Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/617076
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Severalyears ago, "Steve," a college acquaintance of my husband's, made contact with us after many years, asking if his daughter "Mandy" could stay with us on her way to her new college, which is near where we live. We gladly opened our home to her on a couple of occasions and enjoyed her company. Then the dad started inviting himself to stay the night as he drove through to see her. After several visits we realized he was using our house as his own hotel. He has never grown up and continues to drink like a college student. He is loud, self-en- grossed and overbearing. Once when my hus- band was going to be out- of-town at the same time he was passing through I recommended a hotel but he acted offended. I didn't let him stay and we didn't hear from him for some time. We have since ignored his requests to stop over. We received a Christ- mas card this year written by his wife (who is lovely, but enables him) that said they hoped to connect with us "if we wanted." Well, we don't. Steve's wife and daughter are nice, but we have had enough of him. The only option we see is to ignore her and hope they get the message. Any advice? —NoRoomattheInn DEAR NO ROOM » "S te v e" i s the person your husband knew in college. This fam- ily's presence in your life is due to the relationship (such as it is) between the two men. The family's absence from your life is due to his behavior. And yet even now you are trying to protect this man from the conse- quences of his behavior. I'm not suggesting you offer up chapter and verse to this family about why he is no longer welcome — nor should you lie about not being home. But you should say, "We're sorry not to see you, but it just didn't work out having 'Steve' spend the night. Let us know if you're passing through and it would be great to catch up, and of course if 'Mandy' needs anything, we hope she'll call. We've really enjoyed getting to know her." DEAR AMY » This is in response to "Awkward in MO," who had experi- mented with lesbianism and decided it wasn't for her, but her boyfriend took it badly. She should tell him that it is his manliness that inspires her devotion to him. That, no doubt, is true, and straight men need to be assured in their masculinity. She should tell him that he set her "straight." — Love the Men in Colorado DEAR LOVE THE MEN » "Lesbianism" isn't a thing. Same-sex attraction is not a political party. Experi- encing is different from experimenting. I also don't believe that straight men need propping up from women in order to feel masculine. Relationships should not be seen as contests of sexual attraction, but as a series of choices. Overgrown college bro has overstayed his welcome 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) — Initiate and welcome change in your personal life. Participate in activities that are adventurous and challenging. Test your skills. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Conversations, emails and people you encounter while traveling or doing research will all contribute to your success. Love is highlighted. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Consider what you have been doing and what you want to do with the rest of your life. Start to make the changes. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't give in to emotional manipulation. Overreacting, indulgence and taking on too much will hold you back. Con- centrate on self-improvement. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't divulge secrets or get involved in matters that could jeopardize your chance to ad- vance. Look inward and evaluate what you want to change in order to be the best you can be. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Make plans to do something with peers or friends to cel- ebrate the winding down of another year. Socializing with people will be in your best interest. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't feel that you have to accommodate everyone. Do what you can, but don't let your emotional or physical wellness suffer. Bring about changes that will improve your life. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll come up with some cost-effective ideas that will improve your surroundings and family ties. Planning a trip that will take you down memory lane will lift your spirits. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You've got what it takes to get things done. Don't stop or wait for others to catch up. Set your sights on your destination and don't stop until you reach your goal. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You'll be pulled in different directions. Don't give in to peer pressure or get involved with people who have bad habits. Avoid indulgence, and recognize when someone is being deceptive. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You can chase your dream if you put on your running shoes and stop waiting for things to come to you. Line up interviews for the new year or update your resume. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You'll shine at any event or meeting you take part in, and will impress someone who has more to offer than you realize. Celebrate with the one you love. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, DEC. 17 THURSDAY,DECEMBER17,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B