Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/794700
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 had a tumultu- ous and toxic relationship ever since I was a child. It was a mess of bitter resentment, jealousy, explosive fights, abuse and disappointment on both sides. It has taken some time, space and, of course, some therapy (I participated, she did not), but we have gone a year without an incident. Now that I am a mother myself, I have found some under- standing, healing and forgiveness. Our relationship is the best that it has ever been, but she has always been disappointing when I needed her. Now I have a huge op- portunity for us to bond and for her to be there for me like the mother I have always wanted and needed. My second child is due in a month. I always said she would be the last person I'd want with me in the delivery room, but I now think I want her there. Should I give her the chance? She missed helping me with prom, my wedding, the birth of my first son. If it goes well it will strengthen our relationship; if it doesn't — more therapy, I guess? —MommyDearest DEAR MOMMY » Given the toxic history, I think giving your mother a "huge" opportunity is also offering her a huge way to fail you. This is an extremely stressful and "loaded" situation; while giving birth you might not react to her in the way she would like, and the stress and anxiety might plunge both of you right back into your old dynamic. And yet — I under- stand the symbolism for you, as well as why you want this so badly. Proceed with caution. Ask her if she wants this (she might not). Give her plenty of outs, and make sure you have reliable and companion- able backup. Keep your therapist's number on speed-dial. DEAR AMY » "Worried Parents" wondered about intervening with their college-attending daughter for drinking problems. The website collegeparentsmatter. org is designed to help parents communicate more effectively with their college-attending child about alcohol, and was created by public health researchers from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, using science-based information, and including prompts about how to communicate with their kids. — Amelia M. Arria, Ph.D., University of Maryland DEAR AMELIA » Parents will find this resource very helpful. Thank you. Should toxic mom help daughter deliver new baby? 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Be true to yourself. Don't feel bad if you want to do something that doesn't include others. You will get more accomplished. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Time spent making alterations to the way you live or how you present yourself to others will pay off. Romance will enhance your relationship. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Take care of your respon- sibilities without making a fuss. The less interference you experience, the more you will accomplish. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Emotional matters will take charge, leaving you in an awkward position. Don't feel compelled to disclose personal information. Set realistic goals. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Listen to others, but don't take what they say literally. Emotional blackmail will end up costing you if you let it. Don't let children or anyone, for that matter, make you feel guilty. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't let changes going on around you cause distress. Embrace whatever comes your way by contributing your unique touch. Earn your place at the top. Celebrate with someone. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Listen carefully. The informa- tion you are being given could easily influence your position, as well as your relationship with someone you've grown to love and trust. Lead the way. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Speak clearly and ask questions if you feel uncertain. Transpar- ency will make your life and choices much easier. Offer honesty, and insist on the same from those you deal with. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Emotions and money don't mix. If you are attached to something, there is no price anyone can pay for it. Fair judgment will be required if you want to be viewed as honest. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Confusion and delays will set in if you travel or attend a reunion or event that will bring you in touch with people from your past. Don't believe every- thing you hear. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Keep your emotions steady and your sights fixed on what you want to achieve. Giving in to someone dangling temptation in front of you will set you back and create limitations. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Joint ventures will prove to be prosperous. Emotional sensitivity will give you the in- sight you need to make the best choice possible. Celebrate your victory with a loved one. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, MARCH 4 SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B