Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/695013
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myhusband and I got into a business arrangement with his brother and his wife. The dissolution of that busi- ness left a bad taste in his brother's mouth. We have tried to remain cordial, although we only com- municate through cards, as they live on the other side of the country. We were not close before the business and have heard through other family members that he still feels he got taken in the business venture. The problem is that we are godparents to one of their children. We try to respect that special status with a nice gift each year. Although this year our gift was received with an email "thank you" from the mother, we heard nothing from the girl (our niece), who will turn 30 soon. I sent a note request- ing that she let us know whether she liked the gift we sent, but there's still silence from the mother and the girl. They have been passive-aggressive in the past, but I would like your opinion as to whether I should even bother in the future. I have also sent a gift each year to her brother, even though we are not his godparents, as they have previously expressed he felt left out. —Lostin Communication Craziness DEAR LOST » You accuse your relatives of passive aggression, but what you demonstrate seems more passive-aggressive on your part than theirs. It is as if you are using kind gestures to test them. And — big surprise — your in- law family members fail. So far, one family member has thanked you for a gift. The wrong fam- ily member is thanking you, but — your kind ges- ture was acknowledged. Then, you decided to up the ante and insist that someone tell you whether the recipient liked the gift you sent. I suspect that you know these family members wouldn't respond the way you wanted them to respond, but now you get to feel even more righteous. If you want to try to clear things up with your brother-in-law and his wife, then you should openly attempt to address your very challenging business situation. You should not send gifts to a 30-year-old woman who doesn't acknowledge your gifts (or your existence). The godparent relationship is not meant to confer quality gifts for life. These gestures seem to be creat- ing a lot of awkwardness, and so you should stop. DEAR AMY » "Carol" wrote to you, expressing her concerns about babies and young children she would see with their noses pressed to vari- ous screens (iPads and phones). She didn't have children, but felt com- pelled to help strangers raise theirs. This reminded me of my favorite quote about parenthood: "I was the perfect parent, until I had children." — Not Perfect DEAR NOT PERFECT » How true! Thank you. Awkward family business leads to passive aggression 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 Cancer(June21-July22) — You can alter your future if you follow your heart and make a change. Love, romance and relationships are highlighted. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Helping others will make you feel good, but don't let anyone take advantage of your generos- ity. Use your intelligence, and know when to back away. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Let your heart lead the way. You'll face opposition if you refuse to give in to demands or ultimatums. A work-related function could be eye-opening. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You must rely only on yourself if you want things done a specific way. Keep careful track of your expenses to ensure you don't go over budget. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You'll have everything under control. Your astute and skill- ful way of handling matters at home and work will be acknowl- edged. Don't be afraid to indulge in some romance. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Do your own fact-finding. Good results will ensue if you are careful about how you spend your cash. A change at home will lead to greater security. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your persuasive tactics will pay off. Don't worry about someone who heads in a dif- ferent direction. You are best off surrounding yourself with people eager to help you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — An important relationship will need nurturing. Discus- sions regarding plans will help set the stage for changes that will ensure a happy home and give you room to focus on your professional goals. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't expect everyone to like your decisions. Set your goals and don't look back. It's you who has to feel content with the outcome. Celebrate with people who support your choice. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Emotions will spin out of con- trol. Don't lose your composure when dealing with people who can affect your status, reputa- tion or position. Back away from a power struggle. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Learn as you go. If you ask questions, you'll get answers that will help you formulate a strategy. Partnerships will be important to any personal or professional changes you make. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Gaining monetary freedom should be your intent. It's dif- ficult to get ahead if you are falling behind financially. Don't buy in to a fast-cash scheme and don't pay for others. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JUNE 21 TUESDAY,JUNE21,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B