Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/648900
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mybrother, who is over 45, has become engaged to his boyfriend of four years. They are planning an extravagant wedding and reception, estimated to cost around $85,000. Neither man can afford this kind of ex- pense. So they have asked for financial assistance (a gift, not a loan) from parents. The prob- lems are as follows: They can't afford this on their own and want money with no expectation to repay. My mother does not support gay marriage. She does not feel she should be pressured into provid- ing money for something she does not believe in herself. My brother is pressur- ing her, giving ultima- tums and brow-beating her for this money. In the past, she has lent him large sums of money, which he struggles to repay. It is very upsetting to see this transpire. My mother is constantly upset and worried. I have tried to stay out of this mess and let her make her own decisions. I feel he is out of line and I want him to leave her alone. He has been disrespect- ful, rude and arrogant. Emotional blackmail is unacceptable. How do I handle this mess he has created and continues to perpetuate? —WeddingDisaster DEAR DISASTER » Let me put a different spin on this and say, quite simply and clearly, that grown men (and women) don't hit up their mommies for money to pay for their fancy weddings. Grown people pay for their own celebrations. I fully support same-sex marriage, but I don't support middle- aged people manipulating their elderly parents to get what they want, so my reaction to this is unre- lated to your brother's sexuality — or his plans. I assume your mother would be equally dis- tressed if her middle- aged son or daughter were demanding that she pony up tens of thousands of dollars for a heterosexual union. (If not, she should be.) Your focus should be on easing your moth- er's mind and helping her to manage her anxiety. You have every right to tell your brother how his behavior affects you. If your mother asks you to run interference, you should do your best to persuade him to back off. DEAR AMY » The give- away in "Sarah's" letter, which described her new "daughter-in-law from Hell," was her gratuitous reference to the girl be- ing "Cuban." The young woman's nationality has nothing to do with anything relevant to the query, but it does confirm where Sarah is coming from. — Mike, Washington, D.C. DEAR MIKE » Thank you, I had the same reaction to this question. Middle-aged man wants his mom to pay for his wedding 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Be attentive and observant in order to avoid ending up in a compromising position. If you work with the current, you will come out ahead. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A disciplined approach is in your best interest. Whether you are helping someone or making per- sonal improvements, a positive state of mind will be essential. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Offering assistance is honorable, but don't let anyone take you for granted. Use your knowledge and attributes to further your endeavors. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Weigh the pros and cons of a situation and make deci- sions based on the most likely outcome. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — An unusual encounter will leave you questioning your life and goals. A receptive attitude toward those who have some- thing different to offer will help you make a positive change. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Alter the way you earn your living or take on a new ven- ture that will supplement your income and help you decrease your debt. Don't be tricked into investing in a fast-cash scheme. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Criticism is best avoided. Whether you are dishing it out or on the receiving end, no one will benefit. Positive support will resolve matters and lead to better days ahead. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Share your ideas and take part in events that are geared toward unusual encounters. Romance is on the rise, and making a personal decision will pay off. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Listen to others, but make your own choices. It's in your best interest to keep the peace as well as be true to the en- deavors you want to pursue. An unusual offer will be made. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't let a hopeless idea lead you on a wild goose chase. Show some practicality or you will end up losing out. Base your decisions on facts. Romance is encouraged. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't let unexpected changes disrupt your plans. Concentrate on what needs to be done in order to reach your destination. Don't be afraid to take a differ- ent path. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — It's a good day to stick close to home and avoid any run-ins with others. With a little extra time and effort, a personal proj- ect can be completed. Spruce up your looks or attitude. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, MARCH 3 THURSDAY,MARCH3,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B