Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/497293
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Icomefrom a big family, and we all come together on Christ- mas Eve every year. I plan to host the event at my new house this year, but there is a problem. My brother's teenage daughter has been having drug problems for the past couple of years and has now reverted to stealing from her parents. I have jewelry, medications and checkbooks upstairs in my house. There will also be numerous purses belonging to my guests around the house, and I'd hate to lock them up. Is there a way to put it across to her parents that she is not invited to the celebration, without being rude? —Confusedin Massachusetts DEAR CONFUSED » This isn't a question of rude- ness. You need to ac- knowledge your niece's drug addiction. You shouldn't place her in a situation where she will have access to medica- tions, cash or anything else that she might be tempted to steal. I shared your question with Jeff VanVonderen, an "interventionist," whose work is featured on the A-and-E documen- tary series "Intervention." He suggests that people facing this situation ask themselves this ques- tion: "What other person in that condition on the planet would you allow in your house? I'm guess- ing you wouldn't allow a friend, neighbor or stranger in this condition into your house. "Family members are supposed to be safer, and more ac- countable, than strangers. Don't give your niece a license to be less safe and less dependable than you would trust a stranger to be. "If you really want to show your solidarity as a family, give her an intervention as a Christ- mas present." (December 2005) DEAR AMY » My husband and I are in our 50s with grown children who are on their own. We are youthfu l an d h ealthy and, up until recently, our marriage was monoga- mous. Some time ago, we talked at length about sexual experimentation in the form of "open" marriage. Well, I did and he didn't. My husband and I get along well and still share an active sexual life, but he's feeling slighted because he hasn't found anyone else, and now he's pressuring me to end my relationship. The other man wants to continue, and to be perfectly honest, so do I. My husband admits that if he also had "some- thing going" right now, he would be OK with my relationship. What should I do? — Part of a Triangle DEAR PART » I know that proponents of "open" marriage will claim that this version of marriage works, but your letter il- lustrates why it doesn't. Obviously, you two need to negotiate this matter together. A mar- riage counselor could help both of you to open up. (July 2005) Aunt worries about hosting drug addict on Christmas Eve 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) — Get rid of any negative thoughts, and let your intuition guide you in a positive direction. Forgive yourself. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Trying to get information from others will cause problems. Fer- ret out whatever data you deem necessary on your own steam in order to bypass aggravation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Positive change is imminent. You will have the energy and stamina to fulfill all of your tasks. Think of a way to lower your stress level. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Attending classes or improving your job prospects would be a step in the right direction. Make sure that you are totally com- mitted to your goal. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will be confused by recent events. Determine how you can benefit from the situation that has developed. Open discussion will help you figure out how to take the next step. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Financial matters will prey on your mind. Reduce your spend- ing and set a strict but realistic budget. Putting in overtime will be an important step. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Promote and market your- self. Your hard work won't be rewarded unless others know what you have to offer. Be proud of your accomplishments and honest about your talents if you want to attract attention. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Collaboration in the face of physical and mental challenges will help you get to know your business associates. Present your skills and personality in a fun and positive manner. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Avoid insecurity by improving your self-image. Try getting a new hairdo or outfit, and set up a fitness routine that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Unexpected developments will throw your plans off-course. Someone with an ulterior motive will try to discredit you, so be ready to answer any questions that arise. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your impressive insight into trends will not go unnoticed. Nourish a current relationship by sharing your ideas and dreams. A family secret will be revealed. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Get your responsibilities taken care of before you decide to socialize. It is in your best in- terest to put any past problems to rest before starting some- thing new. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, APRIL 17 FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B