THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 FEATURES 5A Woman can’t get over this guy Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: I am a 59-year-old woman. Two years ago, I met this guy, “Jake,” and had feelings for KLPIURPDGLVWDQFH:H¿QDOO\JRW together one night at a club. We ex- changed phone numbers and then talked for about two months. Jake invited me to his place, and we made love. For the next several months, that was the pattern — I’d go to his place to make love. We had no dates outside of his apart- ment, so I backed off. Jake now texts me often, but I am determined to stay away. But, Annie, I love him. I think about him every day. How do I get over this man? — Lost in Love Dear Lost: This isn’t love. It’s a booty call that you’ve romanti- cized into something more. Jake is using you, and he knows your weak spots. Delete his number from your cellphone and block his calls. You can’t get over him if his texts en- courage you to think about him all the time. Then make it a point to get out more with friends. Join a social organization through your church or community center. Look into organizations that appeal to your creative interests. And do some vol- unteer work. It will help you forget your troubles and concentrate on someone else’s. Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Dear Annie: So often I read ter- rible stories of people abused by an alcoholic parent. I’d like to let your readers know that not all alcoholics are monsters. My father was a proud, honest man and a hard worker. And an al- coholic. His drinking caused much heartache, and many times we didn’t think he would survive another binge. But he was the kindest, gen- tlest man you could ever meet. He loved his six kids every day of his life. Make no mistake, there were countless times he was so drunk he couldn’t stand up or remember our names. And there were many morn- ings that we watched him cry be- cause he was so ashamed of himself. He was in and out of AA programs IRU\HDUVDQG¿QDOO\DFKLHYHGVR- briety in his late 50s. He remained sober for 32 years. My sweet father passed away a year ago, and there’s not a single day that the entire fami- ly doesn’t miss him. The one important thing I’d like to add is that our mother was a strong woman and smart enough to teach her kids that alcoholism is a disease and not a choice. She stood by him through good times and bad, but she never gave up on him. They celebrated 60 years of marriage and enjoyed their retirement for 20 years before she passed away. Please let your readers know there are some wonderful people in this world who are alcoholics and not the monsters we often read about. — A Child with a Different Story Dear Child: It’s true that not everyone who has a problem with alcohol or drugs is an abuser of those in the family. But that doesn’t mean the person’s behavior doesn’t have a negative impact on the fami- ly, particularly the children. We are glad your father managed to get so- ber and enjoy a good life with your mother and leave you with sweet memories of him. Dear Readers: Today is Admin- istrative Professionals Day. If you have assistants who make your job easier, please let them know how much they are appreciated. 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). Just be- cause you hold an office doesn’t mean you automatically wield all of the authority as- sociated with that position. You have to step up and claim it. Today you will. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There’s al- ways more to learn, but on days like today, it’s more important to stick to the schedule, muscle through and say “good enough.” You don’t have to be the world’s greatest expert to get this job done. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Don’t wait for permission or for someone to grant you the status you need to move forward. Claim what you want. This actually makes a lot less work for others. CANCER (June 22-July 22). This is one of those times when it will feel far more urgent to give than to receive. You need to know you make a difference in someone else’s life, and you’ll give until you have proof. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Right now you have so many events and items you’re in charge of that you may find it challenging to get them into a system that makes sense. Spend a few hours trying anyhow. You’ll find something you were missing. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The tiniest things can make you happy when you feel you have earned them. Use this principle to your advantage by supplying a small but meaningful prize for another person. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A lot of peo- ple won’t even realize the truth of the situa- tion until you point it out. You will say what everyone else is thinking and with such a light touch that they can’t help but laugh. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can’t change people, but you can inspire them to change themselves. Because you look like you’re having so much fun today, you’ll influence the people around you. They’ll want your happiness secret. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You feel a duty to love, but you don’t always love the duty. The mundane acts of self- lessness, like feeding or driving another person, may not be very romantic, but they are now among the best ways to show you care. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Should you offer your kind service for free? Some say that people only value what they pay for. Research and experiment. What’s working for other people will likely work for you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Per- sistence will win out, but only if it’s coupled with problem-solving skills. Success will re- quire tinkering. Before you try again, figure out what went wrong the last time. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Others around you are trying to rush to the finish. There’s no hurry! Take your time. You have a talent for thinking things through. What’s well conceived will be well expressed. THURSDAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 23). Because you surround yourself with fresh, playful influences this year, you will grow up without growing old. You’ll be up against a worthy competitor at work, and this helps you achieve your best. The special times with family will make May and June sing. September and November bring finan- cial highs. Capricorn and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 33, 2, 38 and 16.