Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/701112
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'mayoung woman currently dating my first boyfriend. We've been together for seven months. While I really do like him and we usually get along well, one thing about him that irks me is that he's cheap. We've known each other for six years. Before we started dating, whenever we hung out, we would each pay for our own share. This was fine. However, since we've started dating, we either do free activities, or I end up paying for the both of us. He doesn't ever offer to split the bill or pay his own way at all, and if I don't pay, then we don't get to do anything. I try to do little things for him and feel like he isn't doing the same for me. He makes more money than I do. I never expected to have a claim on his money, so it frustrates me when it seems like he feels he has a claim on mine. He says that he really likes me and that he sees me as family. He says he can see a future for us, one in which he's the main provider. But I have the general idea that if he's like this now, he most likely won't change. Do you think I should stay with him longer to see if things can truly work out, or should I cut my losses and spare my- self potential trouble? —Confusedbya Cheapskate DEAR CONFUSED » Before you leave the relationship, you should run a test. The next time you go out, pull out only enough money for your own share and then slide the bill toward him. Will he crowbar open his wallet? And if he is refusing to pay his share, why? You don't seem to have confronted him about it. I love the idea of choosing free activities, but if he chooses an activ- ity that c ost s m oney, y ou should say to him, "We either share this expense, or you treat." The only potential "serious trouble" I see in your future is if you stay with someone who behaves in a way that is both ungenerous and confusing, and you don't have the courage to even ask him about it. DEAR AMY » My family will be getting together for a vacation this year. One family insists on bringing their two pets. The dog is untrained, messes on the carpet and growls at people. The cat howls loudly. We have pets, but we choose to leave them at home, as a courtesy. Am I the only person that thinks that "pet people" should leave ani- mals at home for group vacations? — Irked DEAR IRKED » During a group vacation at shared accommodations, pet owners should get every other participant to ap- prove their desire to bring their pets. Many people are allergic, and/or simply don't want to spend their own vacations around other people's animals. I assume readers will offer their own perspectives. Girlfriend wonders if she should pay up or ship out 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)— An open mind will lead to posi- tive change. Be the driving force behind what you want to see happen. Opportunity is present; look for it. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Gauge what is going on around you. Promising something with- out knowing what's expected of you will lead to a dispute. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't sit back when you know you can make a difference. Put a little muscle behind your words and actions. Romance is in the stars. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Keep a low profile. Don't make waves or take on something that is impossible. Bide your time, sort out what's feasible, and carry on. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Plan a pleasure trip. Being in the right place at the right time will be easy if you follow your instincts. Don't get angry when you can get serious about winning. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Only believe what you can see. Don't bank on something that someone tells you. Take charge and question anything that appears to be lofty or unreasonable. Work toward your own ends, not someone else's. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A profitable deal will be introduced. Make whatever changes you feel are necessary and follow through with your plans. A partnership will turn out to be advantageous. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Personal change will bring you the most satisfaction. Don't back down in the face of oppo- sition. You have to do what you feel is best for yourself. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you follow through with your ideas, you will find the success you are hoping for. Plan something special that will allow you to celebrate with the people you love most. Trust in yourself. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Do whatever you have to do to avoid criticism. Once you've taken care of your re- sponsibilities, you will be able to focus on the things you enjoy doing most. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Take the plunge and try something new. The people you encounter will spark your interest in something that could encourage you to make a rewarding career shift. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You can offer someone as- sistance, but don't lose sight of your responsibilities. Someone will take advantage of you if you aren't able to say no. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JULY 7 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 2 B