Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/498829
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavebeen dating my girlfriend for nine years. When we met she was going through a divorce and had kids to raise, so there was no rush to take our relation- ship beyond dating. Now with the kids gone we have been talk- ing about getting married. She is a very loving, car- ing and fun person to be with. All my friends and family think she's great and so do I except for one little thing: She lies! They're not big lies, but silly ones she calls "little white lies." I have talked to her about it and she feels justified doing so in order to prevent hurting other people. That's because she has a hard time saying "no." If someone were to call and ask a favor, the only way she can say "no" is to make up some sort of story about why she can't do it. She knows I don't like it and she might be getting better about it, but I still have a hard time with it. If little lies come so easily to her, what about big lies? What do you think about this? —Concerned DEAR CONCERNED » I agree that this habit could create basic trust issues between you. In addition to you asking her to continue fighting this bad habit, you should explore your behavior to see if you are contributing to the prob- lem. Does she feel the need to inflate situations because you don't think small excuses ("I couldn't find my other shoe") are "good enough?" If she could learn how to say "no" effectively, she would save lots of hurt feelings in the long run. The more layers a person paints on top of this basic "no," (no matter how benign), the more likely that the relatively minor lie will blow up and create problems. If she can overcome this problem, it will free her in ways she can't even anticipate. You cannot control how she treats other people, but you should continue to en- courage her to change her behavior toward you. DEAR AMY » My mother and I have always had a strained relationship. She loves to create drama, is oblivious to her behavior and makes everyone else the bad guy. She l ove s to g et at- tention and sympathy. Things have gotten worse ever since I had a baby. Despite my telling her repeatedly that I want her to see her granddaughter and that we would like to visit any time, she seems to make little effort. Should I leave the ball in her court or do I keep chasing her so she can see her granddaughter? — Tired Momma, Hates Drama DEAR MOMMA » Your mother feels more com- fortable in the center of a maelstrom, where she can blame you for her own disappointments and failings. Don't press her to see your daughter, but do make sure she knows you'd be happy to arrange a visit when she wants and pop in to see her. Long-term girlfriend tells 'little' white lies — a lot 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 Taurus(April20-May20) — Increased responsibilities will highlight your dependability and knowledge. Your ability to get along with and work alongside your peers will lead to success. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Forget about dealing with per- sonal issues for now. Working on a hobby or creative project will be fulfilling and will bring you peace of mind. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You will feel better once you reorganize and edit your per- sonal papers. Nothing is more frustrating than searching high and low for something you need right away. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Contribute to a meaningful cause. Being generous with your time as well as your cash will enable you to help those who need it most. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — If you want to be promoted, you need to keep your personal matters out of the workplace. Your position will be jeopardized if you take time off or fail to be productive. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Social events will be a surprising source of educational informa- tion. Listen to others' opinions and suggestions in order to discover useful information. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Improving your finan- cial position takes effort. Keep abreast of information regarding investments, savings plans or high-interest accounts. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Some friendships are not maturing as you'd hoped. If you decide to part ways with someone, be honest and upfront regarding your decision. Don't make weak excuses. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Unnecessary worry will affect your sleep. A change in the workplace will cause insecurity and tension. Work diligently and mind your own business. Add extra detail and precision. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Family and friends will put demands on you. Keep your temper in check to avoid unhappy conflicts. Becoming angry will not help your situa- tion, but patience and workable solutions will. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — An elderly friend will need support. Recognizing his or her frustration will ease everyone's stress. Your compassion and patience will be tested, but also appreciated. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your popularity is soaring. New people you meet through travel or social media will be won over by your charm and sense of humor. It's your day to shine. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, APRIL 21 TUESDAY,APRIL21,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B