Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/663358
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamthe mother of 21- and 19-year- old daughters. They are both in very self-absorbed stages — the older more than the younger. I have tried to encour- age them to think gener- ously and empathetically about others, but my old- est's self- absorbed attitudes toward my- self and fam- ily members have been the subject of family concern for eight or nine years now. I have frequently had to intervene with people who are unhappy with her sarcasm and snarky attitude. My husband sits back and does nothing, even if I talk to him. I have recently been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. I've told both of my daughters. Despite my diagnosis, I still find myself having to cut through my oldest daughter's lies and try to help her solve/figure out major issues in her life. Recently, I opened my computer and found she had left her Facebook page open. I read her messages to her sister, about how "stark raving bonkers" I am. It is a shock and a heartbreak to see how she speaks about me, despite all of my efforts to help her. I am tempted to give up. I need to focus on my recovery, but my heart is breaking that my daugh- ter has grown up to be so self-absorbed. I have worked so hard to love and care for her. I've endured all her teen- age issues. How do I deal with this child? How do I deal with my husband, who refuses to get involved? —Heartbroken DEAR HEARTBROKEN » It is possible that your behavior up until now has actually enabled your daughter to be more of a jerk. Why are you explain- ing or apologizing to people for her offenses? Is it because you are embar- rassed to have raised a daughter who lacks the qualities you prize? If so, you should say, "I'm very embarrassed — but I can't clean up her messes." I realize that this is disappointing. But — for a variety of reasons, your daughter is an obnoxious and selfish knucklehead. Surely you knew this before you clicked onto her private messages for confirmation? And — by the way, these messages were unkind, but this is EXACTLY the way the Kardashian daughters talk to and about their mother. This is immature and obnoxious but should NOT be taken as gospel. Concentrate on those things you can control — your health care, your positive relationships, your clean closet. Let the rest go. Not all horrible 21-year-olds grow into horrible adults. Give your daughter the good news: She will now be respon- sible for her own actions. Yay! In addition to your own powerlessness, the stress you are taking on is very bad for your health. If you ask your husband to do specific things — other than try- ing to control the lack of empathy and character of an adolescent — he might rise to the occasion. Mother worries that daughter is a self-absorbed, rude jerk 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 Aries(March21-April19) — You need to face emotional issues head-on. Settle any dif- ferences you have so that you can freely move forward. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — An aggressive tone will help you get what you want. Offering an incentive will be enough to keep everyone happy and allow you to maintain a favored position. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Suggest reforms that will bring about a superior work or home environment. Don't feel you have to make a donation as your suggestions will be sufficient. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Work alone until you are sure that what you have to present is perfect. If you leave room for criticism, someone will interfere and ruin your plans. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take a chance to get what you want up and running. Recog- nize what you are up against and plan ahead to counteract anyone or anything that may get in your way. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Size up what's going on around you. Someone will overreact if you are too revealing. Bide your time and make subtle changes that won't be detected by someone looking for a fight. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You'll be questioning others' actions or feelings. Don't be too quick to divulge your concerns. Diplomacy is encouraged if you want to eventually get your way. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Express your thoughts and find out those of others. Sharing will encourage you to follow through with the changes you've been contemplating. A simple solution will make a big difference. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Strive for greater per- sonal security. Don't let anyone persuade you to follow a path that doesn't suit you. Don't feel guilty. Do what makes you happy. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Keep an open mind, but don't let anyone railroad you into something that isn't in your best interest. You may want to please, but that doesn't mean you should jeopardize your reputation. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You should aim to make personal changes that will result in compliments. A trendy look will impress someone you love. Romance will result in a better relationship. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Stick to promises you know you can handle. You'll be working long hours if you un- derestimate the extent of a job. Patience will be required. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, APRIL 7 THURSDAY,APRIL7,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B