Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/530037
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea strange problem with a friend who just purchased a car. This friend is fairly new to my life. She is the closest friend I currently have in a new city where my family just purchased a home. I like this woman very much and don't want to offend her — how- ever I just learned that the car she purchased is the exact make, model and color that is owned by someone with whom I have a very painful past, related to the death of my infant son. I suffer from obsessive- compulsive disorder (which I have had all my life) and PTSD related to the traumatic death of my son, and this car is a very real trigger for me for some extremely painful memories — memories, in fact, that were part of the reason why we moved to this new city. I want to be excited for my friend, because she is ecstatic about her car, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to ride in it, or park near her at school pickup, or do any of the things I used to do with her. I don't want to tell her and make this new excit- ing purchase depressing for her (or all about me), but I can't imagine that my aversion won't be- come obvious. I've worked hard for years to get over the emotional triggers involved in my son's death, but some days I'm just faking it till I make it, and I don't want to get back to another dark place where things start falling apart for me emotionally. Should I tell her, or should I keep quiet and pretend to be excited for her and her new big purchase? — S trug glin g DEAR STRUGGLING » Keep- ing quiet and pretending this problem doesn't exist won't work, because in- ternalizing your reaction won't help you to work through it. I assume your goal is to decrease your stress reaction over time, and the way to do this is to be honest with your new friend about this very unfortunate coincidence, while not blaming her for any of her choices. Continue to avoid this visual trigger, but be open to the idea that your goal would be to adjust to it over time. Identify this challenge as an oppor- tunity to tap into some of your inner strength. Ideally your friend's pos- session of this vehicle might help you replace the terrible and traumatic association with a more benign one. Definitely talk this through with a therapist in your new city who has experience treating PTSD. DEAR AMY » I'm respond- ing to the question from "Confused in Colorado," who refused to be around her guy's ex-wife at family events. She sounds like a self-centered, spoiled brat. There are things one does for the people one loves — which sometimes one doesn't "feel" like do- ing. Your advice was right on — nod hello, smile and engage with others. — Been There DEAR BEEN THERE » Thank you. I hope she's paying attention. Friend's new car triggers traumatic memories of son 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 Gemini(May21-June20)— Change is in the air, but if you are too distracted, you'll miss a great opportunity. List your priorities and make whatever is most important your focus. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't let anger lead to regret. Make sure your reactions are based on reality, and remain mindful of the views and needs of others. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — When someone comes looking for assistance, you should offer your advice but nothing else. If you don't, you will end up tend- ing to everyone else's duties. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You will have the edge over any competitors you meet. Guard against unpleasant surprises by preparing for every eventuality. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Deception is apparent. Be wary of anyone pressing you for personal information. Watch your back and keep a close eye on your family and friends to ensure their safety. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Your charisma and charm will win positive attention and popularity. Joint ventures show promise. An intimate evening is in the cards if you send affec- tionate signals. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't wait for someone to show you the way. A leadership role will highlight your talents. Get involved and let your feel- ings be known. You have a lot to offer. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't give in to anxiety or fear. Reflect on all of the pleas- ant memories that you have ac- cumulated to date. Take charge of your fate and reconsider a previous offer. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Uncertainty will dominate your day if you are torn between too many options. You should narrow down your choices until you find the one that appeals to you the most. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Pamper yourself; a day of rest will prepare you for an evening with someone special. Make a heartfelt declaration that will bring you closer to the one you love. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You can reduce your stress level through physical activity. Keep- ing busy will help you forget any aggravations you've been endur- ing. A youngster in your circle will surprise you. Focus on love. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Stay away from angry people, and don't get caught up in someone else's personal prob- lems. Meddling in others' affairs will not be beneficial emotion- ally, financially or physically. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JUNE 19 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015 4 B