Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/757347
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»AmanwhoI was involved with years ago announced to me that he is making me the ben- eficiary on his insurance. I am fond of him, but could never spend my life with him because he made bad decisions. We went sepa- rate ways, but remained friends. He has since had two chil- dren. These children are in addi- tion to the daughter he had before I met him. He has a contentious, messy family, including a sister who behaves like some evil instigator from a bad movie. She has sued various family members. I told him I did not want to be his beneficiary. He says I am the only responsible person he knows. If he passed before me, these crazy people would make my life hell. I told him not to put my name on that policy. He says he doesn't care, he's doing it. Is there anything I can do if he goes against my wishes? —UnwillingBeneficiary DEAR UNWILLING » It is my understanding that anyone can refuse to be a beneficiary or "waive" a payout, even if you are named on the policy. If you refuse proceeds the company behaves as if you had predeceased the policy holder, and the money will pass on to the person named as a "contingent" on the policy, or the next of kin. Double- check the procedure for refusing designation in your state. Given this man's situa- tion, even designating next of kin might be challeng- ing, and you are wise to avoid this mess. DEAR AMY » My husband and I have been through a lot. We have both wanted to have children for sev- eral years. I have health issues that are complicat- ing getting pregnant. I confided in my best friend about my fears and dreams of having children. She always said I should wait, giving reason after reason why it would be a bad idea to get pregnant. Well, guess what? My friend got pregnant. After telling me I should wait and saying that she herself was going to wait! I was hurt. After try- ing and trying, and with her discouraging me, she blurts it out. Two days earlier, I thought I was pregnant, but the test confirmed I wasn't. Now she acts like she is an expert on children. Since she announced she was pregnant she has been catty and distant. I received an invitation to her baby shower. I am not sure I want to go. I love her and her family, but now she feels like a complete stranger. Should I just chalk up her behavior to hormones? Should I go to the shower despite how I am feeling? — Baby Blues in PA DEAR BLUES » It seems that you both backed out of your agreement. Either that, or your friend had an unplanned pregnancy. It is possible that her behavior is due to hor- mones, but so might yours. She should respond to you with compassion, but you should also be honest about your own compli- cated feelings. Beneficiary says an emphatic 'no thanks!' to ex-lover You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Stick to the facts and don't make promises you cannot keep. It's important to move forward at a steady pace and without conflict. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — An emotional plea will inspire you to voice your concerns regarding certain situations. Speak up and share your point of view. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Open talks with someone who you feel can help you reach your goal. His or her suggestions will help you make significant changes to the way you move. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — A creative idea will bring you recognition. Don't let someone's jealousy stop you from following through with your plans. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your emotions may prevent you from making a good decision. Don't jump to conclusions or get all worked up over something that will set you back instead of helping you get ahead. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Use your ingenuity and do what you can to initiate a conversa- tion with someone who may have something to contribute to your plans. Travel may be nec- essary, but it will not be easy. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You must use caution when dealing with contracts, legali- ties, health or financial issues. Promises will be made, but you should nonetheless get things in writing or ask for a second opinion. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — An emotional connection with someone quite different from you will develop into something very special. A partnership will encourage you. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Networking, doing things with people you love or making posi- tive alterations at home that will encourage you to take on a new project are featured. Keep busy and stay focused. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A unique partnership will de- velop. Use your intuitive insight to select the best route. Expect interference from someone close to you regarding your deci- sions or choice of friendships. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Taking part in activities that allow you to show off your skills, experience and knowledge will interest someone who has something to offer. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Let past personal experience dictate how you move forward. Choosing a unique way to live that satisfies you mentally, physically and emotionally will encourage success and happi- ness. Romance is highlighted. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, DEC. 1 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016 4 B