Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/495913
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myfriend, "Joe" and I have had a pretty uneven friendship for about 20 years; while he was one of the few friends I had, I was one of many of his. Fifteen years ago, he got married and asked me to be his best man. I appreciated the gesture, but it was more of a courtesy on his part; he didn't give me any respon- sibilities and even (unintentionally) ruined two bachelor parties I'd planned for him. I didn't know any of the other people in the wedding party. Over the years, we've remained polite acquain- tances, but we hardly ever talk. I am about to get mar- ried and am prepared to ask my future brother- in-law to stand up for me; we've become like brothers, and it means a lot to me. However, some mutual friends of Joe's and mine are expecting me to return the favor to him. Am I slighting him after all this time if I don't ask him to be my best man? —Worried DEAR WORRIED » You need a little injection of "Fran- kengroom," my friend. One thing that brides seem to have internalized — perhaps too well — is the idea that their wed- ding day should be one day that is about what they want. The honor of being best man is not a favor to be traded. This should be about you honoring a relationship that means a lot to you now. I venture that if you merely asked "Joe" to be a guest at your wedding, he'd probably be relieved that he doesn't have to go through the motions of pretending that your friendship is more important than it is. According to you, he already did that, 15 years ago. (March 2005) DEAR AMY » My fiance and I are planning a wedding with about 100 guests. I am 37, and he is 43. Both of us have full households of stuff and have agreed that we do not need any- thing to set up our lives together. My question is, is it OK to include an insert with the invitations asking that if people are interested, they could contribute to one of our favorite charities, or one of their choosing? Is this tacky? My fi- ance thinks this is a good idea, but I'm not sure. I think it makes the as- sumption that people are going to give us a pres- ent. I've heard of people saying something like "no gifts, please" on the invi- tation, but I know some people will want to give something anyway. Do you have any guid- ance about this? — Bride DEAR BRIDE » I like this idea. Maybe you could enclose a note saying, "In lieu of gifts, we would be honored if you would consider donating to one of our favorite charities or to a worthy cause of your choosing." Of course, you still must write a heartfelt note acknowledging the gift. (May 2004) Groom-to-bewondersifheis choosing the wrong best man 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) — An unexpected slowdown will turn in your favor. Financial changes are headed your way. Set aside some time to spend with an elderly relative. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your willingness to help others will come into play and raise your profile. Someone close to you needs your empathy and assistance. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be a leader and share the ideas you have to improve the workplace. A jealous colleague will try to stymie your plans. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't let annoyances sour your day. Control what you can and go with the flow otherwise. The changes that concern you will end up working in your favor. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Ask yourself if your current partner- ships will help you get where you want to go. If you feel it is time to move on, make personal alterations and focus on fulfill- ing your dreams. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Unleash your creativity and do something unusual to invigorate your senses. Younger relatives will play a prominent role in your plans and give you insight to make improvements. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If your career is boring you, a change is in order. Daily routines will lead to dissatisfaction. Check your options, but don't quit one job without having a replacement lined up. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will be inspired and excited. Share your ideas and take time for fun and entertain- ment. Forget about your current trials and tribulations and go for the gusto. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — There will be turmoil on the home front. Tact and diplomacy will be needed when dealing with the people you live with, so don't try to push your opinions on anyone. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Accept social or group invita- tions. A chance meeting will lead to an important connection. Your style and flair will result in greater popularity. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Uncertainty at work will confuse you. Have faith in your abilities. If you feel your talents are being wasted, consider ways to branch out, follow your dreams and use your skills ef- fectively. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will have an emotionally challenging day. Don't get upset if someone offers you friendly advice. Consider what's said and use the information offered to you productively. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B