Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/779841
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'vebeen with my boyfriend for two years. I am 21; he is 23. We get along very well, but he is extremely shy! He barely speaks to my family or friends, or even at his own family functions. Around me, he is fairly chatty. Why isn't he like this with anyone else? He only has a select few friends that he plays video games with. He thinks it's "weird" to hang out, and he "hates small talk because it is pointless." For a long time, this didn't bother me. How- ever, now my mother says she doesn't like him because he is unfriendly. She tells me she would rather I was with some- one else; someone more "involved." My friends have also expressed concern; they say he's "awkward." What can I do to help my boyfriend be more sociable? He has ex- pressed an interest in seeking help, we just don't know where to get it. Should my friends and family be more understanding? —Disturbed DEAR DISTURBED » The first thing you should do is to understand that your boyfriend is likely an introvert. Ex- pecting him to suddenly become sociable is like expecting an orange to become a blueberry. Could you behave in a way that is in complete opposition to your na- ture? Probably not. You and your guy should both read the best-selling book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," by Susan Cain (2013, Broadway Books). This ground- breaking look at intro- version helps introverts — and those who love them — see the common- ality of their qualities and characteristics. Your guy is likely only comfortable interacting with a very small group of people at any one time. He is quiet because he is listening, not because he doesn't want to know people. He is comfortable with and interacts with you because being in your presence doesn't over- whelm him. More insight into his nature will help you to understand him better. For him, self- knowledge might help him to find ways to push through his temperament in order to please you, your friends and family. He should also grow to understand that there is nothing at all "wrong" with him. DEAR AMY » The question from "In a Quandary" made me see red. This gentleman felt forced by his elderly mother-in-law to use a handicap park- ing permit that her late husband left behind after he died. Amy, it is illegal to use one of these permits if it isn't yours. Quandary was morally opposed to using the permit, but he did, anyway. He should have refused. — Disgusted DEAR DISGUSTED » I com- pletely agree. Girlfriend is flummoxed by her introverted boyfriend 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 create a safe zone if you distance yourself from users and abusers. Focus on taking care of your needs. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotions can be helpful if you speak from the heart and let your true feelings and intentions be known. It's secrets that will get in your way. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Not everyone will approve of the changes you want to make, but you have to do what's best for you and proceed without hesitation. Actions speak louder than words. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Let your creativity help you find solutions. Don't dismiss your feelings. Your intuitive aware- ness will guide you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Stay focused on your end goal. Do your best to get ahead by working hard and being responsible. You can bring about change if you are willing to go the distance. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Share your thoughts and look for solutions. Sticking to what's realistic and using com- mon sense will make life easier. Self-awareness will lead to enlightenment. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Making travel plans or domestic alterations that will encourage you to spend more time working on personal goals is encouraged. Added discipline will help you bring about positive change. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Keep your money and pos- sessions locked up. Don't be tempted to gamble or to pay for someone else's mistakes. Use your intelligence to safeguard against someone. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Emotional energy will surface, giving you the drive you need to make things happen. Choose to engage in positive, progressive action and avoid disputes with stubborn individuals. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Get out and have some fun. Try something new or engage in activities that will motivate you to try new things. Make a com- mitment to yourself. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It's a good day to stay active. More action and less talk will help you avoid being taken for granted. Don't limit what you can do just because someone is emotionally toying with you. Do what's best for yourself. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Rely on past acquaintances and experience to help you make wise choices. Don't get swept into someone else's plans when you have good ideas that should be implemented. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JAN. 31 TUESDAY,JANUARY31,2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B