Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/512454
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavebeen dating "Steve" for almost four months. He is di- vorced and has a young child. We are both in our late 30s. Based on conversa- tions we've had, I was under t he im press ion we were a "couple," as we spent most of his non- child time together. Early on, he told me that in the past his relationships (including that with his ex-wife) were "open," but it wasn't something he actively looked for — they just happened. He said he was look- ing for a committed rela- tionship. I admired his honesty and open- ness. However, recently when I pushed for more of a commitment he informed me that he has been in open rela- tionships with "friends" regularly. Now he seems to be involved with two women — one who is going through a divorce and the other who is just a friend. He's been with one woman for a long time. Both women know about me. He said one of them is open to "exploring" more with him and me. He also said a committed relationship can still be an open one. Do you think it's possible to have a stable "open" relationship and also a committed relation- ship? I've fallen hard for this guy. Should I be open to "open?" —FeelingNaive DEAR NAIVE » It is curious that "Steve" defines his choice to sleep with multiple people as an "open" relationship with you. (If you didn't know about it and didn't con- sent to it, it's not "open.") Using his terminology and logic, I'm going to call my choice to eat my way through the "endless shrimp" experi- ence at Red Lobster "open eating." Steve can call his version of nonmonogamy whatever he wants, but it still sounds like he's trolling for crustaceans. He has one long- term sexual partner, another more recent partner and you — his romantic and sexual partner of a few months. So far, you have no say in his choices — in some "open" or nonmonoga- mous relationships the "primary" romantic partner gets a vote on other potential sexual partners. And because he says he wants to be in a "committed" relationship but this other sexual stuff just "keeps happening," it's possible that Steve has a control problem (in that he doesn't have much control). I thin k com mitted relationships can work alongside almost any other kind of behavior as long as the commitment and the relationship come first. You and he need to define very clearly what the word "commitment" means to each of you. If you want to play with him and other con- senting adults, then go for it. Always use a con- dom with all partners — especially Steve. This sort of arrangement means it's "open season" for STDs. Boyfriend is committed to having an 'open' relationship 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)— You will be able to sell a creative concept if you pitch your idea. Brainstorming with successful colleagues will give you valuable insight and inspiration. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You will be eager to succeed, but someone close to you will feel left out if your career aspi- rations take up too much of your time. A personal relationship needs nurturing. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Someone will try to jeopardize your position. Don't go out on a limb for someone you cannot trust. Remain on good terms with your peers and colleagues. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — An unanticipated challenge will have a prosperous outcome. Work on your communication skills. Use your leadership abili- ties to strengthen your position. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A love interest will take you by surprise. Ask your financial adviser to recommend a s ound investment choice that will help you stay solvent. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A romantic involvement is in the cards. A current or new relation- ship will increase in passion. Open up talks that will lead to a better standard of living. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A surprising offer will come your way. Don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by minor mat- ters. Concentrate on completing any unfinished business to clear your slate for a new endeavor. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't allow your lack of concentration to result in a careless mistake. Exercise extra caution while operating machin- ery or taking part in physical activities. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A power struggle at home will lead to long-lasting resentment. Compromise and cooperation will help rectify the situation. It's not worth your while to be stubborn. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Travel and education will fea- ture strongly in your day. Con- sider traveling to an area whose features are vastly different from your own. The information you gain will be inspiring. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Procrastination will be your downfall. Get an early start on your daily responsibilities if you want to have time left over for pleasurable activities that will ease your mind. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't panic if your plans fall through. Instead, spend time pampering yourself. Some leisure time reading, listening to music or just relaxing will help soothe your frazzled nerves. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, MAY 15 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B