Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/601104
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'mthe only child of a man who comes from a "high- touch" family. He never moved out of his parents' home (my mom simply moved in). My grand- mother used to talk to her siblings twice a day on the phone. I moved out of the house — from Queens to Brooklyn — when I was 23. I am now 27. My dad still insists that I have to text or call him every day when I get home. If he does not hear from me by 8 p.m., he will text me to ask if I am home. If I don't answer within an hour or so (I tried to train him not to expect an immediate response), he will send more texts asking if I am "alive." When I try to talk to him about this be- havior, he asks me to understand that I am his only daughter, but the constant barrage from him is giving me anxiety. He freaks out when I don't answer. He truly insists on daily "proof of life." This does not make me feel like an adult, even though I have always been highly responsible. I wish my parents had more children to relieve the pressure. What do other only children do? Please help me come to some sort of compromise! —OnlyDaughter DEAR DAUGHTER » C ould you train yourself to react differently? Maybe shooting your father a quick smiley face emoticon in response to a text or call would satisfy him. You have correctly identified your father as someone who comes from a culture of intensive contact. His compulsive check- ing in is his attempt to deal with his own anxiety. I would put this outside the "normal" range of parent behavior, en- hanced by the ubiquity of cellphones. Understand that his anxiety levels probably rise as the evening goes on. One common treatment for anxiety- fueled compulsions is to gradually expose the person to the source of his anxiety. If you want to try, you could say: "Dad, I am not going to check in tomorrow. See if you can go all night without tex- ting or calling. I'll call you first thing in the morning. I know this is hard for you but I'm telling you in advance. You can handle it." DEAR AMY » You chided the subject of the letter signed "Elephant on the Couch" for not acting like a good family member by sleeping on the couch after Thanks- giving dinner. But in many families napping is exactly how to fit in to the family. — Napster DEAR NAPSTER » Napping seems to be a major sport on Thanksgiving Day, but not in that particular family. I hoped they could find a spare bed for the poor guy. Anxious dad peppers his daughter for 'proof of life' 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Take responsibility for work that needs to be done in order to feel good about your prog- ress and be ready for whatever comes your way. Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) — Not everyone will understand what you are trying to accomplish. Be detailed and precise if you want to avoid skepticism. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Stick to what you know you can do. You won't please everyone initially, but as time passes, you will win over even your toughest critic. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Look for the route that will provide you with the most information, excitement and re- wards. Romance is in the stars. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional confusion will set in if you take on too much or get involved with people who are bad influences or don't have your best interest at heart. Aries (March 21-April 9) — Your dedication and determi- nation will help you bring about positive change. Romance looks promising, and making special plans will bring you closer to someone you love. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Be careful how you approach sensitive subjects. Problems with important partnerships are apparent and must be dealt with diplomatically if you want to avoid a parting of ways. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't rely on others to help you get ahead. Expect to face a competitive and relentless challenge that will require your undivided attention and every ounce of energy. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Enjoy a change of scenery. Meeting people who have infor- mation and experience that you desire will excite you. Once your mind is set on something, it will be difficult to distract you. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Refuse to let anyone make decisions for you. Don't make a move until you are ready to do so. Updating your image or skills will enhance your confidence. Romance is encouraged. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Partnerships will be tempting, but not necessarily prosperous. Before you jump into a joint venture, make sure you are get- ting a fair deal. Things are not as they appear. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put your personal objectives into play. Take better care of your health, finances and emo- tional well-being. You can make positive changes if you put your mind to it. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, NOV. 13 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 4 B