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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»WhenIwas in my late 20s in the 1990s, I dated a woman for several months. A couple of years ago, my current girlfriend asked me whether I re- gretted never having any children of my own. She asked whether I was sure that I didn't have any children I didn't know about. I could only think of this one woman. She had a child from a previous relation- ship and said she put on the birth certificate "father unknown." I did a little search- ing and found out she had a son who was born months after we broke up. I saw pictures on social media and if you compare pictures of me, we look a lot alike. After a lot of thought, consultation with my attorney and information from an investigator, I contacted her. She angrily stated that there was no way he was my child. The boy turns 18 this month and my attorney said it would probably be best if I waited until after his 18th birthday to con- tact him in order to avoid legal conflict. My questions are: Should I contact him right after his birth- day? Should I wait until high school graduation? Or should I leave well enough alone? —Wonderingin Indiana DEAR WONDERING » Doing nothing doesn't seem to be an option. You have consulted a lawyer, an investigator, friends, the child's mother and now me. You are going to do something, and it is your right to make this inquiry. It might be best to wait until after high school graduation. Your lawyer will suggest the best way to do this — possibly via letter — but do not do it through social media. Beforehand, clarify your intentions — are you offering financial support, family, history, friend- ship? Tell him about yourself, details about your own background. Tell him the dates of your relationship with his mother. Say you have con- tacted his mother about this but do not criticize her in any way. Be open to whatever reaction he might have. Give him all of your contact information and encourage him to get in touch. Understand that this will rock his world. Be calm, mature and understanding while he sorts things out. DEAR AMY » In response to "Woman Who Wants it All" about timing a preg- nancy and a career, I'd suggest that she consider part-time employment. I was a new teacher when I had my son and was able to find a part-time position. It was the best of both worlds! I contin- ued to develop my career while educating my child. When my district required me to return full time, my husband took a year to work part time. — Woman Who Had it All DEAR WOMAN » Your husband's willingness to share this parenting pleasure with you is a vital component to your success. Well done. Childless man learns of his potential child years later 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) — It's time to clean house. Back away from people who are holding you back, and focus on what and who is really impor- tant to you. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional matters will make you think about past losses. Your intuition will help prevent you from making the same mis- take twice. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Be prepared to give your all and stand behind your beliefs and actions. Your confidence and a sympathetic and humble at- titude will bring good results. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Share your ideas, and team up with people you know can help you reach your goals. Put your heart on the line. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Demands will be put on you if you haven't lived up to your promises. Make personal chang- es that will help alleviate some of the turmoil or discord in your life. Avoid excessive behavior. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't be afraid to do things differently. It's your uniqueness that will bring people to your side. Show your true feelings, and make a romantic gesture that will enhance your life. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your serious attitude will help you reach your goals. The changes you bring about will encourage you to turn your back on anyone who is negative or combative. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't hold back when you should express your thoughts and feelings. Include the people you admire the most in what- ever you plan to do. A financial gain is present. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't let anyone rain on your parade. Get out with friends who appreciate you and focus on ways you can free yourself from unwanted criticism and responsibility. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You'll make a lasting impression if you show off your talent, skills and intelligence. One of your ideas will garner attention from an influential party and lead to an interesting proposal. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't rush to accept a deal that sounds too good to be true. Too much of anything will lead to your demise. Stick to simple pleasures. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your finesse, intelligence and persuasive charm will ensure that you get what you want. A relationship with someone special will grow stronger if you make romantic plans. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JAN. 26 TUESDAY,JANUARY26,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B