Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/703173
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Igrewup thinking that I had an amazing, close-knit family. I was always a bit of the "bl ack sheep ," in th at I was adventurous, and didn't settle down in our sleepy town. I moved away from my hometown at 18 and, after 20 years, am still the only member that doesn't live there. I worked hard and prioritized my career for many years. This meant that I visited only once a year. I remained extremely close to my mom, who visited me, and we spoke every day. She was proud of me for "breaking the mold." Unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago. Since then, I have learned of the dis- gust my family has for me. When I got married last year, I did so within driving distance of my hometown so they would feel included and not have to pay for travel. However, since my hus- band and I decided to have an adults-only wed- ding, most of them didn't even come. Moreover, they let me know how terrible I was for not inviting children. Since then, only two members of my family even reach out to me by phone. I've heard rumblings of other gossipy, untrue and negative things they say about me. My mother's heart would be broken to know her siblings have, for all intents and purposes, cut me out of their lives. I, too, am heartbroken and want to make an effort to make things better. I won't apologize for pursuing my passions or having the wedding we wanted (and paid for, might I add), so I'm not sure what I can do. I'm hoping you can help suggest a way to repair these relationships. Is it best just to remove myself entirely to protect my heart? I have one sibling and we get along fine. Other than that, this is all the family I have left. Thankfully, my husband and his family are wonderful. —FamilyMatters DEAR FAMILY » The best way to have relationships with people is to spend time with them. Shared experiences lead to shared memories. These memories help to form a foundation of relatedness. I agree with you that you should not have to apologize for having the wedding you wanted to have, or for living the life you want to live. You seem to be chal- lenged by aunts, uncles and cousins. If you want active, healthy relation- ships, you should reach out to them, try to get to know them without judging them for their own choices, and make an effort to spend time with them. Perhaps you should bring your husband on a hometown tour. Also — invite them to travel to see you. Black sheep faces back-talk from hometown family 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) — Your drive and determina- tion will help you bring about changes at home. Look outside your usual routine. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You need to keep things in perspective. If you let your emotions dominate, you will end up in a dispute that will hold you back instead of helping you move forward. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You'll receive information that will influence a decision you make or change your plans. Don't limit what you can do. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Problems with people you work or deal with regularly will arise. If you use charm and are willing to compromise, you will get your way. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take care of business quickly so that you can do something more enjoyable or educational. Taking part in a conference or course will be enlightening as well as fruitful. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Fight for your rights, but don't exceed boundaries, rules or regulations. Do your due dili- gence and find out all the facts before you proceed. Physical improvements will boost your confidence. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A good deal will make your day. Search for the perfect gift for a loved one. A change in the way you approach someone will make a difference. Listen and learn. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't venture too far from home. A job worth doing is a job worth doing right the first time. A romantic gesture will improve a personal relationship. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — An opportunity will present itself if you are sincere and ex- press your intentions. Negotia- tions, contracts and unexpected offers and financial gains look promising. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Make a deal. Revisit an old idea or investment in order to find a way to get ahead. Discipline and personal change will mark a new beginning. Discuss your plans. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You'll be sensitive to comments made by friends and family. Consider what's been said and who said it before you respond. In time, the advice offered will make sense and will help you move forward. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Some devoted personal time will help you update your ap- pearance and give you a chance to think about the people you choose to surround yourself with. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 2 B