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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 37-year-old woman who was adopted at the age of 6. My adoptive mother, "Jane," encouraged me to find my biological mom, "Kate," after Jane had re- cently connected with her biological family (she was also adopted). I recon- nected with Kate four years ago. Mom quickly became very upset about the developing relationship between Kate and my brother and me. She would cry and drill me for information about Kate. I reassured her that she was my mother and even though I wanted a relationship with Kate, it didn't mean I loved her any less. My relationship with mom has always been fragile. There was some sexual and physical abuse that happened by the hands of my father. I told her when I was 12. She did report it, but she asked me to lie about the severity of the abuse, and I did. She made me feel guilty because she had also adopted my brother. I didn't want him to lose his family. I have forgiven her, but this has left a mark on my heart. Now she is interfer- ing with my relationship with Kate. She will go weeks without speaking to me. She tells me I'm a horrible daughter and that I don't love her. She threatens to quit talking to me. I only talk to Kate (mainly texting) a couple times a week. I talk to my mom at least four days a week. I'm trying my hard- est to keep our relation- ship solid. My question is, am I correct in standing my ground and not choosing be tw ee n t he t wo ? —Worried DEAR WORRIED » You should continue to stand your ground, but don't be afraid to also make a choice. Realize that you will never be able to balance these two relationships, because your mother, "Jane," won't let you. So stop trying. Your relationship with your biological mother is your business. If Jane wants to quit talking to you because of this, then let her. You should never have to prove to your mother how much you love her. You are already worthy. The person who con- tinually demands such proof does not deserve to receive it. Your mother is being cruel, manipulative and emotionally abusive. She has put you on an emo- tional roller coaster, and her behavior is designed to keep you permanently off-balance. Your background is complex and challenging. All of your choices now should foster your own emotional health and growth. You can't grow if your mother is constantly forcing you to serve her own needs. You would greatly benefit from talking with a therapist who could continue to coach you as you sort out these relationships. I'm rooting for you. Daughter is trying to juggle relationship with two mothers 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) — A chance to make a financial move is best thought through carefully. Don't let your emo- tions or romantic partner influ- ence an important decision. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your luck is changing. Reconnect with someone you have enjoyed working or playing with in the past and see what happens. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Express your thoughts and offer suggestions. You will capture interest and impress someone who can influence your future. Partnerships look promising. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Once you grasp the magnitude of the conversation, add posi- tive, unique suggestions. Your candor will be appreciated. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Put everything you've got into getting ahead. Use your intellect to draw attention to what you want to see unfold and you will have a captive audience. Romance looks inviting. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll be torn between profes- sional and personal responsibili- ties. Look for a unique way to satisfy both yourself and the people counting on you. Honesty and understanding will help you overcome challenges. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Stop contemplating and start engaging in the ventures that excite you. Personal gains, trav- el and physical indulgence look appealing as well as rewarding. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Try to stay on course. Falling behind will result in complaints from someone who can be demanding. Put your money in a safe place to avoid overspending. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Look for changes that will make your life better. Evaluate your current situation as well as your relationships. Size things up, and figure out how you can at- tain the happiness you desire. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Problems with communica- tion can be expected if you have revealed too much information to someone you thought you could trust. Damage control will be necessary. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Get out there and have fun today. Participate in any activity that will align you with like-minded people or valuable colleagues. Be a team player. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Stop in your tracks before you make a mistake. Don't follow the leader when you should be the leader. Making impulsive decisions or letting someone coerce you into an argument will set you back. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, FEB. 16 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 2 B