Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/705042
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavebeen mentoring a young wom- an for about five years at my current company. I was instrumental in hir- ing her at this job (as well as her previous position). I am a fashion designer and have made gowns for many top celebrities. When it came time for her to marry, she chose to have her gown made by someone with far less experience and who has a reputation for making trashy and cheap clothing. I found this out by accident and have been feeling sad and insulted ever since. I have been steering clear of the young woman, who seems to have no idea how she has offended me. After so many years of friendship (or at least what I thought was such), I feel not only insult but loss. I want to let this go, but I don't know what to do. —SadDesigner DEAR SAD DESIGNER » This is a tender situation for you, but as a designer for many top celebrities, you must realize that your work is not for everyone. And surely you don't think your mentee was obligated to choose you as her dressmaker? If she wanted to walk down the aisle looking like Dolly Parton's backup singer, then you would not be the person for that particular job. She might have thought she wouldn't be able to af- ford you. Or perhaps she didn't want to put herself (and you) in the awkward position of being your client, as well as your mentee. See how awkward this whole situation is now? If you had made her dress, this dynamic might have been much worse. Communicate with her about this, but do so with the understanding that she is not responsible for your hurt feelings. You could show an interest in her dress and offer to help if she needs any last-minute altera- tions. Don't criticize her choice, but do say, "I really wish you had come to me — even if I didn't make your dress, I would have enjoyed learning about it in advance, and it would have been great if you had given me a heads-up about it." DEAR AMY » The let- ter from "Speechless" rang my bell. Speechless described a workplace dynamic that sounded like the middle-school cafeteria, with some older workers basically ignor- ing and bullying a group of newer workers. I'm an HR profession- al, and have seen this type of dynamic. I thought your recommendations of how to integrate the two groups were useful, but additionally, all workers should be told that there is a zero-tolerance policy toward any bullying behavior. It can create a truly toxic environment not only for the perpetra- tors and their victims, but also for their colleagues. — HR Rep DEAR REP » Comparing a bullying dynamic at work to life in middle school is often meant to be droll, but it is no laughing matter. Stylist wants to design her co-worker's wedding dress 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)— Rely on your gut feelings to help you make decisions. Opportunity is apparent, making it vital that you think and act quickly to take advantage of what's offered. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Prepare and organize for what you want to see happen. Your input will lead to good fortune, as long as you stick to basics and cover your bases. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — By seeking out functions and activities that allow you to put your skills to good use, you will cause something good to transpire. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Listen, but don't reply if it will lead to a standoff with someone you care about or need to do business with. Back away. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Thinking about doing something different is OK, as long as your motives are right and you aren't going to cause a loved one grief. Choose wisely and avoid backlash. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you review contracts and financial papers, you'll dis- cover something that needs to be updated. A personal gain will change your life, while romance will stabilize it. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you have a question, by all means ask. It's better to be knowledgeable than to blindly trust someone else. Your future is in your hands. A professional gain looks promising. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't follow someone else's philosophy if it doesn't fit your lifestyle. The changes you make have to come from the heart and be based on what works for you. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Partnerships will bring greater opportunities your way. Get involved in network- ing functions and fundraisers that will allow you to voice your opinions. A business trip will be beneficial. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Aim for personal growth and philosophical changes that will bring you closer to what you re- ally want to do with your life. A chance to learn something new will have its benefits. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Communication will help you come to a decision regarding your home life and future job prospects. Clear the clutter and move forward with less stress. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Money will come in and go out quickly, leaving you wonder- ing what happened. You should temper your generosity and deal with your expenses before help- ing someone else. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JULY 19 TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B