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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, wh i c h i s du e t o be published next fall. I hope you'll enjoy these topical "best of" ques- tions and answers while I'm away. Today's letter explores the subject of romantic complication. DEAR AMY » I am in an ethical quandary. Three of my friends — call them "Trish, Bill and Janet" — have become embroiled in a romantic situation that has me perplexed over what I should do. Trish and Bill had been going out for about nine months when they befriended Janet. Janet is very lively and person- able, and she rapidly became very close to both Trish and Bill. Bill gradually began spending more time with Janet and less with Trish, and about six months after meeting Janet, he broke up with Trish. Two weeks after that, Bill and Janet became romantically involved. The obvious implica- tion is that Janet betrayed Trish, that she used her friendship to get close to Bill and steal him away, but the reality may not be so black and white. Anyway, I'm closest with Trish, and she is very hurt. How should I relate to Janet now? I don't want to be judgmental, but if I remain friends with her, I feel disloyal to Trish. What should I do? —Confusedin Connecticut DEAR CONFUSED » In the old days, people could be cordial without having to disclose their every opinion, feeling and reac- tion. A person could be friendly without being intimate friends. Let's bring those days back. If you are closest to T ri sh , t he n s ta y cl os e s t to her. You can be cordial to Janet and Bill without getting embroiled in their relationship and/ or judging their behav- ior. When they became involved, surely they knew that their choice would have some fallout — losing you and Trish as intimate friends might just be it. Trish has a right to expect you to be a loyal friend to her, but she should not insist that you stop interacting with these other friends. The best way to preserve all of these relation- ships is to maintain your position as the friendship equivalent of Switzerland and insist that everybody allow you to remain neutral. (February 2006) Amy Dickinson's memoir, "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them" (Hyperion), is available in bookstores. Classic romantic situations are a challege for us all Amy Dickinson Ask Amy You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Don't give in to someone's demands. A positive change to your position, status or reputa- tion will unfold if you are firm and calm. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You've got the edge when it comes to a competitive chal- lenge. Let your intuition lead the way in order to find the success you are searching for. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't waste your time trying to convince others to do things your way. Follow through with your plans and let your achieve- ment speak for itself. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Step things up a notch and show everyone what you are capable of doing. Romance will brighten your day. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — In order to bring about worth- while change, you will have to be adaptable and disciplined. Use your intelligence and ex- perience to help guide you in a direction that is realistic. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Make personal changes that will build your confidence and help you step into the limelight. You will attract the interest of a unique and gifted individual. A joint venture looks promising. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A serious attitude coupled with a plan to bring about positive change will put you in a position to make a dif- ference to your community or environment. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Have some fun. Showing your playful side will bring someone you enjoy being with to your side. Sharing your feelings will encourage romance. Live, love and laugh. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't put up with someone spouting nonsense or trying to control you. Quietly do your own thing and avoid interference. Make decisions that benefit yourself, not someone else. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Look for a creative outlet or a way to use your skills di- versely. There is money to be made if you try something new. A partnership looks fruitful. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Unrealistic promises will influence your current position. Be honest about what you can and will do. Get the qualifica- tions or master the skills you need to follow your dream. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Keep an open mind when it comes to love. Make an offer and let the response determine your next move. You will end up in a good position. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B