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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (June 11, 2015)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015 FEATURES 5A Ex-girlfriend intruding at funerals Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: I am confused about how to handle my hus- band’s ex-girlfriend, who shows up at his family funerals and stays three hours at the visitation hanging with my husband and reminiscing about the past. They discuss things out loud with no respect for me. This woman is married, but never comes to these gatherings with her husband. And my hus- band still does her taxes, even though I told him he shouldn’t. He’s opening the door to trouble. I do trust my husband, but not her. She definitely is still attract- ed to him, and it shows. Is her behavior normal, or should I tell her at the next funeral to pay her respects and leave? — Not Jeal- ous, Just Hurt Dear Not: Please don’t let your insecurities cause you to overreact. If you trust your hus- band, it doesn’t matter what his ex-girlfriend does. And how often does the family have funerals that you need to worry about this? We agree that she is being inappro- priately flirtatious, but it is only a big deal if your husband responds in a similar fashion. We suggest you chummy up to this ex-girl- friend at these events. It will to- Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar tally baffle her, greatly impress your husband and make her less of a threat to you. Dear Annie: You printed a letter from “Expecting Mom in the Midwest,” who asked for a response when rude people ask, “Was it planned?” You suggest- ed, “Why do you need to know?” I think a good answer would be, “Of course! God planned it!” I love your column. — Bossier City, La. Dear Bossier City: Your re- sponse was by far the most popu- lar one we received. We appreci- ate all who sent in their personal preferences. Here are a few sam- ples: From Pat: Your response was masterful. Another retort (not original to me) would be: “If peo- ple ask you, tell them you don’t know.” And a gentler response: “I’m hurt by your question.” El Paso: In my opinion, a bet- ter answer to this question is: “Well, I guess that’s really be- tween my husband and me. Don’t you agree?” R.: I would simply say, “Yes, it was planned, but if we plan another, should we inform you first?” There seem to be more ignorant and stupid people in today’s world, and they have no filters between their brains and mouths. P.: When asked, “Was this pregnancy planned,” I would say, “I give up. Was it?” I have used this more times than I can say, and it always works. Mother of Twins: I would simply ask, “Were you?” Tyler, Texas: Someone could reply, “It was more planned than the question you just asked!” Salisbury, Pa.: I’ve found this response works: “Why in the world would you ask such a personal question? It’s rude, and you’re normally not a rude per- son. Are you feeling OK?” When- ever you end with a question, the other person feels compelled to answer. So throw it back in their court, and watch ‘em squirm. They deserve a little squirming. 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). Empathy is an underrated virtue, as many can’t see its use. For an actor or a parent or any man- ager of people, empathy is invaluable. You can’t move people without first understand- ing where they are. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Everything has a cost, though the currency is not al- ways dollars and cents. You’ll be aware of today’s trade — but someone will make you aware of it, which is a gift, though not so pleasant in the unwrapping. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are many things wrong with the world, and you could spend your time talking about that all day long if you wanted to. But what’s the point? You have so many blessings, and that’s what you’ll highlight today. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Today’s challenge will help you know and appreciate your own strength, intelligence and tough- ness. This one will hit you on many levels, and you’ll enjoy the fight. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The problem with trying to stop doing something is that you do it more because you are still focusing on the “something.” Decide on what you’ll do instead, and focus yourself there. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The world re- sponds kindly to your lack of pretense. You believe in yourself, and others believe in you, too. Maybe you are even being groomed for advancement. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your plans will work out. Is that not the best thing you can hear? Plain and simple, the intention you put down will come to fruition. If you haven’t made a plan, hopefully this will be your in- spiration. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don’t have to pay anyone else to make you beau- tiful. It will come from your thoughts, your actions and your genetics, all of which have little to do with your free will today. Beauty is just who you are. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Do you hear what people are saying about you? That’s a strange feeling. The upshot is, you’ll be struck by how you are becoming the re- markable person you always wanted to be. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When someone rubs you the wrong way, it’s not personal. Maybe they have a different edu- cation or point of view. Maybe their view is colored by the generations that came be- fore. Afford your dissenters some leeway. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Whatever you wanted from this day, wrap it up, put it in the refrigerator and save it for another occasion. This day will be about caring for your loved ones. They need it, and you can give it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Choose your mentor carefully. The achievers aren’t always great teachers. Look for a person you can get along with and respect, a per- son who can get you from A to B. Don’t wor- ry about Z just yet. FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (June 12). Your family is funny. You know this already, but the point will be proved over and over this year. Go for the maximum interaction over the next 10 weeks. A financial bonus comes in September. What you learn in November could make you rich! December brings ad- venture and a move. Aries and Cancer peo- ple adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 39, 1, 4, 33 and 16.