Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/587166
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myhusband and I have been mar- ried for 27 years. He is a "talker," very focused on his work, goals and plans. He is a teacher and is forever complaining about the politics in the school (of course, there are many), which he describes in detail every day. He does not seem to pay at- tention to things at home — or to our own kids. Over time I have started to only half listen to him. I've stopped talking. I make him lunch ev- ery morning before work and buy school supplies for his class and snacks for his kids every time I go to a school function (he coaches at every sport they will allow). Two weeks ago I was promoted at work, with a very substantial raise. I was very excited to tell him about it. He congratulated me via text, but that was the end of it. When I got home he started in on how hard school was and how bad the football team did, etc. No hug, no kiss, no extra words about my news. I envisioned flowers, kind words and encour- agement. I told him how I felt and he said that I did not acknowledge his last raise and he didn't really think it was a big deal. I cannot seem to get over this. I feel like I do not matter in our home. In arguing about this, he mentioned that I don't listen to him. It would be impossible, because he very literally never shuts up. I am so hurt and he doesn't care. I'm tired of being in second place. Do you feel like I'm making a big deal out of nothing? Am I b e i n g t oo s en si t iv e? —TryingtoGet Over It DEAR TRYING » Without blaming you for your husband's verbal domi- nance, perhaps he talks more and more partly because you have tuned out. But obviously — not even Jimmy Fallon's wife could be engaged during a monologue that lasts for 27 years. Of course you want hearts and flowers during your celebratory moment. But are you also giving what you would hope to receive? If you want him to behave differently, perhaps you can try to also behave differently. Ask your husband to sit down with you. Make eye contact. Start by telling him, "I'm sure I don't pay full attention to every- thing you want to tell me. It's important to me to be supportive to you. But I need that, too. I feel like things are pretty unbalanced between us. I don't feel noticed. Can we work together to try to change?" In the book, "Emotion- al Fitness for Couples: 10 Minutes a Day to a Better Relationship," (2005, New Harbinger Publications), among other exercises, author Barton Goldsmith suggests a weekly meeting where couples connect, sync their calendars and anticipate challenges. Together. This short sit-down is one way to start communicating differently. Wife doesn't receive support from her chatty husband You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23)— Deception is apparent. Don't be coerced into doing anything that could damage your reputation or your bank account. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — If doubt or anxiety causes you to hesitate, someone else will leap at a golden opportunity that was meant for you. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep busy and avoid potentially volatile situations. Traffic or travel disruptions will wreak havoc with your schedule. Lie low. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Money is heading your way. Don't turn down a leadership position. Your status is rising, and successful negotiations with business partners or supe- riors will bring recognition. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — No matter how hard you strive to keep the peace, family disputes will cause anguish and hurt feelings. These issues will not go away without interven- tion. Avoid taking sides, and look for a workable solution. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Think about the conse- quences of your actions. You will be left in a compromising situation if you allow anyone to charm you into taking part in a risky venture. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Use all your intellectual resources when faced with a financial decision. It is vital that you understand your options in order to protect your assets. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your fun-loving nature and good humor will be infectious. Host a get-together for family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. Physi- cal or mental games will prove entertaining. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Harmful rumors will surface if you don't use discretion when dealing with personal and pro- fessional relationships. A mis- understanding will be damaging to your reputation. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Look upon change as an opportunity for growth. Don't let anything prevent you from moving forward. Recall methods that have worked in the past. Prior experience will offer valu- able tips. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Get out and enjoy the people and places that mean the most to you. Taking the time to enjoy light entertainment will lift your spirits and relieve stress. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't let anyone else call the shots. You will be disappointed in yourself if you don't fight for what you want. Trust in your skills and intuition, and stay in control of your future. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, OCT. 16 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 8 B