Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/738291
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Aftersome40 years of being emotionally bullied by my mother-in- law, my husband and I have drawn the line. We are polite and respect- ful to her during social gatherings — birthdays, weddings, holidays — but we decided it is in the best interest of our family to plan no more inter- action than necessary. My husband checks in with her via phone or text throughout the week. Superficially she presents a gentle front but when we are alone with her, she is brazenly critical of my children and me to our faces. Our son, who struggles with depres- sion, even chose to miss his brother's wedding because of the anxiety caused by his grandmoth- er's presence (a choice which both we and his therapist agreed with). As a family, we've decided to limit our interaction with her. My new daughter-in- law, however, has not witnessed MIL in action. She only sees her as a grandmotherly woman who heaps much affection on her. I've never tried to drag DIL into our drama but I know for a fact that MIL speaks disparagingly of us to her. I almost feel like they've formed an alliance and it stings that MIL never offered healthy attention or af- fection toward my other children. I realize I can't dictate MIL or DIL's friendships, yet their relationship has put a wedge in our relationship with our son and DIL. How do I move forward? —Stung DEAR STUNG » Here's one way to move for- ward: With a hearty "woot woot" that you are maintaining a hard- won boundary with someone who mistreats you. You should consider negotiating this dynamic the way divorced parents do with their children and other family mem- bers when they are high- functioning, engaged and appropriate. You should not criti- cize your mother-in-law; nor should you allow your daughter-in-law to draw you into any drama (MIL might be pulling her strings). You just maintain a careful, neutral, noncommit- tal stance. You have not described how your DIL's relationship with her husband's grandmother is driving a wedge between all of you, but you should a cc e p t a nd r es pe ct th e younger couple's prefer- ences, while also respect- ing your own. For instance, if the younger couple prefers to hang with your MIL rather than be with you on a Friday night, tell them, "Sure thing. Enjoy yourselves." And mean it. DEAR AMY » I am still laughing at your witty response to the gentle- man who wrote to you and managed to "mans- plain" to you the concept of "mansplaining." It. Was. Awesome. — A Fan DEAR FAN » Thank you! I'll be here all week. Toxic mother-in-law forms an alliance with new 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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23) — If you use your imagination, you will come up with an idea that will lead you to success. Personal changes that help you pick up new skills. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take time to listen to what others have to say, and use the information you gather to improve your lifestyle and sur- rounding community. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stick to the truth and walk away from people who try to pick a fight. A change at home will end up being beneficial. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — The past will be your guide to the future. Remembering certain experiences will help you avoid misgivings. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Focus more on learning, traveling or developing a cre- ative idea. Dealing with children will make you aware of things you may not have noticed. An investment will pay off. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look at the big picture when it comes to your health, finances and contracts. If you want something, go after it. Give all your projects your per- sonal touch. Aries (March 21-April 19) — If you use your money wisely, you will soon have more of it. An investment or contract negotia- tion will turn in your favor. Do things differently. Your unique- ness will pay off in the end. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Partnerships will make a difference to the way you move forward. Embrace new ideas and find ways to contribute to projects with people who have similar goals. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Opportunities will be read- ily available if you are able to figure out the genuine articles from the fakers. Ask questions to determine what is and isn't possible. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Looking into a job opportunity or taking part in an industry event will allow you to promote what you do best. Problems at home must not be allowed to interfere in your productivity. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't get angry when you should get moving. Your disci- pline, knowledge, expertise and skills will help you make positive changes to your standard of living. Money will come from an unusual source. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Do more and say less. It's how you play the game that will make the difference. If you want something, pursue it wholeheartedly. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, OCT. 13 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016 4 B