Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/733686
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'mpregnant and am lucky to have sev- eral supportive friends. Some of these friends are unable to have chil- dren of their own for vari- ous reasons: One of my best friends is gay, one is unable to have children for medical reasons and some have been trying, but are unable. Having previously had a mis- carriage, I understand that it can sometimes be hurtful to see other people having children when one can't. Is there anything I can do to express my sympathy? How can I let them know that I'd welcome them to be part of my child's life? (Saying, "Please feel free to borrow my baby" seems like a request for baby-sitting.) Any suggestions? —Expectant DEAR EXPECTANT » Gay women and men can bear children. So, at least in the case of that friend, you could assume that if they wanted to have a baby, they would. People who have been through the pain of mis- carriage or are struggling with ongoing fertility issues react to pregnancy along a spectrum: some remain goo-goo for babies, while others find it painful to be around pregnancy and babies. When someone has suffered a miscarriage, I do think it is helpful if you can say, "I went through that, too. And I'm so sorry." Leave the door open if they want to talk. Do not say, "You know, miscarriages are common. Something like a quarter of all pregnancies end in miscarriage ... I had one and bounced right back!" Years ago when my first pregnancy miscar- ried, I was shocked when some peo ple acted l ike it was no big deal. Because it was, at least to me. Make sure your friends who are struggling hear this from you: "I'm in your corner. You can be as involved or uninvolved in my pregnancy as you want to be. And once this child is born, I hope you'll help me to raise her." Children benefit from the close friendships of their parents. Parenting is more fun when you're part of a tribe. DEAR AMY » I was at a wedding reception recent- ly where guests removed their shoes and continued to dance barefoot. I am personally creeped-out by this and suspect that there could be foot injuries from bro- k en g la s s. P le as e ad d r e ss this and encourage young guests to not do this. I am aware of one mother of the bride who bought a bucketful of flip- flops for guests to wear! — Concerned Guest DEAR CONCERNED » I danced barefoot at my own wedding. But I real- ize that, although going barefoot anywhere is risky, this is especially true at an event where guests are drinking. But people do a lot of risky things at weddings. And it's true that we cannot protect ourselves — or others — from every dumb choice. I like the idea of providing flip- flops, but if women want to liberate themselves of their footwear, I say, more power to them. Pregnant woman wants to help out her childless friends 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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23)— Indulgence will be costly. Keep things in perspective and act responsibly when dealing with domestic and family matters. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't fall into someone's trap. It's OK to offer people help, but doing the work while some- one else takes credit will put you in an awkward position. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't get frustrated or distracted when you should maintain discipline until you fin- ish what you set out to do. Time is on your side, so do the best you can and avoid interference. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Go over your personal papers and examine matters that con- cern you. See how you can help a cause you believe in. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Whether you apply for a better position or invest in something that interests you, monetary benefits are in sight. Plan a financial strategy that will help build your assets. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your intuition will guide you when dealing with financial, medical or legal matters that are not clear-cut. Follow your heart and take action based on your needs. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Doing too much too quickly will be a bad idea. Observe what's going on around you. A last- minute change will alter the outcome of a situation that can make or break you financially. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Mix and mingle with people who could contribute to something you want to pursue. A financial offer looks promising and should not be set aside. Act now and prosper. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Social activities that require more action and less talk will work well for you. If you engage in pastimes that are geared to- ward a healthier lifestyle, a new opportunity will develop. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Emotions will be difficult to control when dealing with domestic and family matters. Listen and try to be reasonable in order to avoid an argument. Compromise will pay off. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Be open to suggestions, but don't be willing to take someone's word as gospel. Do your own fact-finding and make deci- sions based on what works for you. Ignore idle promises and hearsay. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't let anxiety and anger take control. Put your best foot forward and do something that will make you feel good about your accomplishments. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER30,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B