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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»My15-year- old teenage son had nu- merous friends, but in the past year all of them have taken to drinking (vodka) and smoking pot. My son went from being very popular to being an outcast. Any thoughts on how to help him gain his confidence? He really is not interested in drinking or smoking. —Concerned Dad DEAR CON- CERNED » You should spend lots of time with your son. Include him in your ac- tivities and look for activi- ties he might enjoy that you can do together. Can you two work on a long- term project like build- ing something, camping, training for a race, etc.? The relationship with you will be very impor- tant as your son works through this period — be- cause the new school year will bring new opportuni- ties. Does he have a job/ plans for the summer? Work with him to find a good plan, whether it is a camp or volunteering or trying an Outward Bound course. Make sure he is busy over the summer. This is a transition time as some of the kids who are drinking/smok- ing pot will coalesce into a different group, and the students who don't do this will find one another in the new school year. It is so hard to be a 15-year-old boy. Stay close, and do your best to help him foster healthy peer relationships. DEAR AMY » I'm a senior in high school. Gradua- tion is coming up, but it seems like the longest two months of my life. I have just felt discon- nected. I've faked being happy for so long. I'm worried that I won't be able to handle the stress of college. On top of all this, the one person who could make it better is also hundreds of miles away. Being limited to Skype interac tion s with my l ong distance boyfriend is taking a toll. It's hard to focus on school. I just feel so numb. Am I depress- ed? How do I brighten myself up? — Sad Senior DEAR SENIOR » Your expe- rience is common — and familiar. There is noth- ing quite so forced as the "Yippee — we're seniors" experience. You sound smart and aware enough to realize that this is hollow. This is a time of tremendous uncertainty for most. Please — give yourself a break. Find one close-by friend who will hear your anxieties. Life unfolds in discreet moments, but this time of life is a rare one — where you see all of these huge life-changing events in your future all tumbling toward you at once. Be gentle toward yourself. The best way to cope with anxiety is to break down your challenges. Your school financing, for instance — you will feel much better if you find a workable plan now. Definitely see a counselor, if you con- tinue to suspect you are depressed, and continue counseling in college. I did this during my fresh- ma n ye ar , an d i t h e lp ed . Teen son is abandoned by his friends; can his father help? 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) — Plan a vacation, spiritual jour- ney or educational pursuit. The information you gather will give you the incentive you need to tidy up any loose ends. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Keep your thoughts to yourself. It's important to size up situa- tions before you make a com- mitment. Being a good listener will give you an advantage. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your input at group meet- ings will be your best calling card when you are looking for support, advancement or an influential connection. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Not everyone will be as accom- modating as you. Don't let the actions of others influence your train of thought or plans. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You'll thrive on change, excitement and adventure. Your fun-loving attitude will attract someone equally playful, but could cause concern for some- one more reserved with jealous tendencies. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Explore new interests and get involved in discussions that will add to your knowledge and insight. Express your thoughts and make new connections. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Relationships must be handled with care. Listen to what others have to say. Making assump- tions will leave you in a vulnera- ble position. Don't let love cloud your vision. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Use your imagination when dealing with domestic concerns or changes. Sticking to a budget will be easy if you put your knowledge, skills and innovative ideas to the test. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Make a point to do some- thing that lifts your spirits or makes you feel healthy, strong and confident that you look your best. Romance will brighten your day and improve your per- sonal life. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Taking a risk is a bad idea. You are best off sticking close to home, nurturing important relationships and improving your surroundings. Avoid unpredict- able situations and people trying to pressure you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Consider what you have done in the past that has worked, and revise your strategy to fit your current situation. You are overdue for a change. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Stick to your plan and look for an opportunity to join forces with someone who shares your sentiments. A concerted effort will lead to a relationship. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 9 SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B