Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/752475
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myboyfriend and I have been dating for a year and a half. We're both 32 years old. I live at home with my divorced mother. He lives two hours away. We make an effort to see each other every couple of weeks. I plan to move closer to him. I have a successful career and I don't want to quit un- less I have another job lined up. We want to wait until after marriage to live together. My family doesn't quite approve of him be- cause they feel he doesn't meet their religious stan- dards. I'm comfortable with how my boyfriend and I share our faith. My boyfriend thinks my mother controls my life. He thinks she is too intrusive, and that I need to do something about it. My mother is old- fashioned. She distrusts my boyfriend who, she says, doesn't visit enough, and never told her what his intentions are. She worries that I will suffer the "same mistakes" she has made. I love my mother, but I realize she needs to let go. I worry that she will come between us, and she will blame him for my much- needed independence. —TornandinLove DEAR TORN » The individ- uals on either side of this family drama want to use you to control the other, but they're both trying to control you. You need to figure out how you feel about your own life. You will then have to convey, plainly and clearly, to your moth- er and your boyfriend where the boundaries are. Then you must patrol these borders, and nab anyone who violates your boundary. At the age of 32, you still live with your moth- er. This choice keeps your life intimately entwined with hers. I agree with your boyfriend that the dynamic should change, mainly because it seems to be causing problems. If you want to contin- ue to live with her, you'll have to tell her, "Mom, enough. You've already told me your thoughts about my boyfriend. I want you to know that I hear you, but your contin- ued criticism is unwel- come. You're not dating him — I am." To your boyfriend, you should say, "My family and I are a package deal. You could make my life easier by trying harder. Please don't tell me how to relate to my mother. I'm already working on that. You need to concen- trate on how you relate to her." DEAR AMY » I agree with your advice to "Feeling Alone," the woman whose father raped her. My wife revealed that her father molested her as a child. Her family showed little empathy. Family doesn't have to be " bio logica l." Fami ly can be those people who treat you as such. This woman is right to walk away from the "toxic" family members she described. — Loving Husband DEAR HUSBAND » The outpouring of support for "Feeling Alone" justifies my faith in humanity. Woman caught between her boyfriend and her mother 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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Take action and do what comes naturally. Your intense desire to achieve and excel will be difficult for anyone compet- ing with you to match. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be realistic. If you listen to the information being given to you, you'll discover a way to satisfy your needs as well as the needs of others. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — It's important to have a confidante to run your ideas by before you put them into play. Don't overdo it, overspend or overreact. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — It's a good day to engage in creative endeavors and things that bring you satisfaction. Do your research. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Home and family should be your top priority. If you want to improve your surroundings or add to your comfort and convenience, start the ball roll- ing. Your accomplishments will please you. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep an open mind, but don't give in to emotional pressure someone is putting on you. Keep your personal plans a secret until they are ready for the world. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Plan a gathering with the people whom you love and enjoy. Sharing ideas, vacation plans or fun activities to do will give you something to look forward to. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A relationship will falter if you let someone tamper with your emotions. You need to lay your cards on the table and find out where you stand. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Do something out of the ordinary. Taking part in a com- munity event that will teach you about different cultures or promote new opportunities will lead to a new pastime. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You can make strategic finan- cial moves if you make changes to your investment portfolio or take a greater interest in upgrading your qualifications. Don't give up. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — It's a good day to fix up your residence or make romantic plans. A subtle alteration to your appearance will give you the confidence you need to pursue your goals. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Strive to feel at peace. Don't lis- ten to anyone trying to pressure you into something that isn't right for you. Make alterations that will improve your living arrangements. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, NOV. 17 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016 4 B