Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/549408
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'ma27- year-old female. I broke up with my boyfriend of seven years because he was caught texting a girl (she'd already been brought up in conversa- tion as an issue for me) in a very non-platonic way, if you know what I mean. I admit to being very jealous so I tried to give him space to have whatever friends he wanted, but I also believe there should be very clear boundaries with these "friends." Anyhow, even after the breakup we are still act- ing like we're together. He spends nearly every night at my house, we still "do the do," he gets jealous over other guys I'm talk- ing to but when I say let's try again, he tells me no. I honestly think he has someone else but with no proof, I can't really walk away without knowing for sure. Any advice? —Confused DEAR CONFUSED » Let's re- view: You broke up with your long-term boyfriend because of your suspi- cions, but you still spend most nights together, "do the do," act like you're still a couple, feel jealous and possessive over each other, etc. Exactly what about your (or his) behavior indicates that you have broken up? When you break up with someone, you stop cohabiting and "doing the do" with that person. You disengage from their romantic shenanigans, and they from yours. You back away. Make a break from that person, hence the term breakup. As things are, your boyfriend has all of the advantages of being with you, as well as freedom to be with others be- cause you're no longer officially a couple. You have this same freedom, and because you seem confused about the whole breaking-up concept, rather than wait for proof that he is seeing other women, I suggest that you always use a condom when you're with him (to guard against STDs), and behave like you're single and date others if you want to. You need to train your- self not to care so much about what your "ex" is up to. And you will only do that once you have figured out how to really break up with him. DEAR AMY » Regarding the letter from "Distraught Mom," about the horrific state of her daughter's bedroom, I wanted to say my daughter's room was also like this. We went through all the issues and threats we could think of — with no resolution. We finally told her, "Clean up your room or we will take your bed- roo m doo r off. " We took her door off for a month. She realized she had no privacy and cleaned up her room and kept it that way. The door went back on. — George, in Winnipeg DEAR GEORGE » Your solution is extreme, but it worked. Another solu- tion also involves a door — and that is to keep it closed. I haven't seen the inside of one daughter's room in months. Girlfriend uses her breakup as a way to patch things up 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)—Be- fore you take on someone else's responsibilities, make sure you are reading the situation clearly. Don't take over unless you are prepared to go the distance. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A detailed project will give you the opportunity to highlight your skills and show your dedication and loyalty. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain if you are open to new philosophies and ideas. Search for a novel approach to a troubling situation. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An overactive imagination will lead to problems. Deal with matters as they are. An unreal- istic viewpoint or false assump- tions will lead to conflict. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Your power of persua- sion will work in your favor. People will be happy to help you get what you want. Others will be inspired by your words and motivated by your actions. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your colleagues will be surprised by your innovative problem-solving techniques. Change will be necessary if you aren't satisfied with your cur- rent position. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Personal affairs and romantic opportunities will confuse you. Work on your relationships with others. More give-and-take and a focus on equality will help tame any problem you face. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't spend time with people you can't trust. Trying to sort out what is and isn't true will be taxing. Opt to spend time with people who love and under- stand you. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will gain popularity and status by participating in a cause you believe in. The people you meet will help you advance personally and professionally. Romance is in the stars. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Consider letting go of projects and people that are dragging you down. Take the direction that suits you best instead of what others want you to do. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your desire for mental and physical stimulation will war- rant trying something you've never done before. You should air serious concerns with family and close friends in order to get some answers. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Deception is apparent. Listen, learn and observe before signing a deal that requires cash up front. Protect your possessions and your assets, and don't lend or borrow money. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JULY 31 FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B