Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/624400
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Nineyears ago, my daughter and her husband asked me to move with them into a new home. I had been widowed for five years and they felt I should not be alone. (I am now 84 and in pretty good health.) We all got along very well until about six months ago, but I don't know why. Nothing was ever said openly. They purchased a lake house recently and spend weekends at that home. I am not invited (nor do I want to be). There are no children involved — just the three of us. I do have a little dog that he does not like — in fact hates — but I cannot give the dog away. Lately I get the feeling that my son-in-law is not happy with our situa- tion. He barely speaks to me and mumbles "good morning" or "good night." That is the extent of our conversation unless I instigate a conversation and only get one-word answers. I contribute to the household, pay rent monthly, clean house, wash their clothes, take care of their dog, etc. I have spent thousands of dollars on this house and paid a third of the purchase price. Should I speak to my daughter about my feel- ings? She and I get along very well. I feel she knows there is friction here but has not said anything to me about it. Should I look for another place to live? I don't really want to live alone but I will if I have to. Please give me some input. —Challenged DEAR CHALLENGED » First this: Your arrangement seems to have worked well for everyone for nine years. That is a very suc- cessful record of peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, each person in the household seems extremely averse to bringing up a topic — or even asking a question — that might result in an uncomfortable mo- ment or two, and so you have spent the last six months engaged in an extremely uncomfortable silent standoff. It is human nature to avoid discomfort, but you all have taken it to a new level. You are a full partner in this household — you helped pay for the house and pay rent and expenses. Sit down with both of them (if you can't manage to face him, speak with your daugh- ter). Say, "I feel a lot of tension lately; can you tell me what is bothering you? It would be good to clear the air. I miss the way we all used to get along." This might have started over a very trivial household matter. Or it might not have anything to do with you — but with work, marriage or health difficulties of theirs. Maintain an open at- titude and try not to be defensive. Read: "Dif- ficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most," written by members of the Harvard Negotiation Project (2010, Penguin). In-law feels like an outlaw in shared home with daughter 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) — You can offer verbal help, but don't promise to take care of someone else's problems. You are better off expanding your interests. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Love is highlighted, and romance will help you achieve your dream life. Closely guard a secret until you have everything in its place. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't take chances with your health. Illness and injury will set you back if you are reckless. Ask for help and be prepared to do what's necessary. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Take a pass on a job that has limited growth. If you believe in your ability, so will someone who can offer what you are worth. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Discuss possibilities and share your ideas with someone who can contribute and help you make your dream come true. A business trip or interview will bring good results. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't give up on your beliefs or adhere to someone else's lifestyle and traditions if they don't suit you. Living a lie will not bring you closer to the hap- piness you deserve. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll have remarkable ideas and insight into how you can make your dream a reality. An emotional relationship has the potential to enhance your cre- ative imagination. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Personal gains can be made. Bring about the changes you've been contemplating in order to be successful. Romance is on the rise, and sharing with some- one will improve your life. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — It's up to you to make things happen. If you participate in events, you will reap the rewards. Don't let a personal situation or responsibility stand in your way. Strive to get ahead. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Keep your thoughts to yourself and your emotions tucked away. Avoid getting into a dispute with someone you live or fre- quently hang out with. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Follow through with your plans, regardless of the tempta- tions you face. Problems will develop if you trust anyone but yourself. Discipline will be re- quired if you want to avoid loss. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be wary of anything or anyone that appears too good to be true. Stick to simple foolproof means and methods in order to avoid being taken advantage of by an unscrupu- lous operator. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2016 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016 4 B