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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 DEARREADERS»Ihave stepped away from my daily column for two weeks to finish writing my next book, which is due to be published next fall. I hope you'll enjoy these topical "best of" questions and answers while I'm away. Today's letters deal with the eternal ques- tion of how to handle young love. DEAR AMY » I am the mother of two daugh- ters who are in their up- per elementary years. They seem bothered that they have not been asked out, while other boys and girls are dating. It seems ridiculous that children should be boyfriend/girlfriend. What should I do? —MomintheMiddle DEAR MOM » It's pretty common at the fifth- and sixth-grade level for girls and boys to become inter- ested in "going out." I still remember this phenom- enon from my elementary years. In fact, I can recall at five "couples" from sixth-grade. Unless they are unusually sexually precocious, girls and boys at this age form fairly harmless alliances. All of this is practice for the real thing, which is much scarier for par- ents, but still a few years off for most kids. Rather than brand this "practice dating" ridicu- lous, you should ask your girls what they would do if someone asked them out. What does that mean to them? Once you listen to what they have to say, you can tell your girls that kids develop at different rates. Some of the most interesting kids are wait- ing until they are older, and that's a good thing, because there is plenty of time for that. For now, make sure that your girls have plenty of interests outside of dating. Sometimes, girls lose themselves once boys enter the scene, and that's a shame. You want for them to develop a strong sense of themselves. For preparation for your girls' adolescence, read "Reviving Ophelia: Sav ing the Selv es of Ado- lescent Girls," by Mary Pipher (1995, Ballantine Books) (January 2006) DEAR AMY » I just got my license and a car, and I am very happy that I can visit my boyfriend. The problem is that I have to pay for all my own gas, while he gets unlimit ed gas money . He has offered to pay for part of my gas. I hate borrowing mon- ey, so my first reaction was to refuse, but because my job doesn't start until summer and my lunch money will barely get me to school, I can't afford to drive there. Is it right to accept his offer? — Torn DEAR TORN » Take your guy up on his offer to share the gas burden. But this money shouldn't be considered a "loan." If he is offering to pitch in, then the two of you should figure out an equitable way for him to do so, just as you would if you were going out to eat. Of course, if he drives to see you, then that takes care of the problem, right? (May 2006) Eternalstrugglesofdealing with our first young loves 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) — How you handle people will make a difference to your reputation and prospects. Your strength will come from your courage to speak up. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your energetic, no-nonsense approach to taking care of business will win you favors. Romance is on the rise. Exude confidence. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Discipline will be the key to getting ahead. Don't expect help or rely on anyone but yourself to get things done. Jealousy is ap- parent and must be handled. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Do what you enjoy most to find success. If you show affection, your love life will flourish. Focus on keeping the peace. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let uncertainty ruin your day. Set your sights on what you want to achieve, and refuse to let anyone interfere. Emotional matters will surface if you are too accommodating. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Generosity and understanding will be your ticket to popular- ity. Someone from a different background or with a different mindset will capture your atten- tion and alter your course. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Embrace change and accept the inevitable. Getting upset or starting an argument you can- not win is senseless. Listen and learn as you go along in order to avoid a stalemate. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Alterations to where or how you live will pay off. Money or a gift will come from an unexpected source. Making plans for a relax- ing time with someone you love will improve your relationship. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Take note of what everyone else does and wants, but don't feel obliged to make everyone happy. Listen and make suggestions, but don't risk your own well- being for the sake of others. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Pick up the pace and be the first to make a move. Make a point to control any situation you face instead of letting it manipulate you. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stop thinking about what you want to do and pursue your plans. Discipline and preci- sion will help you avoid costly mistakes. Avoid indulgence, overspending and emotional outbursts. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Take the time to nurture important relationships. Sharing your intentions will enable you to plan for the future and ensure that you have everyone you care about on board. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, FEB. 9 TUESDAY,FEBRUARY9,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B