Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/610779
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myboyfriend and I have been dating for three years. I dread every interaction with his family. He's the youngest of five. The eldest brother ignores my existence entirely. If his mother sees that I have left my boyfriend's side for one moment, she will ap- proach him and express how she wishes he would date his ex from high school because of how much skinnier, prettier, etc., she is. I spend every holiday with them now because if my boyfriend goes with me to see my family, his family will tell him how controlling and evil I am. His family keeps trying to convince my boyfriend that I am controlling him. It started when he became a vegetarian after meeting me (I don't care if other people — including him — eat meat). I don't make a big deal and simply bring my own food if I eat with his family. They, however, endlessly "tease" us over it (they can get mean). I don't want to just stay away, because I want to see my boyfriend on the holidays and it helps him withstand the abuse if I'm there to shoulder some of it. What can I do to help make it better? —CaringGirlfriend DEAR GIRLFRIEND » Your boyfriend sits at the silent center of this drama. If he had written to me, I would happily tell him how easy it can be to shut down mistreatment by family members. I call this technique: "Oh, look at the time!" When people start in — whether you two are standing side by side or suffering on opposite ends of the credenza — your boyfriend can simply say, "Enough." And then you get your coats and leave. But he seems passive, or per- haps he is paralyzed and trapped between two strong women. Your insistence on participating in this annual ritual is baffling. You say you want to share the burden with him, but according to yo u h e is m ai nl y fo rc ed to watch his family be mean to you. Wouldn't you both be much hap- pier sharing a holiday meal with your family or friends, or at a shelter alongside people who might actually appreciate your presence? You should consider it. DEAR AMY » "Concerned Daughter-in-Law" had in-laws who lived in a bug-infested and filthy home. Your advice to take their own sheets and towels was stupid; your advice to find a nearby inexpensive room to rent was great. My partner and I have been rent- ing short-term rooms in private homes for years. It's easy — and a game changer for us. — Happy Renter DEAR RENTER » Thank you. Holidays brings on tug of war between girlfriend and mom 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Don't let a chaotic envi- ronment or frame of mind cause you to make choices that are questionable. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Drastic measures may be necessary to get what you want. Setting a budget and sticking to it will allow you greater freedom when faced with some tough decisions. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You should revisit old ideas and look over new agreements in order to find a way to meld the two. Do something out of the ordinary. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't overreact. Do your best and refrain from getting into a dispute. Tread carefully when dealing with peers. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Emotional distress and anger will ruin your plans. Don't let things bother you. Rise above others' words or actions and act out of kindness, courtesy and respect. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Decorate or spruce up your surroundings. Make plans to entertain friends or family or host a festive event. Your en- thusiasm and goodwill won't go unnoticed. Enjoy high returns. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Take it easy and be smart. If you plan to go shopping or make some financial transactions, think twice before you go into debt. Live within your means and reduce your stress. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Spend a little time on yourself. Getting a new hairdo or outfit for an upcoming event will boost your morale. Plan something fun or romantic for the evening hours. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Use your witty and charis- matic personality to attract interest in something you want to pursue. The attention you receive will result in surprising and unusual support. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — If you say you are going to do something, you must do it or someone will criticize you. It's important to research the feasibility of any venture before you make a promise. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will be quite upset if people don't honor their words. Leave nothing to chance by taking care of matters yourself. Put your energy to good use. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — If you take an unusual position, you will discover something about yourself and those around you that will help you make an import- ant decision. Follow your intuition. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, DEC. 3 THURSDAY,DECEMBER3,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B