Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/715968
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myboy- friend and I have been together for five years. Recently, we have been talking a lot about hav- ing children and getting married. I've neve r bee n int er- ested in a formal mar- riage, but would be happy to marry him if he asked. He has always pictured his (eventual) children be- ing part of the wed- ding ceremony. Because of this, we've decided to start our family and buy a house before we have a formal wedding ceremony later in life. We're in our late 20s, have educations, savings, a lovely apart- ment, and a dog that is fantastic around small children and babies. We both work full time, and he is returning to school in the fall to do a year- long program. We gave up our party lifestyle a couple of years ago and now live a much quieter life. We want to expand our family but are scared about timing. We know there's no "perfect" time to have kids, and we're ready to say goodbye to the last of our crazy youth, but we're still nervous. How do you know when it's time to start trying? Is there ever a moment when you know you're 100 percent ready? —Unsure DEAR UNSURE » If you plan to get married anyway, why are you waiting? And if you are NOT interested in formal marriage, why would you be "happy to marry him if he asked?" You seem either confused or very casual about marriage. Delaying marriage until after the kids are born because he wants to have your own children participate in the wedding ceremony seems distinctly imma- ture (to me). I suggest you pursue more clarity about why your guy feels this way. If he wants a cute ring bearer, maybe you could enlist your pup. Generally, the only moment you know you're 100 percent ready for kids is usually when/if you're struggling to get pregnant after months/ years of trying. Then, the whole thing becomes bathed in urgency and certainty. Ot he rw is e, m os t p eo - ple fly by the seat of their pants, to some extent. Your lifestyle at this point sounds like you've made a nice nest and you're both readying to fill it. Good for you. DEAR AMY » You referred to "Not Lonely Woman" as an "introvert." Not Lonely said she preferred being alone, and that she lost interest in talking to people "after 10 minutes." I'm an introvert. This person isn't an introvert. She is a jerk. — Introvert DEAR INTROVERT » "Not Lonely" didn't seem obnoxious (to me), but genuinely preferred her own company to being surrounded by people. This seemed to fit within the parameters of introversion. Woman unsure about the right time to have children 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)— Personal change will allow you greater freedom. Handle situa- tions responsibly, but don't lose sight of what's best for you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Get to know the people you are working with better. There is power in understanding those you are dealing with. Share little about yourself. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Networking will bring about positive changes in partnerships and the way you handle others. Confidence will give you an advantage. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — If you think about how you earn your living or handle your cash, you will come up with a plan that will help you stabilize personal situations. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — With a little finagling and enthusiasm you will excel, but don't be surprised if someone pressures you or challenges your ideas. Have an alternative plan in place to avoid delays. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't hide facts, but don't of- fer information that will incrimi- nate you. If you use unusual tactics to get what you want, you will discover resources to complement your efforts. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Share your opinion. Once you bring about changes that ease your stress, your emotional outlook will improve. Give oth- ers a chance to show their true colors. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Get hidden agendas out in the open so you can make a good decision based on facts, not on hearsay. Challenge and resolve any misconception you have about a loved one. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You can make personal changes that will help you present and promote your agenda in a win- ning fashion. Your ability to wheel and deal will help you get ahead financially. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't feel obliged to take on someone else's problems or re- sponsibilities. Stick to your own ventures and the people you can count on to contribute. Love is in the stars. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Too much of anything will lead to problems. Don't make promises you cannot keep or overspend on people trying to buy love and favors. A self-help program will pay off. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll find comfort in pursuing a creative hobby or getting involved in a project or course that will help you gain insight into what you want to do next. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B