Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/626125
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 22-year-old woman. My father is Muslim and was born in Kuwait. My mother was Catholic and w as b o rn i n th e U . S. (b ut converted after being with my father). I was raised Muslim. Personally, I do not necessarily follow the religion, but I do have respect toward it for my parents' sake. I am currently in a very serious relation- ship with a 21-year-old Christian American man, who is as equally nonre- ligious as I am. The rela- tionship is very serious, and we have talked about marriage and our futures together almost daily. Since my parents are very devoted in their faith, I have never talked to them about my rela- tionship (or about any of my previous relationships). I know they do not expect me to have an arranged marriage, but we have never spoken about it before, except when I was young and that was when I wasn't even allowed to be friends with boys (taboo in the religion, or at least in my father's eyes). I would like some advice on how to ap- proach the situation to talk to them and make them understand. When my mother saw a picture of me hugging a guy, she said it would "kill my father." I don't want to upset them. I know it will be easier to start with my mother, since she is the American one, but I just do not have that type of relationship with her. —Wondering DEAR WONDERING » Based on my cursory knowledge about the issue of Mus- lim/Christian marriages, while a Muslim man is permitted to marry a Christian woman (if she converts, as your mother did), a Muslim woman is not allowed to marry a Christian man and stay in the faith. My reading about this issue and my instincts based on your letter tell me that this is going to be tough. You should start by asking your parents an open-ended question about what their expectations are of your relationships. If your hugging a man would kill your father (and if your mother tells you this), you can expect both of your parents' reaction to be challenging. You and your guy must think and talk realistically with each other about what your lives would be like either without your parents in it, or with them (and other family members and members of the com- munity) pressuring you regarding this relation- ship. In order for you to live the life you want to live, you may have to emancipate yourself from your parents and your religion (he may have to do the same). Despite all of this, I want to encourage you to exercise your freedom to love the person you want to love, finding the strength to face your chal- lenges together. Interfaith relationship can present extreme challenges 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) — Your energetic approach and can-do attitude will make you the go-to person for consulta- tions. Your suggestions will be readily accepted. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You should energetically seek out creative endeavors that will allow you to use your skills to get ahead or improve your life- style. Romance is on the rise. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't alter your appearance or make changes to an impor- tant relationship. You are best off focusing on helping others and making money. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Actions will speak louder than words. Put your thoughts in motion and be adamant about making things happen. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you present your ideas to someone in charge, you will get a good response. Your imagina- tive plan will bring you greater recognition as well as more responsibility and cash. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Helping others is honorable, but if you give too much without getting something in return, you will feel used. Set a time limit and a budget, and stick to them. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Take an alternate route and see where it leads you. An invest- ment or home improvement project will turn out surprisingly well. Participate in physical activities that challenge and exhilarate you. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your ability to stir up excite- ment and be the life of the party will draw unusual people to your side. Take a moment to confirm your adoration for someone you love. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Participate in a social event that promotes collaborations with people who share your concerns and interests. The end result will be a worthwhile partner- ship. Don't let a personal matter depress you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A personal change won't be welcome by everyone, but it's time to do what pleases you. Don't let anyone guilt you into abandoning your plans. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Time spent alone or with the person you enjoy being with most will lead to an interesting lifestyle change. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't expect everyone to do things your way. Make a point to avoid people who are not supportive or set a poor example. Make positive personal changes. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13, 2016 WEDNESDAY,JANUARY13,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B