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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»Myboyfriend of two years was raised in a doomsday cult. Yep, the real deal. It wasn't traumatic, exactly, but he grew up bel iev ing that the end of the world is nigh and when certain "signs" are presented, he and the other church members would flee to Jerusalem to wait out the "End Times." My boy- friend left the church several years ago. He sees this church as a fear-mongering, destructive environment. However, his parents and older brother are still a part of it. They are packed and ready to flee at any moment. My boyfriend's father, "James," is very paranoid. He and his wife are ter- rified for my boyfriend's soul, so periodically this is what happens: 1. James starts to talk about all of these awful things: government conspiracies, the end of the world, how he heard on one of his many fear- mongering podcasts that things are being put in vaccines to control us, etc. 2. My boyfriend makes it clear to him, both verbally and by limiting their time together, that these conversations are inappropriate and he will not tolerate them. 3. James persists. 4. Finally, we cut off all contact for as long as is necessary. 5. Eventually we start to see him and his wife again. However, after a while James starts the pattern (again), and there we go again. Amy, I love my boy- friend dearly and want to marry him, but I am worried about the stress of dealing with his fam- ily. It has distressed my boyfriend for years. James still wants to try and convert me. We are moving out of state for graduate school soon. Are we handling this well? Do we need to set better boundaries? If there is anything I can do to not be plagued by this cycle of dysfunction for the rest of my life, I will do it. —WorriedSoon-to-be Daughter-in-law DEAR WORRIED » You and your boyfriend seem to be doing a good job of trying to retrain his fam- ily to stop proselytizing when they are with you. Responding in a firm and consistent manner (and then keeping your distance) is exactly what you should do. I quibble with one thing: I believe your guy did grow up in a traumatic environment. He escaped it, but the lessons taught to him as a young child would have set him up for a lifetime of deep insecurity. For- tunately, he seems to be resilient. You two should see a counselor together, to check your feelings and reactions to this extreme situation. It is vital to be on the same page. Cutting off contact might be his ultimate response, but dealing with the guilt and grief of that loss is something he should talk through with a profes- sional — and/or a support group. Couplecan'thandlechatting with boyfriend's doomsday dad 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) — With a little shove, you'll discover a new direction that brings out your best qualities and skills. You should be proud of your accomplishments. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your ability to bring people together will put you in a good position. An interesting encoun- ter with a loved one will lead to a better relationship. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't wait for someone else to make the first move. Take advantage of an opportunity before it's too late. Make plans. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A competitive approach will show you mean business. You may come up against negativity, but if you let your intuition lead, you'll be hard to beat. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Check out what everyone around you is doing and adapt their methods to fit your own needs. Your creative input will make others take notice. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Chase an adventure or look for something exciting to do. Embrace change, and don't worry if last-minute alterations are made. Follow your heart and live your dreams. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Lead the way before someone else takes charge. A profes- sional opportunity will entice you. Consider all the pros and cons before you make a move. Negotiate on your own behalf. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Hard work, dedica- tion and a diverse application of your skills will bring about positive changes to the way you earn your living. A responsible attitude will win support and unexpected favors. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Sincerity and a firm offer will be appreciated and accepted. If you take your time and make sure everything is perfect, you'll be respected and admired. Love is on the rise. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep life simple, and count on your ability in order to get things done. Relying on others will lead to disappointment. A respon- sible attitude will help you avoid setbacks. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Take business seriously and leave no room for error. Finan- cial gains look promising if you are thorough. A partnership will give you greater momentum to achieve the success you desire. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Stop dreaming and start doing. Take the initiative to get your plans off the ground. Dealing with rules and regulations first will save you time and money later. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 WEDNESDAY,JUNE22,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B