Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/778497
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myfriend "Liz" and I have been best friends since high school. We're now in our 30s. We've been there for each other through breakups and divorces and childbirth and her coming out as a lesbian. We have always told each other everything, so when she started telling me things via text about her new girlfriend that sounded like emotional abuse, I told her I worried that's what it was. There have been many, many red flags throughout their relationship that pointed to emotional abuse and I had in the past men- tioned that it sounded as such. She said she wanted to meet in person to ex- plain why she didn't feel it was emotional abuse. I explained that if the meeting was to convince me of her girlfriend's virtues it was a waste of time. After that I didn't hear from her for months, despite my texts and phone calls. She finally reached out to me six months ago to say that they were likely breaking up. I kept my mouth shut this time, having learned my lesson. That was the last I've heard from her in months. I've reached out many, many times and have received no response. I don't understand what is happening or how to resolve it if she won't respond. I'd hate to think that a 20-year friendship is destroyed because of what, exactly? What should I do? —Concerned DEAR CONCERNED » One theory is that "Liz" did not in fact break up with her girlfriend, and because she has remained in the relationship and she knows how you feel about it, she has decided to keep her girlfriend, and let you go. It is a devastating reality that when you have a loved one you believe to be in an abusive relationship, you sometimes have to willingly relinquish your own influence, in order to continue to stay in the relationship. Reach out to her in a neutral attitude of support. Do not raise the issue of her relation- ship, and don't pressure her to be in touch. Simply tell her, "I was thinking about you today and hope you are doing well." Share a bit of news from your own life, and then hope that eventually she will gradually work with you to restore your friendship. DEAR AMY » "Concerned Sister" was worried that her brother and his wife intended to give their children different surnames. My wife and I did this with our chil- dren, and we have never regretted it. — Done That DEAR DONE THAT » Many parents have responded that their children sport different surnames. It is increasingly common and shouldn't create problems. Friend concerned relationship might be emotionally abusive 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 should question both your and other people's motives. Do your own thing. Change will lead to happiness. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If someone tries to make your life difficult, look for a way to distance yourself. Being able to bounce back will lead to your success. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Balance will make the differ- ence to whatever you pursue. Maintaining a clear vision and staying on course will ensure that you reach your destination. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Your emotions will be dif- ficult to control if you don't like what's happening around you. Don't jump to conclusions. Sit tight and avoid discord. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — If you go with the flow, you will reach your destination. A chance to bring about posi- tive personal change is within reach, as long as you limit your spending. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Invest in something that will promote you and what you have to offer. An imaginative ap- proach to something you want to pursue will be regarded as brilliant. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Older and younger people in your life will offer insight into a dilemma you face. Taking the advice they offer will lead to good fortune and better rela- tionships with a loved one. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Put your money behind your ideas. The detailed and colorful way you present what you have to offer will make it difficult for anyone to turn you down. Romance is on the rise. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You should carefully pick with whom you want to spend time. Avoid anyone who is negative or critical. Lean toward people you know will be honest, resourceful and supportive. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Making travel plans or digging for information that will help you follow a dream looks prom- ising. Check out different ways of living in order to find what you are looking for. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Use your intelligence and integrity to help you get what you want and need. If you try to avoid matters that need to be addressed, nothing will be gained. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your experience will help you sidestep a pitfall. Your intuitive intelligence won't let you down. You'll read situations accu- rately, making it easy for you to advance. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JAN. 27 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017 6 B