Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/675768
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Aboutfive years ago, my (now ex) boyfriend and I leased a place with some friends. One of these friends, "Mark," ended up sleep- ing with my ex while we were still together. Mark also reneged on his financial obliga- tions, leav- ing me to pick up the slack. He left the apartment a complete disaster, with animal feces and rotten food all over his room. I had to clean it to avoid additional fees. I have not spoken to him since. I recently ran into Mark at a party. I discreetly informed the host that I wanted to avoid Mark and left immediately. Afterward, Mark sent me a very polite Facebook message saying it was nice to see me and he was sorry that we couldn't get along. After his note, I feel tremendously guilty for giving him the cold shoulder, but I'm also indignant — his behavior in the past was inexcus- able. Should I be able to coexist with him, or was it justifiable for me to leave? Is there a way to avoid bad-mouthing Mark while still justifying my im- mense distaste for him? I want to convey my anger, but wish to avoid recount- ing a long and sordid history. How should I handle this? —Ex-Friend DEAR EX » It's very easy for "Mark" to reach out in friendship — he wasn't the one cleaning up the poop. He has noth- ing to be residually angry about. He doesn't seem to have acknowledged his behavior and its ex- treme impact on you. If he did acknowledge and ask for forgiveness, you should consider granting it. As it is, you should conti nue to a voi d him if he makes you uncom- fortable (though in my mind, he should leave, not you). It is gracious of you to want to avoid bad-mouthing him, but giving a simple and truth- ful explanation is fair play. You could say, "My friendship with 'Mark' ended when he slept with my boyfriend and then ran out on the rent." If you don't want to go there, you can simply say, "We had a falling out several years ago; I don't enjoy being around him." DEAR AMY » I didn't like your advice to "Curious Mom," the woman whose husband refused to drive his kids anywhere at night because he knew he would be "too drunk." Suggesting that this mother basically go on strike could put this drunk driver on the road. — Appalled DEAR APPALLED » "Curi- ous Mom's" husband was described as a "high- functioning alcoholic" who seemed to choose his drinking times. Forcing this issue puts the burden on him to acknowledge the impact of his drinking on the family and perhaps decide to stay sober on the nights he is respon- sible for driving. Former friend flees first and then worries about etiquette 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 Taurus(April20-May20) — Represent who you are and what you plan to do in a unique manner. A debate with someone from a different background is best handled with diplomacy. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A set budget will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and financial loss. Don't feel obliged to give money to someone look- ing for a handout. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your versatility will surprise friends and family. Consistency has always been your modus operandi, but today, taking a unique path will bring results. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A positive but passionate ap- proach that offers incentives will help you get others to see things your way. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — It's a good day to set the stage, voice your opinion, participate in activities or make travel plans. Whatever you touch will turn to gold, as long as you avoid senseless arguments. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Do whatever it takes to save money. Make changes at home that will please the ones you love. Getting along and keeping the peace will give you time to consider your options. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Draw interest by offering a different perspective on a situation you face at home or with a partner. Your concerns and suggestions will qualify your position and help you gain approval. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can only do so much. Put a limit on your spending and time. You'll be given false information that could lead you astray. Do your own research. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Home and family should be your first concern. Supply- ing comforts and security is important, but don't jeopardize your financial position. Honesty will bring good results. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Accept the inevitable and make whatever you are faced with work to your advantage. Don't be swayed by someone looking out for his or her own interests. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Refuse to let the desires of others deter you from doing your own thing. Someone from your past will give you the insight you need to move forward. Trust in yourself and your attributes. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Balance, integrity and proper incentives will help you get your way. Take a moment to enjoy what you have and be grateful for it. Don't get dragged into someone else's melodrama. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, MAY 5 THURSDAY,MAY5,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B