THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015
FEATURES
7A
‘Tough love’ causes resentment Tomorrow’s horoscope
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
Dear Annie: I have a
30-year-old son. “Brad” was
the perfect child, loving and
affectionate, until the age of
16. That’s when I divorced my
drug-addicted husband. I shel-
tered the children as much as
I could from what their father
was doing.
When I transferred Brad to a
public school, he got involved
in drugs, quit school, became
verbally abusive, did a stint
in jail and more. I remarried
a wonderful man who showed
Brad nothing but love. Any dis-
ciplining was done by me.
When I found out Brad was
doing drugs at age 21, I kicked
him out of the house. He abused
steroids and who knows what
else. He blames me for the way
he is because I kicked him out.
He claims no mother would
do that. I told him it’s called
“tough love” and that I refuse
to watch him destroy himself.
I have not spoken to Brad in
five months. Christmas and my
birthday have come and gone
with no acknowledgment. My
heart is just so broken. Should I
reach out to him or let him fig-
ure out life on his own? Do I
wish him a happy birthday next
Annie’s
Mailbox
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
Kathy Mitchell
and
Marcy Sugar
month? I don’t know what to
do anymore. — Brokenhearted
Mom
Dear Brokenhearted: Tough
love can also be tough on the
parents. You did nothing wrong
by expecting your adult son to
move out of the house. Even
kids who are not abusing drugs
ought to leave the nest by then.
Brad finds it easier to blame you
for what is wrong with his life
than to accept responsibility for
his own actions. Until he figures
it out, all you can do is wait and
hope. But you can send him a
birthday card and also find sup-
port from others in your situa-
tion through Because I Love You
at bily.org. Good luck.
Dear Annie: I was saddened
by the letter from “L.H. in
Montgomery,” the 82-year-old
woman who has been searching
for love for 40 years.
My husband and I are senior
citizens, 75 and 80 years old.
We have been dancing (ball-
room style) in senior centers
and other dance organizations
for 25 years. It is amazing how
many friendships and relation-
ships are developed between us
“old people” when we’re danc-
ing. Of course, none of us feels
old.
Please tell L.H. to check out
local senior centers or those in
other towns nearby. She also
could check for social dance
clubs (ballroom style dancing,
country dancing, etc.) in her
area. One of our area senior
dancers teaches line dancing,
which is a great way to dance if
you don’t have a partner. Danc-
ing is great social interaction. I
hope she can find something in
her area. — Suisun City, Calif.
Dear Suisun City: Thank
you for the suggestion. There
are many excellent activities
for people of all ages who are
looking to meet others. Trying
to find someone online is OK as
far as it goes, but nothing beats
meeting folks in person who are
also participating in an activity
you enjoy.
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
STONE SOUP
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Because you
have a great deal on your agenda, you’ll ex-
ecute many a fast fix, succinct answer and
brief interaction. What happens won’t be
any less meaningful, though. Brevity makes
things more memorable to all involved.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Destruction
is sometimes necessary in order to move
forward. “To knock a thing down, especially
if it is cocked at an arrogant angle, is a deep
delight of the blood.” — George Santayana
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re a
strong person, and you’re only getting
stronger. Those who are willing to face and
move through pain will be free of the ob-
sessions and addictions that plague those
who run from pain.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Relation-
ships thrive when habits are compatible.
Rule of thumb: When it happens once, it’s
a mistake. When it happens a few times,
it’s a pattern. And when it happens daily, it’s
a lifestyle.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Compete strictly
with yourself today, because the others are
playing a completely different game than
you are. Also, you don’t have to win in every
category to be the best you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Remember
when that person you admire so much
saw something special in you? It was a
sign that you, too, are meant for the great
things you so appreciate. Act to realize the
potential in that moment.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Life is full for
you, as the moon is full in your sign. Though
you’re a well-mannered and self-disciplined
person, this is your time to answer the call of
the wild and express your free spirit.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don’t
have to believe in magic to experience
something that can’t be explained. How-
ever, it helps. Give those wishes and ex-
pectations a break and allow yourself to be
swept up by a breathtaking surprise.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You
tried to please someone who is perpetually
dissatisfied, and now you know how futile
that feels. The universe agrees. That’s why
loving what you have attracts more.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). They
shouldn’t get so jealous when you pay at-
tention to more than one special person.
Your heart is elastic now. The more you
include the bigger it becomes.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don’t
have to give up the fight permanently, but
you may find that even temporarily setting
aside a grievance will free your energy and
improve your life. You may just decide to
drop that old grievance forever.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). At some
point, most children learn that parents are
just people, struggling to find their way like
everyone else. You came to that moment of
maturity earlier than most, though today it
seems you’re still working through it.
SATURDAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 4).
Ideal situations and real situations rare-
ly match up in life, but this year brings
many exceptions. You’ll powerfully create
what’s in your mind’s eye. The person who
walks into your life in May will make you
feel grounded and capable. You’ll reach a
career milestone in June. September is a
dynamite start to business. Aquarius and
Pisces people adore you. Your lucky num-
bers are: 30, 1, 22, 38 and 17.