Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/708348
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mygirlfriend and I are both 28 years old. We have been living together for two years now, and I love her, but we are far fr om perfec t. My girlfriend is the most emotional woman I have ever met. She cries almost every day — sev- eral times a day over the smallest things. For example, she cries when she's out of cigarettes and can't afford more and when she's out of marijuana to smoke (it's possible she has post- traumatic stress disorder; she has been prescribed Xanax for her anxiety). Sometimes she doesn't even know why she's crying. She also has anger issues, which end up causing her to have ac- cidents and get hurt. She just got over a bro- ken hand from punching a wall. She tells me I'm the best thing that's ever happened to her. I do everything she asks of me, and more. Amy, I would die for her, but sometimes I feel resentful because she takes advantage of me. It stresses me out be- cause nothing I do helps and her self-loathing and cursing tongue add to my stress level. She hints at how she would be dead if I weren't in her life. Recently, I made a hor- rible mistake and started a flirting relationship with a friend of mine. I feel bad now because of how I flirted, and I worry even more because my girlfriend can become manic. Can I let this slide, if I promise myself I'll never do it again? Help! —WorriedBF DEAR WORRIED » You are alarmed about the wrong thing. Your girlfriend seems to have serious emotional problems and mental illness, and she needs a professional as- sessment and treatment. Clearly, the Xanax is not working. Nor are the cigarettes and pot. You appear to be a hostage to your girl- friend's illness and behavior. Your choice to flirt with someone else should tell you that you need some relief from the oppressive atmosphere at home. Despite her hints that she owes her life to you, please understand that it is not your job to fix your girlfriend. Her emotional, mental and physical health are her respon- sibility. Her behavior is extreme, and her illness has the power to affect your life. You are walking on eggshells at home. The relationship you are in is abusive, violent and frightening. It is not normal, and it is not safe for you. Please put your own health first, and consider leaving this re- lationship unless she gets professional help. DEAR AMY » "Big Brother" decided that his sister was married to an abusive husband. Brother re- sponded by cutting the sister out of his life. I agree with you that distancing himself from his sister will do nothing to help the situation. I hope he reconsiders his stance. — Also a Big Brother DEAR ALSO » I hope so too. Man tries desperately to fix unstable, emotional girlfriend 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Don't feel the need to explain everything you do. Wasting time will not get the job done. A sudden turn of events will favor you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — The doors are wide open for you to make a move, learn some- thing new or just forge into the future with a positive attitude. This is no time to be critical. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your ability to mediate thorny situations will give your reputation a positive spin that will encourage an interesting proposal. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Refuse to let anyone stifle your creativity or put you in jeopardy by misinterpreting what you stand for. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll be torn between what you want to do and what you should do. You'll be enticed to head down the wrong path. An unhealthy choice is a risk you shouldn't take. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Look, listen and make things happen. Any challenge you face will be worth winning. Put your all into whatever you decide to pursue. Home improvements are favored. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't worry about the reaction you get from others. If you are satisfied with the way things are progressing, you don't have to answer to anyone who doubts your decisions. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Too much of anything will be to your detriment. Pace your ev- ery move and don't spend more than you can afford. Patience and tolerance will help you come out on top. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Focus on getting ahead. Doing your best to stabilize an iffy situation will lead to solutions, relief and a brighter future. Ad- dress issues instead of ignoring them. Romance will ease stress. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't let inflexibility stand in your way. If you are open to suggestions and willing to compromise, much will be ac- complished. Learn as you go and be willing to adapt. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be careful who you trust and what you promise. Problems will arise if you are indulgent or ne- glect to get your facts straight before taking part in something that could lead to regret. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Participate, but don't agree to do things that push you beyond your comfort zone. Offer alternatives. Home and personal investments and relationships are highlighted. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2016 2 B