Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/537171
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ithinkthat my 14-year-old son, "Ty- ler" is growing up faster than I am prepared for. Recently, he left his email open on my com- puter, and I could not help but scroll through. A couple of exchanges churned my stomach. One was with a friend, discussing their crushes on girls, included possible "pick-up lines" that ranged from the stupid to the obscene. My 14-year-old! He is the sweetest kid. Is this just normal behavior for the age? What if my sweet kid is actually a jerk? My husband and I have tried to foster open discussion with our kids, but Tyler keeps his social life to himself. I imagine he is getting interested in girls, and that is a wonderful new stage of life to navigate, but I want him to be the right kind of boy amidst all that. I was very shy at that age. Is it a sign of some- thing I should address? —WonderingMom DEAR WONDERING » Fourteen-year-olds can be pretty disgusting. I think the behavior you describe is in the "normal" range. You should look for the over- all progress in your son's development, without fo- cusing on how he chooses to posture during those times when he thinks you aren't looking. I would suggest raising issues of behavior and respect whenever you can. Your husband might be the most valuable per- son to mentor your son. You should both continue to guide him to be the kind and respectful young man you know he can be. DEAR AMY » I'm the mother of a wonderful 27-year-old woman who has everything going for her — looks, intelligence, and a great personality. She's gainfully employed and has many friends. During the week she sticks to a routine, but on the weekends she often engages in binge drinking. Her friends think she's the life of the party. While drunk, she's done things she can't remem- ber and injured herself. Since she's always able to recover, she doesn't think she has a problem. I think she has a HUGE problem, but I don't know what to do. Expressing disapproval seem s t o only hav e a short-term effect. Suggestions? — Mom Who's Losing Sleep DEAR MOM » Honest, non- judgmental communica- tion is exactly what your relationship needs. You should not be afraid to voice your concern, but she is an adult and making her own choices. Her behav- ior has risks associated with it — and she is experiencing these conse- quences. You and your husband could benefit from attending Al-Anon meet- ings (al-anon.org), to help you to cope with your anxiety over your daughter's behavior and to accept your powerless- ness to control her, even if you continue to worry about her. Mom worries that son is growing up too fast, too rude 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)— If you network with colleagues, you will meet someone who will change your life. Expect to be saddled with responsibilities. Stay calm and show your ability to handle matters like a leader. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Step back from the situation temporarily until your vision is clear. Don't force the issue when you are best off letting matters develop naturally. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Standing on the sidelines will not work to your advantage. Get in the middle of things and put forth your best effort. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put your idea on paper. Once you see your plan in black and white, you will find it easier to turn your plan into a reality. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will achieve success if you stick with your game plan. If you are constantly changing your mind, you will not have anything to show for it at the end of the day. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be careful, as a hasty decision will lead to a setback. Don't rush matters. A step-by- step plan will result in steady progress and make you look like a genius. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will lose a valuable ally if you make promises you can- not keep. Moneymaking ven- tures look favorable, provided you act in a timely manner. Detail and precision will make the difference. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keeping your emotions bottled up will cause everyone unnecessary stress. Trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for failure. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will be intrigued by someone who may or may not be telling you the truth. Find out more about this person before you make firm plans or emo- tional declarations. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your future security should be your goal. Improve your pros- pects by taking extra classes or job-related seminars. The more you learn, the easier it will be to advance into a desired position. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Love and romance are highlight- ed. Protect your original ideas, or someone will claim them as their own. Giving away too much information will give your competition a head start. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — It will be necessary to pay close attention to whatever you are doing. A minor mishap or injury is possible if you let your mind wander. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JULY 3 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015 4 B