Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/812577
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'vebeen dating a woman for about six months now. We started dating soon after what I thought was her official breakup with her ex-boyfriend. She moved out of the house she shared with him and moved in with a co-work- er of mine. I just found out that she never broke up with her boy- friend. He apparently thinks they are "just figuring things out." When we first started seeing each other I suggested we casually date other people because she just got out of a relationship. She told me she wants me and doesn't need anyone else. I've also recently found out that she has at least two other lovers — these are people she was seeing while in her prior relationship. I told her I don't want to date her any- more, and she suggested that we just have a sexual relationship. I declined, and now she's telling people I abused her. I try to stay away, but when a woman says something like that, it becomes "fact" in every- one's mind. Help me! I have no idea what to do. —Hurting DEAR HURTING » How fast can you run? Strap on your track shoes and get (and stay) away from this one-woman wrecking ball. Her suggestion that you two should segue from an emotional relationship into a sex- only relationship seems to violate your own values and standards. And this — and her reaction to your rejection — says everything you need to know about her. You need to answer any accusation calmly by saying — to the ac- cuser — "You know that that is simply not true." Then separate from this person immediately. Disconnect from her on all social media, and pur- posely avoid having any personal or phone contact with her — or through other people. Friends of yours will no t a ut o ma ti ca ll y be l ie ve a false accusation. You should address it directly by saying, "This is absolutely not true." Avoid trashing her (this could escalate her ac- cusations), but do say, "She and I have different ideas about how to have a relationship." If you feel this slander has legs, and if it is having a negative impact on your other rela- tionships, your reputa- tion and your work, you should see a lawyer. These lies might be le- gally actionable. DEAR READERS » Sometimes people who dispense advice run out of answers. If you've ever been curi- ous about the life behind my advice, read my new book, "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home" (2017, Hachette). Dramatic dating relationship ends in slander for a man 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 let what others do tempt you. You are best off doing your own thing. A problem you have with whoever is in charge is best kept to yourself. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Learn all you can and apply it to what you are trying to accom- plish. Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving until you reach your destination. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let people get you down or take away from what you are trying to accomplish. You may want to reconsider the relationship. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Use common sense and exercise caution when dealing with part- ners or someone showing signs of inconsistency. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Emotional situations will surface at work if you or a col- league is impulsive or unreal- istic. Think before you act or respond. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Taking a short trip or spending time with someone who could provide knowledge and insight into something you want to pursue will pay off. Look over personal contracts. Make a commitment to someone. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Put your time and energy into positive pursuits. You'll make progress if you stay focused and dedicated. Finishing what you start will help you avoid criticism. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Personal alterations can lead to gains if you are pas- sionate about the changes you enact. Don't rely on some- one else to take care of your responsibilities. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Think twice before you do or say something you'll regret. Concentrate on making personal changes instead of trying to change others. Understanding and integrity will be required. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Question anyone try- ing to force through a plan or idea without offering sufficient grounds for doing so. It's your right to demand facts and fig- ures before you get involved. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You'll end up spending more or owing more if you haven't properly taken care of your personal investments or taxes. Dealing with institutions will require finesse. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Explain what you want and what you expect. Being evasive will not help you get ahead. Show your ability to adapt, un- derstand and take charge. If you want something, go after it. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, APRIL 18 TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B