Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/776814
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mymother and I have a difficult re- lationship. She has some mental issues. She has seen a few psychologists throughout her life, but once the therapy starts to bring up things my mother does not like or agree with, she calls them crazy and quits. She has done a lot of things to hurt me and my siblings, and as hard as we work to build some sort of relationship, she works to tear it down. I will be getting mar- ried next year. I do not want to invite her. My sister got married last year and our mother's behavior was unreason- able. A week before the wedding she cussed her out and told her that mar- riage is horrible. The morning of the wedding she kept calling my sister. She tried to make it all about her. When the bride and groom visited tables during the reception, our mother ignored my sister. She left without telling anyone. She pushes people away with her erratic behavior. I feel guilty that I don't have a relationship with her, but I have been hurt in the past, so I no longer trust her. My fiance suggested that we explain to her why we don't feel com- fortable inviting her, and then create a time where we can visit her a couple weeks after the wedding. I don't know what to do. Should I invite her and suck it up, even though she will probably make me angry/sad? —AtaLoss DEAR AT A LOSS » If you want to sever whatever remaining shred of a rela- tionship you might have with your mother, then don't invite her. However, I think you should consider inviting her, but then not let her make you angry/sad. Expect her to say or do hurtful, thoughtless or unkind things. Under- stand that her punish- ing tendency is to try to create drama. Don't engage. This form of detachment might get her angry enough in advance of your wedding that she will refuse to attend. Your mantra should be, "I wish things could be perfect, but that's not the family I landed in. My mother has problems, and yet — it is what it is." Try to serenely anchor to your own joy, hold hands with your beloved and start your life together. Ask your sister to help you run interference. DEAR AMY » "Upset" was worried because her husband's brother and his wife were going through a nasty divorce, and the brother didn't want his ex-wife (the child's god- mother) to attend Upset's child's first communion. I was surprised that you suggested they speak with clergy about this. What does that have to do with their issue? — Concerned DEAR CONCERNED » A child's first communion is a religious event. The child' s godmo ther ha s an important role in this event. Clergy should influ- ence all of the adults to behave. Daughter does not want to invite her mother to wedding 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — You can make a difference if you bypass negative people or those trying to bring you down. Stay focused on bringing about positive change. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Good intentions will not be enough if you don't follow through with your plans. Money will slip through your fingers. Romance is featured. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Observation and experimenta- tion can be great teachers. Live and learn without venturing too far from home. Problems while traveling can be expected. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Use the information you collect to help you make personal gains. Be cautious when dealing with institutions and government. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Anger is best contained. You may not like what others do, but it's in your best interest to bide your time. Concentrate on personal growth and positive interaction. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't be tempted to alter your lifestyle just because someone else does. Do what makes the most sense and brings you the most joy. Physical changes are highlighted. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't let anger or disappoint- ment take charge. You need to control your temper and focus on taking action instead of wasting time in arguments. Make an impression by choosing a positive route to victory. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Sign up for an event or network with people in your industry. It's important to keep up with the most recent trends. Your charm will capture attention. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Sudden and unexpected chang- es will take you by surprise. Be careful how you handle domes- tic and partnership situations that can influence your security. Proceed with caution. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Explore your creative ideas and do whatever it takes to test your strategy and theories. A physical change will help you distance yourself from someone who has a negative influence on your life. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't take risks that can hurt you emotionally, physi- cally or financially. Express your thoughts and gain approval in order to make a transition easier for everyone involved. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't be fooled by what others do or say. Follow your heart and your plans. Refuse to let unexpected changes lead you astray. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JAN. 24 TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B