Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/730305
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea younger sister, "Tammy," who was cruel to me when we were grow- ing up. Because of her abuse, I left home at 17, and since that time, have grown out of the self- hate that she drilled into me. I've built a strong network of friends, who I think of as my family. I have started get- ting closer to my father, and I enjoy having a relationship with him. He is a kind and intelligent man who worked hard to support his family. He is retired now, and I am grateful for this opportu- nity to get to know him. The problem is he thinks I am cruel for refusing to have a relationship with my sister. He says that she is my family, and fam- ily needs to stick together, because that's all we have. Amy, I agree with his definition of fam- ily, because the family I have built for myself is so incredibly supportive and inspiring, but I do not think of my sister as fall- ing into this category. I do not know this woman, nor do I wish to. From what I surmise, she seems as nasty as ever. My father says I am "living in the past" and says I am being juvenile. He yells at me and puts me down when I refuse to associate with her. I say, I have moved on and respect myself enough to choose the people I want in my life. I want him in my life, but this seems to be a sticking point. What do you think? —HappilyEstranged DEAR ESTRANGED » Being related to someone often requires a level of toler- ance you wouldn't extend toward a stranger, but I disagree with the asser- tion that "family is all we have." Sharing DNA with someone does not guaran- tee any particular kinship. For some people, "family" becomes something to escape, not embrace. You don't mention if your sister has ever extended a hand toward you regarding having a relationship. If she does, you should consider at- tempting reconciliation. Your father's treatment toward you — yelling at you and putting you down — speaks not only to his anxiety, but a bul- lying behavior that seems to run in the family. If you have no inten- tion of reconciling with your sister, you should tell him, "I know this is hard for you, but you don't have the right to bully me any more than she does." DEAR AMY » I was a bit of- fended by your response to "Grieving," the parents who were worried about their daughter's isolation. You could be right, and she might be caught up in the drug crisis, but there is another possibility: domestic violence. My former partner isolated me, had me quit my job and moved us around frequently, just as Grieving describes. It wasn't until the birth of our daughter that I realized what I had wasn't love at all. — Survived DEAR SURVIVED » Thank goodness you got out. Thank you for writing. Sister not sure how to handle estrangement from 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22)— Try not to complain or question what others do. Focus inward and aim to do things that will make you feel good. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Learn as you go. Let your instincts and intuition help you find your strengths. Courage comes from doing what you believe is right. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't spend money foolishly. If you want to help a cause, put your time and expertise to work, not your cash. Your ideas will be a far better contribution. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you put more time and effort into personal relation- ships, you will find common ground that will help you bring about positive changes at home. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Stick close to home and take measures to prevent interfer- ence from someone who is trying to make you look bad. Do what works for you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — An experiment will turn out better than anticipated. Net- work with others and share your success with people who could have something to contribute to your plans. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Problems at home will escalate. Stay focused on your work and on fulfilling your du- ties in a timely manner. Letting your emotions affect your job performance will lead to more stress at home. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You should make special plans that will bring you closer to someone who intrigues you. Share your vision and your ambitions. Altering your living arrangement looks promising. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — An emotionally fraught matter will get blown out of proportion if you or a colleague becomes aggressive. Refuse to get drawn into something that could put you in a vulnerable position. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You need to show greater creativity when you are dealing with peers or presenting your work. Someone will offer you an opportunity based on your ac- tions, not your words. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't take part in gossip or share personal information. Work on a project that will require your undivided atten- tion and unique and creative skills. Home improvements are favored. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Keep your emotions out of any situation that involves money. Joint ventures will not pan out as hoped, leaving you in an awk- ward position. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER22,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B