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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 DEARAMY»Wefirstmet when I was 14 and he was 16, but when we recon- nected we were both married to other people, and we left our spouses for each other. We were married for six years. This ended up being a toxic and abusive relationship. Then an old friend I dated when I was 18 re- entered my life. I started an affair with him and haven't looked back. My husband found out and we divorced. My current lover was also in a relationship when we began our affair. I am 47 and he is 48. He was/is dating a woman 16 years older than he is. She happens to have lots of disposable income. She is basically his "sugar mama." He admits that he's never been in love with her, but he respects her and feels guilty and obligated to her because of all the "gifts" she showers upon him. My lover is a very attractive and charming divorced father of four. He doesn't want a rela- tionship unless it involves love and mutual respect. We have been dating for almost a year. His sugar mama knows about me but refuses to give up on the relationship. He promises me he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, but he continues to go on "dates" with her. She has given him property, vehicles, clothes, trips — you name it. He swears that eventually he will end it, but he's trying to figure out how. I am a smart, attrac- tive, reasonably level- headed woman with a good job, and so far I have done OK supporting myself. The logical part of me says he will never leav e he r as l ong as sh e keeps showering him with what she substitutes for love — money, gifts, etc. I feel like this woman is preying on his vulner- ability. He is a very soft- hearted guy and feels like his word is his bond. At one time he did promise her that he would never leave her. I love him and don't want to give him up, but am I playing a losing hand? —LovesickinTexas DEAR LOVESICK » My first piece of advice is that you should never attend a high school reunion. These high school hook- ups are not working out for you. Yo u se em t o wa n t t o claim some relationship high road, but according to your own narrative, you have a habit of over- lapping relationships — each marriage ended after you had already taken up with your next partner. I suggest that you stop focusing on the "sugar baby," and take a very hard look in the mirror. Your relationships do not reflect ethical choices or high self-esteem on your part. And, of course, you are with someone who doesn't seem to value you. It might be messy, but it wouldn't be hard for him to end the other relationship. All he would need is a dump truck and the will to stop accepting gifts, along with the guts to offload the many gifts he has accepted under questionable pretense. Woman in a relationship competes with 'sugar mama' 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) — Follow your instincts. Trust in you, not in what someone tells you. Don't let anyone take care of your personal affairs. Stay in control and do things your way. Aries (March 21-April 19) — If you try your hand at some- thing new, it will lead to a host of options. Let every situation that comes your way unfold naturally. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — It will be endearing and bring positive attention from some- one you care for. Networking will result in an encounter with someone gifted. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be very observant in order to protect your reputation. Avoid gossip or getting involved in someone else's business. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You can make a difference if you offer assistance to some- one in need or volunteer for a cause. Your kindness will result in an offer that you cannot refuse. A relationship will boost your ego. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Accept the facts. Make shrewd preparations in order to avoid a loss. The sooner you recog- nize what is and isn't possible, the sooner you will be able to improve your situation. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Study others' reactions. A hobby will help you expand your mind or improve your image. Face challenges head-on in order to come out on top. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't give in when you should get moving and do your own thing. Pay more attention to your talents and use your skills strategically if you want to enjoy massive success. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Communication will stimulate your mind. A game of chance will entice you, but it shouldn't be allowed to upset your per- sonal finances. Self-improve- ment will bring higher returns. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Recognize the pros and cons of whatever situation you come up against. Be wary of an embellished sales pitch that is aimed at taking your cash. Don't panic; just decline and move along. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Keep everyone amused with your entertaining ways in order to be the life of the party. Don't fear the unknown; do your research and aim to own it. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Avoid a frivolous expenditure even if you are intrigued by the offer. A physical challenge will keep you out of trouble and leave you feeling accomplished. Romance is encouraged. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, MARCH 12 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016 8 B