Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/554144
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Irecently went on a weekend get- away/retreat with several co-workers (not officially a work event). I was driv- ing one of the cars, and I brought along a co-work- er and her boyfriend. The trip cost roughly $90 in gas. I would have expected each passen- ger (myself included) to contrib- ute a third. But my co-worker offered only $45, saying, "There's our half." I try to avoid pettiness, and don't want to cause a rift with a co-worker over $15 — after all, it's more about the principle than the money — but I also want to be more aware of what the rules are when splitting costs with a couple. —NotCheap,Just Curious DEAR CURIOUS » Couples sometimes behave as a monolith — but just because they behave that way doesn't mean they should also be treated as such. If the three of you had taken a train, you would have each had to pay your own fare. If you had taken a cab, you would expect to split the fare three ways (presumably). If you three had shared a meal, you would have each paid your share. The main cost advan- tage in being a couple is when it comes to shar- ing a bed — not a ride. If you were renting an apartment and you took one room and the other couple shared a room, then you would split the cost 50/50. The wisest way to han- dle any sort of expense sharing situation is to establish the parameters up front. You say, "Are you cool with splitting the cost of the trip three ways?" They might nego- tiate a slightly different percentage and — de- pending on whether you needed the money and wanted the companion- ship, you could decide if this would work for you. Don't try to collect this money now, however. This lesson only cost you $15, which is a pretty good deal. DEAR AMY » I dated a guy on and off for eight years. After finally breaking things off with him, I have been single now for the last three years. I have not been on a date for the whole three years that I have been single. I am an attractive woman, but I can't seem to attract any man since I broke up with my last boyfriend. I also have trust issues I cannot seem to shake off. Please help me control my past. — Wondering Single DEAR WONDERING » Ask friends to be honest with you about how you ap- pear to others. They may describe a "keep your dis- tance" body language that you aren't even aware of. You might bring up your negative experience too of t en i n co nv er sa ti on . D o you compare men to your ex? Don't. The basic thinking behind the "law of attrac- tion" is that you are what you believe you are. If you maintain a positive at- titude about yourself, you will attract people who are also positive, kind and open to new experiences. When sharing costs, does a couple count as one or two? 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)—As you learn and grow spiritu- ally, your plans for the future will take on a new direction. Look ahead with optimism, not anxiety. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take off your rose-colored glasses if you plan to renew a previous personal relationship. By romanticizing the past, you risk making the same mistake. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Someone will not like the choices you make today, but you are better off looking out for yourself first. Refuse excessive demands. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You have what it takes to get ahead, so ignore anyone who tries to hold you back or stifle your creative dreams. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Your words and actions will have a strong influence on others. Rely on tact and self- control in your personal and professional dealings to avoid a mishap. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Cut ties with the people who have been causing you anxiety or making you sad. If you are to achieve your goals, you have to direct your energy into indepen- dent pursuits. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Consider taking on extra work or looking for a better-paying job. A positive change is brew- ing, so take the initiative and make things happen. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't forget about people who have always stood by you in the past. Show those who count what they mean to you by sharing your feelings and extending a helping hand in return. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Deal with troublesome issues by making positive changes to your living arrangements. Getting along with others will help you find a workable solution. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Forget about sticking to your schedule today. Social activi- ties will relieve your stress and recharge your batteries. Get out and enjoy time spent with friends, relatives or a loved one. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Try not to overreact to matters that you can't change. Take a moment to reflect on all the positive aspects and situations in your life in order to improve your outlook. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Before you place blame on someone else, look at the rea- sons for your own behavior. Un- less you have all the facts, you are likely to make an inaccurate judgment. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, AUG. 11 TUESDAY,AUGUST11,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B