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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mydaughter is 17, and is off to college in August. She has man- aged to alienate herself from her two closest childhood friends. She is opinionated, selfish, and argumenta- tive. She doesn't take any responsi- bility for her actions and feels justified in what she has done. She's had therapy but refused to open up. She is taking medication for ADD but she doesn't like the way it makes her feel. She smokes pot to come down from it. How do we help her see life beyond her own feelings? How can she develop empathy? I worry that she will be lonely and in pain forever. —WorriedMother DEAR WORRIED » Some of your daughter's behavior is normal for a teen who is is headed into the next phase. It's not pleasant but it is somewhat age- appropriate. If she is on medication and doesn't like the side effects, help her to ex- plore alternatives. There might be another medica- tion that would work bet- ter for her, or no medica- tion at all. Smoking pot is NOT the answer. She is self-medicating. In addition to the physical effects of pot on her brain function and attitude, it is illegal for someone her age. You cannot force your daughter to be a better friend. She is already see- ing the consequences of her behavior. Instead of punishing her, you should encourage her to take more responsibility to get to the bottom of what is going on. This journey should start at the doc- tor's office, with a review of her medication and a mental health screening. DEAR AMY » What do you think about a formerly solid group of women — who have known each other for many years, borne witness to life's ups and downs — which has now become exclusionary? Understandably some people within the group have developed closer friendships with the people of their choice, but the idea was for us all to be there for each other and i nclude each oth er. Recently two women have been excluded from some lifetime events — twice by the same person. They are hurt and some of us have discussed this with the excluder, but she doesn't care. This has caused discord and discomfort among what were previ- ously enjoyable gather- ings for us all. What suggestions would you offer this situation? — Upset Friend DEAR UPSET » You are in charge of your own behavior and resultant relationships. You are not in any position to control someone else's choices — but you should react to her choices honestly. You cannot realistical- ly expect a group of adults to toe the friendship line and beh ave as a mon o- lithic friendship group — all the way through life. And so you will have to adjust to this change. Teenage daughter's empathy deficit worries mother 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 Cancer(June21-July22) — Anxiety and indecision are clouding your judgment. Your emotional state of mind will make you feel isolated. Get out with close friends. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't take a break. The hard work you have put in will grind to a halt if you ease up now. Financial gains are evident. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A troublesome relationship will cause you worry. Step back and let matters unfold before you make a decision that you'll live to regret. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A jealous competitor will try to make you look bad. Have faith in your abilities. Those who know you well will not be fooled by negative comments. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Refrain from getting involved in joint ventures or partnerships. Look over your financial situ- ation. Make sure you have the money before making a major purchase. Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) — Your professional reputation will suffer if you are too preoccupied with personal issues. Keep your plans a secret. Someone will try to pass off your ideas as his or her own. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Conversations with intellec- tual individuals will be inspiring. Write down your ideas before they slip your mind. One of them will turn out to be a stepping- stone to a positive change. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will want to celebrate to- day, but overspending and over- indulgence will lead to trouble. A group benefiting those less fortunate will appreciate your compassion. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Love and romance are highlighted. Make plans to do something that could help bring you closer to someone special. Find a hobby you can enjoy together. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will have the energy and stamina to tackle problems and find solutions. If you step to the forefront, others will quickly follow. An unanticipated trip will lead to a new venture. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your self-esteem will blossom if you make personal improve- ments. Enhancing your appear- ance will give you confidence and increase your appeal. Make health and fitness a priority. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Charity begins at home. Family issues should take precedence over outside matters. To avoid long-lasting damage to your relationships, don't lash out in the heat of the moment. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JUNE 23 TUESDAY,JUNE23,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B