Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/735672
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Agroupof three girls and myself have been close friends since junior high. As we attended dif- ferent colleges in nearby cities, the four of us did not have as much time to spend together. Everyone understood this was nor- mal, except for "Jenny." She grew frustrated that we were not respon- sive enough and critical about how we conduct- ed the friendship. Any time we hung out, she would blame us for not staying in closer contact. She would plan ridiculously complicated outings or events and then complain that what- ever we ended up doing wasn't good enough. Jenny will ask if we're home and then just show up, even when we tell her we are out/at school/sick/ or have a family dinner that's been planned for weeks. Then she'll be angry that we didn't make time for her. If we bring this up with her, she calls us bad friends. We all walk on egg- shells with Jenny when she's like this in order to avoid fights. I no longer believe this is healthy. We'd like to have some sort of intervention, but how can we approach her in a way that doesn't seem critical? We are all easygoing people. Where do bound- aries start and how can we stick to them without alienating Jenny? —UpsetFriend DEAR UPSET » You start building a boundary brick by brick, and you do this by reacting proportionally when someone manipu- lates you. Some of the behavior you describe sounds out- side the norm. Showing up at your house when you've said you're other- wise engaged and then blaming you for not being available is irrational. Before resorting to a group intervention, you should start by respond- ing naturally to any given situation. If she rails at you and calls you a "bad friend," you say, "I'm not a bad friend. But I can't be the kind of friend you want me to be." Resolve to take back some of your power by staying calm and reacting honestly. If your friend's behavior grows more pronounced, it would be appropriate for your group to tell her, "We're worried about you. You seem very unhappy and angry." Urge her to see a counselor. Offer to do some research to help her find one, if she will let you. DEAR AMY » "Upset in Upland" was a husband looking for a solution to his wife cooking dinner every night for his grown stepdaughter and two grandchildren. What are the grand- children (ages 20 and 15) doing to help out? Perhaps Upset's wife should be including them in the cooking process. It's about time someone in that family learned how to cook! — Been There DEAR BEEN THERE » Many readers thought I had left these capable young people out of the equa- tion, and I agree. Old friends face new problem as their lives grow and change 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) — Strength, courage, common sense and discipline will be your keys to success. Don't let anyone dismantle what you are trying to achieve. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Use your imagination and make your surroundings more comfortable and convenient. If you are happy, you'll encourage others to feel good as well. Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) — Set your sights on something you want to do and head in that direction. Making alterations to your lifestyle will make your day. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Take care of personal business and chores. Someone will take advantage of you if you are gullible. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't worry about oth- ers' words or actions. Size up your situation and act on your own behalf. If you bring about change, you won't be disap- pointed in the results. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Problems while traveling or dealing with partners or men- tors will develop. Take your time and address any weakness in your plans that could put you in a compromising position. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Discipline, drive and fearless communication of your wants and needs will lead to victory. Learn from experience in order to have clear sailing from start to finish. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't waste time; start making personal improvements, learning and keeping up with trends. If you keep your ears open, you will broaden your awareness and insight. Romance is encouraged. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Share any grievance you are harboring. Keep in mind that you are likely to face criti- cism as well, but in the end a compromise will lead to a better relationship. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Change things up a bit. Sign up for a hobby or creative endeavor that will spark your imagination and bring about positive per- sonal change. Share something special with a loved one. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Networking functions will posi- tion you for advancement. Being receptive to change and able to handle spur-of-the-moment developments will prove you are capable of becoming a leader. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Uncertainty will surface if you let your emotions take charge when dealing with partnerships or issues of faith. Give everyone the right to think and do as they please. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, OCT. 6 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016 2 B