink- ing problem" if his drink- ing causes problems for himself or others. You can learn more about alcoholism by checking out the Alcohol- ics Anonymous Website: aa.org. You would benefit from attending Al-Anon meetings to understand your limitations: al-anon. org. (November 2005) DEAR AMY » I was under the impression that when you coordinate and make plans for the night, dine at a hip restaurant and have drinks and make out at a hip bar, that consti- tutes a date. And when you do that serially with one per son who c oin- cidentally is not seeing anyone else, it's called "dating." She thinks we're "hanging out." — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » It's all semantics, my dear. Stop picking at this and enjoy yourself. (June 2005) Woman concerned husband's excessive drinking is problem 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) — Emotional clashes are likely if you are not true to your word. Don't make promises you can't keep or plans that are unrealistic. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Avoid conflicts. Do your best to listen to and observe what's going on around you. Elderly relatives will offer insight. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Take time for relaxation. Stretching yourself to the limit daily can cause minor injuries and stress. Spend a day doing whatever makes you happy. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You must realize that not everyone will agree with your opinions, methods or decisions. Treat others' opinions with respect to avoid conflict. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Consider making a career move. Delve into information that will help you start a business from your home. There are many courses and seminars that could provide you with entrepreneurial strategies. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Someone from your past will return to your life. Plan to take a trip to a nearby place of interest. Romance is look- ing hot. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you pry into someone else's business, you will end up regret- ting it. Joint ventures and gull- ibility will lead to disappoint- ment and loss. Rely on factual information, not hearsay. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Family members will be dif- ficult or demanding. Make plans to go out with friends or work on a pleasurable hobby away from any turmoil. Creativity and imagination are highlighted. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't spend money thoughtlessly, or you will have trouble meeting your fiscal obli- gations. Set a strict budget. Let a financial professional guide you. Conservative long-term investments will pay off. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your emotions will be close to the surface. Think twice before you say something that could damage an important relation- ship. Reasonable concessions will help solve issues. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't risk your reputation by becoming involved in secre- tive plots. Pick and choose your partners wisely and abide by your code of ethics. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Focus on your home. Making personal improvements or re- decorating your space will bring you satisfaction and comfort. Take a look at other houses in your area for ideas. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 11 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015 6 B