Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/630552
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Imarrieda single mom. Now that I am in the thick of it, I find I want out. I grew up an orphan, so I have found that navigating family life is challenging. I am 35 now and am getting estab- lished, but I am finding the require- ments of being a dad, finding and buying a house for the family and other expectations to be too much. Is there any graceful way to leave? Have I mor- ally committed myself to the relationship? —RegretfulStepdad DEAR REGRETFUL » Yes, you have morally com- mitted yourself to the relationship. That's what the marriage vows are all about. Leaving will never be "graceful." Leaving a marriage is most often messy and emotionally challenging, certainly when there are children involved. Stepparenting is the most challenging form of parenting there is, and you are insightful to real- ize that, given your own upbringing, you lack the tools necessary to cope with the demands of fam- ily life. And because you lack any context, you may believe that marriage and family building should be easier than it really is. I assure you, many a young parent has wanted to flee in the night. Do not feel pressured to purchase a home unless (or until) you feel more stable in the marriage. Because you seem so distressed and disas- sociated, it might be best for you to separate now, but, please, only do so with some therapeutic counsel and support. Start on your own and then invite your wife to join you in order to discuss your unique chal- lenges. Be aware that you carry your history with you everywhere you go. Your challenges will not flee, even if you do. Your goal should be to live an integrated and emotion- ally balanced life, but you will need support to get there. DEAR AMY » I always enjoy your column, but your response to "Puz- zled," who wrote about regifting baby chicks "as a joke" was absolutely spot on, and I cheered in my kitchen. I loved it when you said that in addition to being wrong, this was "not funny. Not at all." Too many people are unwilling to say some- thing isn't funny because they're fearful of being told they don't have a sense of humor. The truth is that those who do have a sense of humor — you, for in- stance — must accept the responsibility of declar- ing "not funny" when the barbarians are at the gate. Or the henhouse. Thank you. — Gina DEAR GINA » Awww, I'm just doing my bit to make the world safe for real comedy. Man marries single mom and can't handle the responsibility 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Don't get into a dispute that will waste your time and leave you feeling anxious. Do your best to nurture the relationships that count by offering love. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you please others, you will make a lasting impression. Don't be afraid to take an unusual ap- proach to get what you want. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You are disciplined, inventive and highly emotional. Try not to let a misunderstanding ruin your day or dampen your ability to be creative. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You can accomplish whatever you set out to do as long as you are energetic and focused. An emotional matter can be resolved if you compromise. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — An older relative or friend will offer an interesting alternative. Follow his or her advice to help resolve a problem you are facing with someone you love. Change will be beneficial. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Do something that will tire you out. A physical challenge or passionate encounter will help you bypass an emotional display that has the potential to force an unwanted change. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't wait for someone to choose you. If you want to get involved in something or spend time with someone, step up and make it happen. Love is highlighted. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Participate in community events or humanitarian organizations in order to feel good and meet people who will enhance your life and help you get past a personal problem. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Do whatever it takes to ease stress. Book an appointment at your favorite spa or go to an event that will take your mind off emotional matters. Take care of yourself first. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Travel, take part in a conference or trade show, or share ideas with someone you respect. A physical approach to unfinished projects will help you get the job done. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Look over contracts or investments, but don't jump into something recklessly. It will be necessary to avoid expecting too much from others or giving more than you should offer. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Weigh both sides of any issue you face, and don't feel obliged to make a decision until you feel comfortable doing so. Express your concerns and true feelings. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 2016 SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B