Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/665266
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'vebeen married for 20 years to a man who I think is a good person and a good provider. When it comes to his work life, or dealing with his family (who can be difficult) he is open- minded, patient and puts his best foot forward. I respect these qualities. At home, and particu- larly with me, things are different. As long as I don't say or do any- thing that he disagrees with, our life is happy. I fully admit, I have a lot of emotional baggage from childhood abuse, making me difficult, but after 20 years together my hus- band is still incapable (or unwilling) to disagree in a respectful way. He shows me none of the admirable traits he gives to other people in his life. Even when I at- tempt to be non-combat- ive, he mocks me, raises his voice to me frequent- ly, calls me names like stupid, dumb—-, b——, and has referred to me as "the dips—-t." When I apologize and try to talk, he often just walks away from me in midsentence. I'm forced to wait until he has decided that he will talk to me again. This silence can last for hours or days. And then we pre- tend it never happened. When there is no disagreement, things are good, and this is about 80 percent of the time. We have two success- ful children and run our household together. I have been trying to address my own issues and behavior in therapy. I am distraught that I am unable to gain enough respect from him to be able to tell him things he may not like to hear. I love my husband, but I keep so much inside th at I do n' t fe el l ik e I a m a truthful partner. Your thoughts? —SadandLonely DEAR SAD » I don't want to puncture your "our marriage is good 80 percent of the time" con- ce pt , b ut w he n yo ur h us - band calls you out using demeaning and abusive language, never apolo- gizes and then spends days giving you the silent treatment, your marriage isn't 80 percent good. According to you, your marriage is good only as long as you don't become "difficult." You don't say what your therapist's take is, but mine is that you came from an abusive house- hold and you have found a partner who treats you in a way your family of origin taught you is ac- ceptable. Why do you take this? If your husband is wonderful to others, then he should be more-than- wonderful to the woman who loves him and who is the mother of his chil- dren. All couples have problems, but successful couples communicate and work things out. Kind, good and successful men don't treat their wives this way, and thoughtful fathers don't expose their children to such demean- ing and abusive behavior. He can turn this around, but first he has to admit that you and he have something very im- portant to work on. You should invite him to join you in therapy. Woman from abusive family finds same with husband 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) — A laid-back approach to whatever challenge you face will help you avoid an emotional confrontation. Choose romance over bickering. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Sharing information and participating in something that appears to be opportunistic will pay off. Home improvements will boost your morale. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You should stay on top of your game and keep a watchful eye. The less you share, the easier it will be to accomplish your goals. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Emotions will spin out of control if you react too quickly to what someone implies. Do your research and opt to do your own thing if it will keep the peace. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Do whatever it takes to enhance your position. Use your charm to entertain the people you need by your side. Play to win and plan a romantic celebration. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You have the expertise to turn a challenging situation around. Don't wait when you could use your intelligence to make thing happen. Call in favors and of- fer incentives that are hard to refuse. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Think matters through and back away from anyone trying to push you in a direction that makes you feel insecure. Emotional manipulation should be something you want no part of. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Invest in one of your ideas that has long-term potential. A sideline business that relies on your talent, skills and passion will bring you satisfaction. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Spend less time inter- acting with friends and more time sprucing up your home or bringing about positive personal changes that will make you feel good about your future. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — An intellectual approach and a gentle push will help you win favors and approval. If you show a little emotion, the people you encounter will relate to your concerns. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Prepare to make physical changes that will enhance your looks and grab the attention of someone you hold dear to your heart. Embrace a challenge wholeheartedly. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't make the same mistake twice. A creative idea can be developed, but don't present it until you have addressed every detail. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, APRIL 12 TUESDAY,APRIL12,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B