Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/801690
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ourson married a girl who is emotionally abusive. She has one child from a previous relationship and they now have a child together. We try to keep a relationship going with them and with both grandchil- dren. She constantly threatens our son with divorce. She shows no restraint when it comes to yelling at him and the kids in front of us. She has cut us off several times for things she perceived that we have no recollection of happening. We end up apologizing, just so we can have a relationship, even though her accusa- tion is unfounded. She limits our son seeing us. Apparently, she tracks where he is by his cellphone, and if he's at our house, after about 10 minutes she's railing on him to come home. We suspect she monitors his text messages. Our son doesn't confront her because he wants an intact family for his children. He also says she'll make his life miserable. He has an executive- level job and they live a very nice lifestyle. He doesn't complain to us often, but when he does, our hearts break. We never drop in on them because we were told that she doesn't like that. She has a lot of rules. But, when she needs a favor (such as time to get a manicure), she will ask us to baby-sit, which we happily do. There are times when she is very nice to us. Do you have any advice on how to keep the relationship with her go in g, s o th at s he d oe sn ' t punish us by withdrawing our grandchildren? —SadGrandparents DEAR SAD » By your ac- count, your son is being isolated and controlled by his abusive wife. She also controls you, using con- tact with your grandchil- dren as a way to keep you in line. Understand that if she wants to exert power over you, she will remove access to them, no matter what you do. You cannot make your son's choices for him, but you can refuse to be controlled. Don't let your daugh- ter-in-law use the kids as a weapon. This means that you will need to face the possibility of not see- ing them for a time. If she berates your son or her children in your presence, say to her, "Stop it, please." Confront her and say, "We're not going to stay here and witness this. We're leaving." If she refuses to let you see the children, maintain a neutral attitude: "That's too bad; we're sorry to hear that. If you change your mind or ever need a hand, let us know. We're always available." Privately, you should tell your son that he is in an abusive marriage and that you hope he will exit (with his child). Offer him tons of support, encour- agement and practical help to leave when he is ready, but accept that he may choose to stay. Parents concerned about son's abusive, controlling marriage 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Don't run away from con- troversy. Dig up the facts you need to back your position. Your strength and courage will impress someone influential. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Make travel plans, set up meetings and take the initiative. Deal with matters pertaining to education, children and infor- mation sharing. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let money slip through your fingers. If you are going to spend on something, invest in yourself. Gaining experience will boost your confidence. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Try not to let your emotions take control, especially at work or when you're dealing with partners. See all sides. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Think before you let your emo- tions lead you down a slippery slope. Say less and do more in order to avoid criticism. Don't let anger or excessive behavior take the reins. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Keep close tabs on your spend- ing, expenses and overhead. Cut corners where possible. Networking will be informative. Put more energy into learning and gaining experience. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't jump to conclusions. Bide your time and use your intel- ligence and logic to help control emotional situations. Don't give in to unreasonable demands. Of- fer peace and love, not discord. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It's in your best interest to keep busy and concentrate on what you can accomplish instead of stewing over what others are doing. Jealousy isn't the way to go. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Someone oblivious to your situation will unintention- ally give you an ideal way to recycle an old idea. There is money to be made if you put in the time and effort. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Ignore an urge to travel or take on something that might harm your reputation. What may appear to be an opportunity is likely riddled with uncertainty and complex requirements. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't let frustration lead to anger or a confrontation with someone who doesn't see things your way. Ignore what others do and stay focused on what works best for you. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Get involved in things that matter to you. Community or- ganizations that strive to make your environment healthier, safer and more convenient will give you a platform. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, MARCH 21 TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B