Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/804858
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»MywifeandI are successful, hardwork- ing physicians in our 50s. For many years we have had stress in our marriage that often cen- ters around my tendency t o fo cu s on p e r ce iv e d "wrongs," and what I believe is her tendency to say things with hurtful intent. After I saw a therapist, I worked to understand this, and our relationship has improved. Until last night. We were watching television when a commercial came on. It featured a hand- some man of about my age, standing in front of a nice island home. He invited viewers to enjoy financial independence. I mentioned that I would like to join him on his island of wealth. My wife said that she would like to run away with him (laughing). I did not share her laugh. I went up to bed. Then I began to fixate on her comment, and why she thought that was so funny. I think what made it more hurtful to me is that A: I have thinning hair, and B: I just worked for hours making dinner. Later, I told her that her comment hurt my feelings. She replied, "But it was only a joke." Well, of course, I knew she wasn't going to run off with this actor, but I still wonder if this is how normal, emotionally close couples share humor? —UpsetHusband DEAR UPSET » Many a marriage has been strained by "humor." However, let's re-rack the evening in question: The "joke" started with you, saying that you want- ed to join this man on his private island of wealth. Given your own sensitiv- ity, why would you make this sort of comment? By saying it, were you imply- ing that your wife has not done a good enough job of providing wealth? (No, but she could take it this way if she wanted.) Instead, your wife signified that she got the joke by making a joke. It's called domestic comedy, and in order to take the stage, you need not only to make, but take jokes, making an effort to respect the context. You should recom- mit to your individual therapy and be screened for anxiety; you and your wife could also use some counseling, in order to learn ways to keep your comm unica tion f riendl y. Part of this effort would be for your wife to apolo- gize when you tell her your feelings are hurt. DEAR AMY » Regarding the letter from "Baffled," whose 10-year-old son was rude to his grand- mother: That mother needs to teach her son some manners and how to care for others. It's something that should have been done through the years, and I hope it's not too late to start. The fault does not lie with the grandmother. The fault is with the mother's inability to teach her son. — Disappointed DEAR DISAPPOINTED » Blaming the grandmother for her own sensitivity to this rudeness doesn't help the child, either. This husband can make but not take a light-hearted joke 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)— Engage in something new and exciting. Trust in your ability to get things done. Stand tall and do your own thing. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — If you get out and participate, you will become aware of cur- rent situations influencing your community. Getting involved will give you a voice. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You can only hide for so long. Deal with issues before mat- ters spin out of control. Don't let pride stand between you and doing what's right. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Rely on the people who have never let you down. Trust will be required if you want to avoid situations that could potentially make you look bad. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Use your intelligence to bring about positive change. Your ability to find solutions and get things done will give you an edge over your professional rivals. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Look for opportunities to learn something new and make new acquaintances. Educational pur- suits or in-depth conversations at networking functions will give you the substance required to make upcoming decisions. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you want to keep the peace, be willing to put in more effort on the domestic front. Put greater emphasis on nurturing relationships. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't dismiss your intuition. If something doesn't feel right to you, take action and get to the bottom of the situation quickly. Your concerns will be valid. Act now. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Step it up a notch and show everyone what you have to offer. Your magnetism and presentation will be difficult to resist. Opportunity knocks, and positive changes are within reach. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Overdoing it in any way will cause problems. Overspend- ing, excessive behavior or taking on too much will lead to added stress, long hours and a need for damage control. Be smart. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Monetary gains will come from an unexpected source. Invest in yourself, your skills and your standard of living. Love and romance will enhance your life. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Rely on your uniqueness to reach your goals. Being obser- vant will help you put your life in perspective. Make choices based on facts, experience and your particular skill set. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B