Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/782112
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myyoung adult son recently trav- eled to a foreign country. Knowing how my elderly parents worry, I asked my son not to tell them; given the frequency of ter- rorism in the world today, I knew they would worry themselves sick over him being out of the country. They feel stress even if we go shop- ping in our own city. As they have aged, they fret about every situation, until they are actually physically ill. I made the decision I felt was best for my parents. I was in no way trying to be malicious or deceitful. Now that my son has returned home, I am faced with the decision to tell them and explain the reasoning for my deci- sion, or not tell them. I fear they will not under- stand my reasoning, and forever hold it against me, or worse yet, my son. My parents are not forgiving if they feel they've been wronged. I can't go back and change my decision at this point. However, I regret drag- ging my son into a web of deceit, even though my intentions were honestly made with my parents' well-being in mind. Do you think I should continue to keep the secret, or tell them, and end up hurting them and stressing them out in spite of my trying to avoid it in the first place? —RiddledwithGuilt DEAR RIDDLED » You should not feel obligated to tell your parents of the movements of your adult c h il dr en i n th e fi rs t p l ac e. Your son's trip is his news to share. It sounds as if he agreed with your choice to withhold news of this trip from your folks. Now that he has returned, you/he should tell your parents, in order to relieve everyone from this secret-keeping, which will likely backfire. Keep it light and simple: "Has Chas told you about his trip to Europe? He re- turned home safely from two weeks visiting his friend, and I'm sure he's eager to tell you about it." If your folks interro- gate you about your role in this, simply tell them, "I made a judgment call not to let you know in advance because of the stress it would cause." If they disagree with your choice — and you can assume they will — explain that you followed your best judgment and you're sorry if they are disappointed, but it's done now and you hope they will understand. DEAR AMY » "Patient Passenger," was fuming because a fellow airline passenger brazenly cut in line ahead of her at the airport gate. Your answer was interesting and informa- tive, but you should have also told her that each passenger has an assigned seat. All will be boarded eventually and the plane will take off. She should find some- thing more important to fume about. — Truly Patient DEAR TRULY » "Patient Passenger" was shocked at the way she got played. A healthy perspective usually arrives after the plane has taken off. Foreign travel weaves web of deceit with nervous family 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) — Size up situations and make your move based on what you discover. Refuse to get involved in other people's problems or let anyone meddle in your affairs. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Thinking about days gone by will help you reflect on whom you miss. If you plan a get- together for old friends, you'll encourage new beginnings. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Do something that will make you and the ones you love hap- py. Plan a trip or an outing that will bring you closer together. Love is featured. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Share your knowledge and learn from information offered to you in return. You'll be enlightened if you interact with people. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be a good Samaritan. Indulge in activities that are geared to- ward helping others in order to feel satisfaction as well as have the good fortune to meet people who will influence your future. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't expect everyone to agree with you. Arguing will not solve problems, but offering incentives and finding ways to compromise will help you reach your goals. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Travel, education and personal improvements are all highlight- ed. The way you present your- self will have a bearing on the people you attract. Romance is in the stars. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Protect your home, family and finances. Be smart when it comes to investments. Not all deals will be in your best inter- est. Travel and communication will lead to valuable information. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Look for unique solutions to any problems that transpire. Getting along with your peers and your family or roommates will make the difference between success and failure. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Be brave and ready to express your feelings. You won't be able to clear up what isn't working if you aren't honest about what you want out of life. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Physical alterations to your surroundings or personal appearance will encourage you to bring about positive changes to your lifestyle. Love and romance will improve your existence. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Avoid excessive behavior or impulsive actions. A stable, steady pace toward a safe and happy lifestyle is in your best interest, regardless of what anyone else does. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, FEB. 4 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B