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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»Iwantoutof my marriage, but I have a darling 5-year-old daugh- ter and don't want to ruin her life by leaving her dad. I am also terrified at being financially ruined, since we live in California, a community property state. We have been married for eight years. After we were married, I bought a house (en- couraged by him — he is a carpenter and said we should get a fixer-upper). It's in my name, and I pay the mortgage, insurance and taxes. The house is in my name because he has a low income and high debt. I thought our arrange- ment wasn't fair and asked him to contribute more. He simply said no and walked away. He refuses to fix our own broken faucet. When I try talking with him about raising our child or managing our house, he says "no," changes the subject or becomes hostile. I have visited divorce lawyers for three years in a row. I've always changed my mind because I believe that to raise our beautiful child, I will have to fig- ure out a way to commu- nicate with him anyway. We live in a silent house in which we ignore each other. He loves his daugh- ter, but doesn't spend much time with her. I insisted he come to couples counseling, and we went once. He never mentioned it again. I gave up. He is not there for me emotionally, physically or financially. I work full time; his income is inconsistent. Under California law, I might have to pay him al im on y , sh ar e pa rt o f my pension or sell the house and share the profits. How do I get out of this marriage without sending my daughter a message that I am giving up? —WorriedWife DEAR WORRIED » You are very worried about the finances, but your husband's share of your pension will be less now than later, and alimony will amount to less now than if you wait. There are many families that simply can't afford to divorce. If so, then you'll have to stay together, or at least cohabit. I don't think divorce universally sends a negative message about "giving up." Sometimes, it is simply an unavoid- able casualty of a broken relationship that cannot be fixed. If you and your husband don't give up on your daught- er, then that is what will be most meaningful to her. Many parents com- municate better after they split, when there is less tension rising from cohabiting. You communicate about your child, and that's all. You don't have to passive- l y tr y t o ne go ti at e y ou r way into getting your spouse to do something he doesn't intend to do (plumbing, for instance). You just do everything yourself. Wife worries about impact of divorce on her young daughter 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) — Don't feel pressured to make changes if you are comfortable with the status quo. Strive to secure your position instead of gambling with your future. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Updating your appearance and sporting a positive attitude will leave you feeling ready to con- quer the world. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Uncertainty will lead to confu- sion, especially when dealing with domestic or partnership matters. Try to keep things clear and feelings out in the open. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You have good ideas, but if you don't follow through with them, what's the point? Strive to stabilize your position, life and future. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take a moment to think seriously about what's happen- ing around you. Troubles will escalate if you don't gather all the data needed to deal with a situation you face. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can have fun without spending too much. Don't let anyone sucker you into some- thing that is risky or that could jeopardize your reputation or your relationships with friends. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Gather information and plan your strategy, but don't ex- ecute your plans if you haven't received verification or the go- ahead from those who will be influenced by your actions. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take the initiative to turn one of your ideas or plans into a going concern. Your drive, passion and desire to get things up and running will bolster your reputation. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If someone puts a road- block in your way, find an alternative route and pursue your plans. Opportunity is pres- ent, as long as you work with the tide. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Plan to party, play or do something fun with a loved one. Romance is highlighted, and it will add stability to your personal life. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Problems will arise if you make changes that alter your appearance. Don't let your emotions lead to an argument. Disputes will end in regret and isolation. Protect against loss. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let yourself be put in a risky position. Avoid follow- ing someone eager to lead you down a dubious path. Focus on happiness and your health and well-being. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JULY 22 FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B