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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (May 15, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 Talking politics ends friendship Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: My best friend, “Clara,” and I have known each other for 30 years. We’re both retired and live in the same town. Neither of us has a husband. We talk on the phone every day. We get along fine, except we have never been able to talk pol- itics. If I don’t agree with her completely, Clara gets angry. I’m not allowed to have my own opinion. It’s her way or the high- way. Every time she gets mad at me, I’m always the one to pick up the phone and talk to her as though we’ve never argued. Last month, we got into a heated discussion about our world problems, and we both hung up angry. I called Clara that evening, but no one answered, and she didn’t call me back like she always does. This went on for two weeks, so I wrote her a letter explaining how sorry I am, but that I am entitled to my own opinion, the same as anyone else. I also said our friendship is too important to let a silly argument end it. I haven’t heard back. Clara and I were the kind of friends who told each other ev- erything, and I thought we had each other’s back. Her friend- ship meant everything to me. But Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar am I supposed to lie and say I think the same way she does just to keep the peace? She claims to be religious, but how can she not forgive something like this? I really miss my friend. — Need Some Advice Dear Need: These days, pol- itics can make enemies out of anyone. Your best bet is to steer clear of the discussion altogeth- er, because you know it only cre- ates an argument. If Clara brings it up, simply say, “I don’t want to talk about politics. How is your daughter doing?” You shouldn’t need to apologize every time. But is there a possibility that, rather than avoiding you, Clara is unwell? Could you check with someone to see whether she is OK? A mutual friend or relative can fill you in on her status and also act as an intermediary to put this latest argument behind you. And keep it there. We hope she’s fine and you can reconcile. A 30-year friendship shouldn’t be thrown away over politics. Dear Annie: I am 91 years old and would like the abili- ty to cry at a death or a funeral or anything sad. What is wrong with me? I feel that I should cry at these times and am hurt when others remark on it. — Paducah, Ky. Dear Paducah: Everyone responds differently to various emotional events. An inability to cry at all is often a sign of de- pression, brain injury or illness and should be checked by a phy- sician. But if your problem is that you simply cannot cry at sad events where others are present, it’s more likely you have an inhi- bition against showing extreme emotion in front of others, some- thing that may have been rein- forced since childhood. It doesn’t mean you aren’t sad, and you don’t need to apol- ogize. How you display emotion at funerals is nobody’s business. If faking it would make your life easier, pull out a handkerchief and pretend to wipe your eyes now and then. 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). The first way may not work, and the second and third ways may also be unsuccessful at- tempts, but that’s not the point. The point is, you pick a method and try it until you finally figure out what works. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You can tell when a thing is going to go nowhere, and you do your best to minimize your involve- ment in futile efforts. Extend the benefit of the doubt today, because a very promising deal will get off to a slow start. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It is said that anyone who lived through adolescence has suffered enough to qualify as an artist. Today you’ll feel as though you’re still strug- gling with an unresolved issue of youth. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Right now you’re doing what you do for the love of it. When you factor finance into the situation, it could change the dynamic, limit your freedom and cause you to focus differently. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you’re not sure what to do next, doing nothing is a sound option. Some things actually get better with procrastination. Give yourself time to sit with the ideas and let them mel- low. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One reason to share your troubles is that it gives the other person a chance to help you and love you. Therefore, don’t selfishly keep your worries inside. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The way to get more opportunities is to recognize and make the most of the ones you already have. Tonight, just because a person con- fesses small faults doesn’t mean he or she is without big ones. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). As you work to accomplish something with your group, keep in mind that most people are more sensitive than they let on today. Note who contributes what so you can later give due credit. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll get what you want. You just have to know what to focus on and what to ignore. Take your pride out of the picture, and you’ll clearly see what needs to be done. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Hind- sight isn’t always 20/20. Seeing the past correctly and in a way that is useful in the present can be challenging. What’s the event that divided your life into “before” and “after”? AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A lull in your work scene allows you to focus on your personal life. As for the conflict you hit this afternoon, don’t worry too much about it. Relationships need a little bit of tension to make them exciting. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Some- thing’s got to give. It will be easier to adapt what you’re doing to fit what the others need than it will be to adapt what you need to fit what the others are doing. SATURDAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 16). You’ll embrace the many benefits of your age. There are things you couldn’t do before that you can do now. A friendship deepens through June’s adventure. July will feature you in a protective role. You make a life-changing purchase in Sep- tember. Your family will grow in November. August and October are best for travel. Leo and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 12, 2, 24, 31 and 18.