Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/623881
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Whenyoutell someone, "Please, give me time to get myself strong before you ask for support," and they don't listen, what options are there? My mom is a piece of work. We are all grieving from my dad's sudden death. I am too over- whelmed with execu- tor respon- sibilities, my six kids, husband and job to take care of her. One brother lives with her. I get the usual guilt for not talking with her but she's been emotionally abusive to me my entire life, so her guilt is beyond "normal." I told her to stop call- ing for support because I have no support to give her. I need to heal myself before I can help her. She called to tell me she loves me. She was in total tears until I asked if this was a suicide call. Then she stopped. Other than ignoring her calls completely and deleting the messages im- mediately so I don't hear the guilt, what can I do? I am in counseling to heal from the loss of my dad. Mom just isn't re- specting my boundaries. Maybe I'll tell her we'll only use snail mail from now on. —LostinYonkers DEAR LOST » I have to assume that there is a lot that you aren't say- ing here, because on the face of it, your response to your mother seems unkind. You put your own grief ahead of hers, and then blame her for trying to manipulate you into giving her some attention. Grief is very isolating; people who are grieving feel very alone. You are obviously overwhelmed. You are right that you need to regain your footing before you can be much help to your mother. Counseling is a great idea. I hope you will dis- cuss strategies to main- tain boundaries. DEAR AMY » A woman I used to work with is a friend. We've known each other for a decade. We no l on g er w or k in t he s am e company, and so four times a year, we make plans to see one another. Half the time we make plans, this friend cancels. I have been driving to where we were supposed to meet and gotten a text from her, canceling plans. The reasons are always about obligations that cropped up. Today's cancellation came four hours before she was supposed to be at my house. Do I suck it up and not take it personally? Or do I tell her how this makes me feel? — Dissed in Denver DEAR DISSED » The choice between sucking it up and seething with resent- ment and telling someone how you feel seems like a no-brainer. Some of your friend's rudeness toward you might be related to your hesitance to react honestly regarding her habitual canceling on you at the last minute. Unreliability is the enemy of friendship. A natural consequence to her behavior would be you choosing not to make plans with her. Grieving daughter wants to cut off her emotional mother 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) — Get your act together and put the past behind you. Don't fall victim to a dishonest peer or someone trying to take advan- tage of you. Be free with advice. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Conversations, meetings and interviews will bring about positive change. Don't dwell on past regrets or let someone's indulgence drag you down. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Revisit an old dilemma in order to figure out a solution. Putting the past behind you will allow you greater freedom to pursue something. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A learning experience will lead to more cash, higher self- esteem and a brighter future. Love is on the rise. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Make travel plans or sign up for something that will be a wel- come addition to your resume. Clear up personal paperwork and address concerns involving institutions so you can explore new avenues. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Express your feelings and find out where you stand. Hemming and hawing will not help you make plans for the future. Ro- mance is on the rise, and a step forward should be taken. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Explore your relationship options. Make a move or renovate your space to accom- modate your current situation. Don't bicker over things you cannot change. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Sign up for an adventure or take part in something that is challenging if you want to meet like-minded people. Love and romance are highlighted. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Step outside your comfort zone and put an end to whatever is holding you back or causing you grief. Once you put negativity behind you, a window of oppor- tunity will open. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Book a trip or take time off to share something special with a loved one. Discussing your plans will give you the incen- tive to work hard and stick to a budget. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Watch your money and the people you are financially con- nected to. Offer innovative ideas and incentives to make sure you get the service and help you require. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll be tempted to jump into something that requires more thought and investiga- tion. Slow down and be smart, especially where your career and finances are concerned. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016 THURSDAY,JANUARY7,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B