Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/767133
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 together for 10 years. I am 28 and he is 26. I never really pushed the idea of getting married or having kids. Lately, though, it's all I can think about. When I ask him things like, "When do you think we will get married?" he does things like roll his eyes, and says things like, "Pretty soon, I guess, since women are never satisfied." When he says these kinds of things it hurts and makes me think I'm just not good enough. I've always been patient about this subject because of our age difference, but it's starting to bother me. I don't want him to feel obligated to marry me, but I don't want to waste any more time not knowing if we are in the same place. It's hard for me to talk to him about my feelings. Am I being unreason- able? Should I just wait it out? Should we see a cou- ples counselor? Should we break up? We don't have children, and we don't have a joint bank account. I'm just so confused. —Waiting DEAR WAITING » I have a question for you: Why are you so interested in form- ing a permanent relation- ship with someone who doesn't respect you? You have been with this man for 10 years, which means you've been with him for almost half of your life. I gather this is possibly your first-ever relationship. It is normal for you to want to be married and formalize your family at your age. Plus — in life, you get to want what you want. Don't apologize for it. Don't let your guy gaslight you into believ- ing that you are being unreasonable. You could force a choice by issuing an ultimatum, but then, of course, you would be boxing him in. If he capitulates, he might then make you pay for this for the entirety of your relationship. Counseling would definitely help, but I'd suggest it mainly for you. If he would join you in counseling it would help you two learn to commu- nicate respectfully. Breaking up would be your straightest path to getting what you deserve: a relationship with some- one who loves, respects and wants to build a future with you. DEAR AMY » I completely disagree with your re- sponse to "Fur ious ." F uri- ous was upset because his husband was prevented from baby-sitting his baby nephew because the child's parents were wor- ried about sexual abuse. I saw lots of red flags there, too. What kind of uncle visits twice a week and wants to baby-sit? — Furious at You DEAR FURIOUS » Parents have the ultimate respon- sibility for choosing who can care for their chil- dren. But there are lots of good men out there who love children every bit as much as women do. This uncle's desire to spend time with his nephew didn't strike me as strange. Girlfriend wants to take the relationship to next level 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan. 19) — You need to take better care of your health. Too much of anything will lead to unwanted stress and difficulty enjoying holiday events. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Saying little will help you get through family gatherings. It's the actions you take to honor your beliefs that count; arguing will get you nowhere. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Visit someone you haven't seen in a while and share an engaging conversation that will help you jump-start your plans for the future. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A close relationship will need nurturing. Consider innovative ways to come to terms with what you have to work with. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — It's a good day to take action and share a little of your time or skills with those less fortunate. Every little bit you do will make a difference as well as make you feel good. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let work-related worries get in the way of you enjoying the people you love most. You cannot change the inevitable, but you can live in the moment. Personal gains are apparent. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A heartfelt offering or sugges- tion will result in popularity and good fortune. Don't hold back when you have something to contribute. Share your ideas and make a difference. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — An emotional misunderstanding will unfold if you haven't shared important information with a loved one. Children will try your patience. You can and should rely on an elder to help you out. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Doing something special for a loved one will improve the way you move forward with your re- lationship. Planning a short trip or getting together with family is encouraged. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't argue with someone who is set in his or her ways. An unexpected offering will leave you speechless, and a unique gesture on your part will help bring you closer to someone. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Emotions will be close to the surface. Speak from the heart and share your thoughts and concerns. Use your imagination when it comes to self-improve- ments and home upgrades. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Open your home to friends and family. Hosting a holiday event will show your gratitude to those whom you love and appreciate. Love and romance should be a priority. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, DEC. 24 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016 8 B