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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 3, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 Boss monopolizes conversation Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: I work in an office with nine other people. For some reason, my boss likes to share ev- ery boring detail of her personal life with us. We smile, listen po- litely and laugh at her “hilarious” anecdotes. This might be bearable if she showed any interest in our lives, but she doesn’t. Occasional- ly, with one foot out the door, she will ask, “How are you doing?” but it’s obvious she wants a quick answer at most. If she joins a con- versation already in progress, she takes over and seems compelled to top whoever is speaking. She always has a bigger, better, funni- er or more dramatic story, at least in her mind. Why does she do this? She is bright, talented and accom- plished in many aspects of life. Why the need to be the star? She constantly has to send the mes- sage: “My life is exciting, your life is nothing.” I hope people will read this and ask themselves how much time they spend talking about themselves compared to how much time they spend listening to others. Is there anything we can do to change this? — Arizona Dear Arizona: Your boss, like many outwardly successful peo- Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar ple, still harbors deep insecurities. This is why she feels the need to prove that she is the most import- ant and interesting person in the room. And because she is so fo- cused on her own behavior, she has few brain cells left to devote to her staff’s personal lives, nor, frankly, does she need to. Your personal lives are not her business. But she is still your employer and if this is the worst thing she does, we’d put up with it. You are han- dling it perfectly - you smile, lis- ten politely and laugh when called for. It’s annoying, but harmless. Just try not to roll your eyes. Dear Annie: In general, I agree that a guest should not put a bride or groom “on the spot” by asking to bring a date. But I’d like to mention a time when it worked. My partner and his daugh- ter had been estranged for many years. One of the best things to happen was when his daughter’s fiance, a wonderful man, facili- tated a reconciliation. Part of the reconciliation was an invitation to their wedding. After receiving the invitation, we had dinner with the fiance. We felt we had little choice but to con- firm that, as the father’s partner, I was included in the invitation be- cause my name was not on it. The fiance said yes. We’ll never know if that was simply his decision at the time, but had I not also been welcome, it would have undone all the work of reconciliation. I attended with my partner, everyone was delightful, and a great, celebratory time was had by all. — A North Carolina Gay Partner Dear N.C.: Your situation is not the same as someone asking to bring a “plus one.” Established partners should always be includ- ed in such invitations. Nor was your partner asking to bring you. He was only clarifying the situa- tion, which is perfectly fine. That fiance sounds like a gem. We are so glad he helped reconcile fa- ther and daughter, and that you are both welcome members of the family. 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). When your feelings tell you something different from what the rest of the world seems to be saying, what and whom should you trust? At least you can be heartened by the fact that your uncertainty is a sign of maturity. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Good news! You don’t have to adjust your schedule to stay in tune with the Earth’s rotation. You’ll be naturally in synch with all the cycles and rhythms you encounter. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Tangible results motivate you. Intangible results are extremely demotivating. Please know that just because something is hard to describe doesn’t make it any less real. CANCER (June 22-July 22). People think about you. People you’ve lost track of and don’t even remember think about you. Your extension of being goes much deeper and farther than you’ll ever know. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The highlight of the day is how your voracious appetite for learning brings you the best that life has to offer. Travel and the arts hold par- ticular interest. Apply your knowledge, and you’ll make money. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll ask for opinions from the people you admire even though you are well aware that they do not know your world a millionth as well as you know your world. Trust yourself. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A new per- son in your life has just the maddening quirks and charming idiosyncrasies to thrill and challenge you. Is this attraction or an annoyance? Whatever you feel, you will feel it strongly. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). One en- counter sets off a chain of events. When the scenery around you is different, you’ll know that you’ve progressed. Take pic- tures to document this remarkable time. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Work brings a mystery, and you’re just the one to solve it. Get others involved, though, so there will be people to ap- plaud your genius in the end. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Re- laxation and leisure — states that you believe seem better suited to people who aren’t you. At some point, you’ll see how important it is to kick up your heels — but not today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The cur- rent cosmic climate is heightening your awareness of others. You may even feel that you can read someone’s thoughts. As your understanding of a loved one deepens, the relationship will become more rewarding. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The sim- ple pleasures like hot tea, cold soda or a car ride with the windows down are the things that make this day great. Your favorite person is the one who under- stands that. FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 4). This year brings inspiration thanks to a part- nership with someone from a different generation. Projects coming together this month require up-to-the-minute efficien- cy, which just happens to be your spe- cialty. Powerful people will be impressed and will promote your cause. Capricorn and Libra people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 45, 2, 33, 19 and 16.