Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/620124
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Imayhave met the girl for me. She is beautiful, funny and everything I seek in a partner. We have worked together for four years, which has given me the opportunity to become great friends with her. There is one factor that makes me hesitate. She is six years older than me and has two young children. As a 26-year-old man, I feel my family would have reservations. What do I do? Do I follow my heart? Or do I go the more "traditional" path and seek someone closer to my age? I know there are "plenty of fish in the sea" but there is something about her I cannot put into words. I find myself thinking about her at work and at home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. —W DEAR W » One of the privileges of adulthood is that you get to love the person you want to love. Here's a caution regarding romantic involvement with a wom- an who has children: You should be cautious and respectful of her situa- tion. A long-term relation- ship with a woman with children implies family- building. If you are up to this challenge, go for it. DEAR AMY » My daughter turns 15 soon. She has had a crush on "Ben," a family friend (a man in his 30s) for two years. She is now saying that the only thing that she wants for Chr istm as is to go out with him. I have told her that she will not be going on any "dates" with him, and he has said the same. Ben doesn't flirt with her or encourage her. He has reminded her that he is my age and is old enough to be her parent. I'll say this, however, I can see some of the things that she sees. He is good- looking. He listens to her without condescension. I trust Ben. I even trust my daughter not to try to seduce him. But she's "saving herself for him," and not doing anything with guys her age. He has told her that even when she's 18, she'll still be too young. But you know how teens are. What should I do? — Wondering Mom DEAR WORRIED » I do know how teens are. Teens observe how their choices affect their par- ents' behavior and then double-down if it yields the result they desire. You seem to be playing into this by affirming her good taste. One way to re- spond would be to listen to her with the same at- tentiveness as "Ben" does. Ask her, "Do you think it is a good idea for a grown man to take a teenager out on a date?" Paying a lot of atten- tion to this attraction has a way of sexualizing your 14-year-old. The rest of the world might do this to girls, but the child's parents never should. She needs to feel power in ap- propriate ways — through her smarts and talent, not through crushes. Make sure Ben knows that if he EVER hears from your daughter privately, he must let you know immediately. Two readers ponder age– disparate romantic situations 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan.19) — A kind gesture or thoughtful dialogue will help you under- stand the trials your friends or relatives are experiencing. Romance is in the stars. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Bring about positive change. If you show confidence and take action, you will grab everyone's attention with your innovative intelligence and fortitude. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Keep busy entertaining or contributing to the festivities going on around you in order to lift your spirits. Something special is heading your way. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A softer outlook will help you get along with difficult people. Focus on the ones you love, not the ones who try your patience. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your openness and sincerity will bring you closer to a friend or relative. A special offering will come your way from someone you love. A romantic gesture is encouraged. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — The gift of love, a token of your appreciation and the initiating of positive personal change should highlight your day. Mod- eration will help make this day even better. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — An unusual surprise will turn out to be the best gift ever. Good news will highlight your day. Romance is in the stars, and special plans for two should be made. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You can't please everyone all the time. Don't let your gen- erosity be taken advantage of. Personal changes will bring the best returns. Don't feel that you have to buy love. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Your intelligence will shine through and your thoughtful, practical gestures will be ad- mired. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to someone you love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Emotions will mount due to family dilemmas or separations. You may have to be apart from the people you really want to be with. Be positive and make the best of your situation. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You can make a difference. Offering your services, visiting an elder in the family or setting aside time to nurture an impor- tant relationship will bring you the greatest joy. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stick to what you can afford, and don't overdo it when eating or drinking. Restraint and discipline will be necessary. Of- fering your services will ensure positive feedback. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, DEC. 25 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B