Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/544136
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iworkata place where we have to foster relationships with people. We're supposed to create a family atmo- sphere, be welcoming, and treat everyone like they are your friend — but this creates a problem. I run into co-workers everywhere that "know" me from work. I do not know how to be politely rude when seeing them. For instance, when I am out shopping, people I work with will recognize me. I have to be polite and friendly at work, but I do not know how to be politely not interested when I am not at work. It makes going out daunting and obnoxious because I spend so much time in conversations I am not interested in having. Today I ran into a guy that I know only from work and he asked me about how my vacation was and what I did. Then, I felt obligated to ask about kids and his vaca- tion — but frankly I didn't care. How can I be distant outside of work? How do I decline con- versations without being rude or telling everyone I'm in a hurry? —JustaGirlDoing her Job DEAR GIRL » Here's a theory: Perhaps going out is "obnoxious" for you because (outside of work) you are obnoxious. Either that, or you simply have an obnoxious way of de- scribing a problem which isn't really a problem, but more a reflection of the way you see yourself — and others. There is no such thing as being "politely rude." There's polite and there's rude, and while you may act politely toward people, you are following that by being rude about people who, according to you, have the gall to be friendly toward you in public — even going so far as to ask you about your vacation. (Don't they know that you don't really like them?) What you seem to seek is a way to avoid being caught in extended con- versations when you don't want to have them. Leav- ing your judgment of oth- ers (or mine of you) out of it, this is a completely legitimate question. The best way to do this is not to provide any de- tails in your answers, and not to ask any questions in return. Here's a sample: "Guy: Hi, Girl! Nice to run into you! Hey — how w as y ou r va ca ti o n? You: Oh. Hi, Guy — thank you for asking. It was great. I hope you and the kids had a good one too! Nice to see you — I have to scoot along, but I'll see you at work on Monday." DEAR AMY » I commend your response to "Sadly Stuck," wh o had s noop ed into her boyfriend's texts and found the truth. Too often people want to blame the reactions of others for their problems instead of doing a little soul-searching and per- haps changing their own behavior. — Soulful Reader DEAR SOULFUL » Yes — snoopers beware: Your snooping might reveal the truth. Worker wants a way to be 'politely rude' outside of work 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)— The more places you visit, the more people you will encounter who can help you in your quest for success. Share your ideas if you want to gain allies. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't miss an opportunity to promote your skills. Networking will result in aid from an unlikely source. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't give in to pressure or manipulation. Take a break to sort through your feelings and make a practical decision. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't be afraid to say no if something doesn't feel right. Something that works for some- one else won't bring you the same result. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An outside influence will change your perspective. Get out and do something that inspires you. Don't stay at home hoping your big break will come to you. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Before you make a life- altering decision, make sure you have all the facts. A sudden change of heart will make it difficult to follow through with a plan based on someone else's assertions. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A few tweaks to a project will make it a viable moneymaker. By investigating a similar product or service, you will discover a new marketing technique. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Being confrontational or ag- gressive will not get you ahead. If you feel too anxious to deal with others, take time to sort out your feelings before you say or do something you'll regret. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Put some time aside for romance. A personal relationship will suffer if you become too demanding or insist on having your own way. Allow for more give-and-take. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Maintain your self-respect and don't put up with people who let you down regularly. Your friendship is too valuable to be wasted on those who take without giving back. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't expect others to meet your expectations. Find out what needs to be done and do it. Preparation will lead to a successful outcome and the rewards you deserve. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You can outperform an op- ponent if you do your research. You will attract assistance if you can offer legitimate solu- tions. Share your plan and focus on the finish line. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JULY 21 TUESDAY,JULY21,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B