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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»Likemany Americans, some of my relatives (blood and in- laws) are currently on the opposite side of the political spectrum than my husband and I. Unfortunately, at our frequent family gather- ings they like to talk about how stupid and ignorant the opposite side is. It gets worse at larger func- tions be- cause most of their other relatives are a willing audience. If people disagree, they rarely voice it, except in private conversations. It's not just politics. They also frequently disparage gay rights and minorities (I happen to be a member of an ethnic group they seem to find acceptable, and yet I am offended by their com- ments about others). I find my blood pres- sure skyrocketing when this happens. My husband ignores their blatherings and says I should too, because they're old and won't change and they do help us with family stuff; but as their rants grow more offensive I find it harder to keep my mouth shut. I have stood up and left more than once, but apparently they cannot link cause and effect. We have also had to speak to our kids about how we don't agree but we don't want to fight, either. I was going to host a family celebration for my kids' graduations, but I am dreading it beyond measure and am consid- ering calling it off. Should I tell them that politics are off limits? Should I call them out on their racism (they'll say I'm too sensitive)? Should I say that I (and my children) will be avoid- ing them un less they c an speak civilly? I really think that because we don't say anything, or say things infrequently, they assume we agree and they can be as ugly as they wish. —Peevedabout Politics DEAR PEEVED » I don't think you should declare any subjects "off limits" beforehand, but I do think you should react honestly in the moment when statements are made that you find offen- sive. Hoping that obtuse family members get the hint obviously has not worked. So say, out loud, "What you are saying is offensive. I'd appreciate it if you would stop." So what if they think you are sensitive? You are sensitive. They should be, too. But they're not. If a topic takes hold and gets out of hand at your house, you would be doing a good hostess deed to say to one and all, "Hey — this is getting heated. Let's find something else to focus on while we're together." One way to do this is to use any children pres- ent as human shields. You can say, "I'd love to hear from the kids what their plans are for this sum- mer." This can eventually include all others if they ca n pi vo t to a n ew t op i c . You can also ask the young people how they see some of these political issues, unless you think this would be a catalyst for more offense. Family struggles with talking about politics at gatherings 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 Gemini(May21-June20)— Listen to the opinions of others, but don't feel that you must abide by them. Protect yourself against lofty schemes that are likely to cost you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Do something different. If you mingle, you will encoun- ter people who will spark your imagination and inspire you to begin vital new projects. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Do your own thing and let go of situations that upset you. If you alter your life to fit your needs, you will find happiness. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Distance yourself from people who make you miserable. Engage in activities that sur- round you with people you know you can trust. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you educate yourself about things you want to pursue, you will find a quick way to bring about positive change in your life. Love and romance look promising. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — If you keep your thoughts to yourself, you will avoid meddling and interference. The changes you make at home will result in greater opportunity to build your assets. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Refuse to believe every- thing you hear. Do your own fact-finding and keep things in perspective. It's easy to think that everyone else is better off than you. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Taking part in a cause you believe in will position you for an interesting encounter with someone. A friendly gesture will set the stage for a romantic evening. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't get angry when you can get moving. Share your feelings in order to bring about positive changes. The willingness to compromise and offer incen- tives will help you get your way. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Focus on your investments or pending problems with insti- tutions. It will ease your mind and encourage you to move forward if you work out an arrangement. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A change of scenery will lead to an eventful day filled with all sorts of personal gains. Physical action will bring positive results. Love is in the stars. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — A relationship problem is looming. Back off if someone is looking for a fight. You are better off doing something you enjoy. Give personal matters a chance to settle down. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JUNE 17 FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B