Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/639975
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 pub- lished next fall. I hope you'll enjoy these topical "best of" questions and answers while I'm away. To- day's letter is about a challenging relationship. DEAR AMY » I have a friend who used to be so fun-loving and didn't ever care what anyone thought of her. Now her main priority is boys and clothes. She acts like a differ- ent person when we are out at the movies with a group of boys. She just got a new boyfriend, and she will do anything for attention. My friend was adopted because her mother gave birth to her at a young age. I'm just afraid that she will wander down the same path. I think part of the rea- son she acts this way is how her parents are raising her. They do whatever she wants and will buy her anything just so they don't have to hear her whine. My parents have lost their trust in my friend and say she is a bad influence on me. But I think she has always been a good friend, no matter how spoiled and two-faced she can be. I just feel that it is kind of my "duty" to help her, because no one knows her like I do. Should I still be her friend throughout high school, or will she have an e ff ec t o n my f u tu r e as well as her own? —Worried Friend DEAR FRIEND » Your friend could have a negative effect on your future—if you let her. But you sound like such a levelheaded and sensi- tive person, that I don't think you would let her. Kids develop at differ- ent rates. Some kids know who they are and have a clear sense of purpose. Others, like your friend, don't walk a straight line to maturity. You could be right that her parents aren't doing such a good job. Do your best to find kids to hang with who share your values and maturity. It's fine to stay friends with someone you've known forever, but you can't ever let a friend dictate your choices (and a true friend doesn't ask you to do things that make you uncomfortable). I hope you will take the opportunity to discuss this with an understanding adult; many grown-ups have had similar experiences and might be able to offer you some valuable perspective. (January 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. Challenging relationships are a classic concern for readers YoucancontactAmy 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) — A dedicated, disciplined approach to getting what you want will far exceed attempts to bully someone into doing things your way. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — How you present yourself and what you have to offer will make a difference. If you are respon- sible and help those in need, you will be compensated. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Protect your heart and control your emotions. Making assump- tions will lead to mistakes. Take time to assess and formulate what you want. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you think about possibilities, you will have an eye-opening experience. The chance to make a dream come true and share it. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let uncertainty confuse you. Think matters through and determine the changes that will bring the highest returns, and start heading in that direction. Opportunity is everywhere. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may not like what someone else is doing, but that shouldn't stop you from heading in the direction that suits you best. Let your desire for love lead the way. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take on some responsibility if you want to prove that you can make a difference. A chance to show off your skills will result in positive recognition and a repu- tation for getting things done. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take the initiative to let an important someone know how much you care. Offering some incentive to others will ensure that you get the help you need to put your plans in motion. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't let the actions or words of others get to you. An intelligent approach to the things you want to do or see happen will give you the strength and courage to proceed. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Do everything in your power to achieve your goals. A physical challenge will allow you to step up and show everyone what you are capable of handling. Romance is encouraged. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You've got to rethink your strategy if you don't want someone to criticize your choic- es. Too much of anything will lead to trouble. Move forward with compassion and control. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your ability to take advantage of whatever situ- ation you face will give you a competitive edge. Romance will bring you stability and enhance your personal life. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, FEB. 12 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B