Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/652314
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavebeen divorced for 25 years from a man that had a "Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde" person- ality. He would be great and nice one day, and a vicious animal the next. I was not aware of this until my first-born was 6 months old and he beat me for the first time. I stayed in the mar- riage for 17 years. The last episode oc- curred in the 17th year, when he beat me for what seemed like forever. A young couple came out of nowhere and saved me. Soon after, I escaped with my two sons and tried to forgive and forget about my married life. In the 25 years since, on special occasions when I am forced to be in the same room with this man, I can barely breathe. I am retired now. I take care of myself and have the company of good friends and family who know about my past. I have been to numer- ous therapy sessions to forgive and forget, all to no avail. I love my sons dearly. They have a good rela- tionship with their father. They want me to remain friendly with him. How can I possibly tell my sons that their father's presence is hazardous to my health? —UnabletoForgive and Forget DEAR UNABLE » It sounds as if you might have a form of PTSD. The symptoms you describe are your body's way of telling you that you are in danger. This is familiar to people who have survived battle or violent crimes. My sense is that focus- ing on forgiveness and forgetting might not be the right path for you. You might do better deal- ing w ith yo ur sy mpto ms, because your body won't let you forget — no mat- ter what your mind (or a therapist) tells you to do. Do your sons know about the physical beatings you endured? Perhaps you should tell them. Do not ask them to make terminal choices between the two of you, but do explain, rationally, why a friendship with him is out of the question. Forgiveness is not an issue here; instead you should continue to acknowledge the reality of this trauma and seek ways to live with this real- ity, so that you can move forward toward a greater healing. Forgiveness may flow from that. If you de- cide to try therapy again, seek a professional with experience dealing with survivors of trauma and violence. DEAR AMY » It sounded to me like "Sleepless in Seattle" has some serious anger issues toward her husband, beyond dealing with an infant. I know it's tough, tir- ing and frustrating rais- ing a baby, but shouldn't it also be a happy bond- ing time as well? As you know, babies sense things. I hope she keeps her "hatred" away from the child. — Reader DEAR READER » "Sleepless" husband worked across the country, which makes her situation extreme. I hope she is able to rein in some of her anger. Survivor of violent abuse struggles to forgive and forget 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) — You'll make an impression with your insight and ability to know what people want and need. An old friend or romantic partner will spark your interest. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Throw a little excitement into the mix in order to draw positive attention. Strive for greater equality and balance within an important relationship. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You've got pizzazz and charm that will keep people coming back for more. Your dedication and loyalty will earn you trust and respect. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — What you have to offer will make a difference to someone in need. Improve your lifestyle by doing what makes you happy. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Show off in order to boost your popularity. Your sugges- tions will impress someone with clout. Talks and travel will lead to knowledge and a valuable experience. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A simple plan will far exceed an elaborate, costly and lavish event that would make you look like a showoff. A romantic evening for two or a quiet family gathering will suffice. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Discuss your plans with a loved one and set up a goal to work toward. Physical and emo- tional self-improvements can be made. Learning something new should be a priority. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't let uncertainty create a problem. Ask questions until you are satisfied that you are mak- ing the right choice. You'll come out on top and feel better about what you accomplished. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Ask for help if you need it. Your ideas are sound, and what others can offer will help expedite your efforts and plans. Trust in yourself. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't underestimate any- one who challenges you. Don't offer personal information or it will be used against you. Stay focused on what you need to do and take action. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Do something differ- ent. Shake up your world and interact with people from differ- ent walks of life. The informa- tion you gather and ideas you generate will encourage a new beginning. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Aim for stability and be the best you can be. If you put forth the effort, you will get the results you are looking for. Romance should highlight your day. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, MARCH 11 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016 6 B