Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/772629
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 23-year-old woman who has been in a relationship with my boyfriend for four years. We currently live together and plan on getting married and hav- ing children. We are perfect to- gether and I couldn't ask for a better partner. His mother and I do not get along. From the very beginning of our relation- ship she has talked constantly about his exes. She will post pictures and tag them and invite them to family functions where her son and I are expected to attend. For the past couple of years we have both told her that this makes me feel uncomfortable and that I won't be going to these functions if an ex or multiple exes will be there. The last family func- tion was three months ago. I decided not to go because his ex accepted the invite. My boyfriend decided he would not at- tend, either. This caused a major uproar and his family is now accusing me of keep- ing their son and brother from them. I have decided I want nothing to do with them anymore. Is it right for us to be upset about this? Am I being unreasonable or jealous? My feelings are badly hurt and I can't un- derstand why they can't let these exes go. Can my boyfriend and I still thrive in a relationship if there is a strain between me and his family? —Worried DEAR WORRIED » Your boyfriend holds the key to how to both hold firm and help to rebuild your relationship with his family members. He should not put this all on you, but should say, "I don't want to see my ex- girlfriends at every family event. So if one or more of them will be present, please let me know in advance." You are also going to need to get ahold of your feelings. It is inevitable that you will sometimes interact with other women who have been in his life. You should not freak out, but accept this occasional inevitability. His family should respect his (and your) wishes, but you have handed them ammuni- tion to cast you in the role of the bad guy. You can prove them wron g by be - ing polite, not taking the bait and becoming more secure in your rights and wishes. Your boyfriend should also see them when he wants to and keep his distance when he feels disrespected. You should both read, "Toxic In-Laws: Loving Strategies for Protecting Your Marriage," by Susan Forward (2002, Harper Perennial). DEAR AMY » "Worried Hubby" was threatened by a deep friendship his wife had with a man at work. A quick "rule" about outside friendships is if the spouse is disclos- ing things to the friend she should be telling the husband, then they have a problem. — Been There DEAR BEEN THERE » Ex- actly. Thank you. Girlfriend worries about her future mother-in-law 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) — It's important to align your thoughts or plans to fit every- one's needs before making a decision or move that will affect others. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keep an open mind, but don't feel you have to donate to a cause or pay for others. Listen and make suggestions, but protect your assets. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Steer clear of emotional spending, overindulgent people and deals that are too good to be true. Instead, you should pursue a dream. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep your life simple. Presenting your ideas before you are ready will lead to interference. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — A move or change of scenery will open your mind and spur you to try new things. A financial opportunity will tempt you. Call in favors and request assistance from those who've given you good advice in the past. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Involvements with children, temptations and other people's problems will all have to be handled cautiously. Moderation and simplicity will be required. Protect your position. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Shed some light on what you have in mind with regard to pro- fessional strategy. Be creative and step outside your comfort zone in order to make a lasting impression. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Ap- peal to those who are heading in the same direction as you. Step into a leadership position. Offer a comprehensive plan that will bring about popular change. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You can only do so much. Size up whatever situation you face and offer solid advice but don't feel the need to take over or you may end up being blamed for interfering. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put in the hours and see what you can accomplish. Less talk and more action will help you avoid trouble and controversy that could hinder your efforts and success. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Use your energy and enthu- siasm to do what you feel is worthwhile. Aim to improve your stamina by engaging in fitness activities or something that will improve your awareness. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll have difficulty managing your money. Don't let temptation or a get-rich-quick scheme lead to a loss. If you want change, you need to do something to cut your costs. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JAN. 12 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017 4 B