Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 17, 2015)
FEATURES 6A Date treats brother, not her Dear Annie: I have been see- ing my boyfriend, “John,” for more than a year and love him very much. We are in our mid- 20s, and while there are no plans to move in together or settle down soon, I see a future with him. The issue is that John current- ly lives with his older brother “Zack.” Zack has no full-time job, no prospects and no friends outside of those provided by John. Zack is shy in social situ- ations, and covers this by being snide and sarcastic, which leads him to be girlfriend-less. My friends no longer like hanging out with John, as Zack is almost al- ways involved. Also, John pays for everything for Zack — rent, food, entertain- ment or any event we go to. I feel like John’s second girlfriend. When we go out with other friends for dinner, John will pay for Zack, but not me. And if the three of us go out, John and I split the bill 50/50. I don’t mind this occasionally, but my ¿QDQFHVDUHWLJKWDQG,GRQ¶WFDUHWR pay for Zack. I resent that Zack gets treated to these dinners, but I don’t. Even our romantic dates usually in- volve Zack, and of course, he would come on any vacation. Annie, I feel stuck. I love John or attract the attention of a female, and you could be of tremendous assistance there. Otherwise, any “future” you see with John means Creators including Zack in everything. Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: If people go in together to purchase a gift, should Kathy Mitchell only one of the people receive a and thank-you note? Marcy Sugar I recently attended a bridal shower where four of us pooled and I have even learned to like Zack, our money to purchase an expen- but I don’t think I can handle this sit- sive gift. At the shower, we were uation any longer. I’ve brought it up all asked to address an envelope delicately many times, and John and to make thank-you notes easier Zack both acknowledge the need for the bride-to-be. We all did so, for a change, but nothing happens. EXW,ZDVVKRFNHGWR¿QGRXWWKDW I don’t feel comfortable trying to get the note was sent only to “Jill,” in between brothers, but this doesn’t with the rest of our names includ- seem healthy. — Third Wheel on ed inside. Jill phoned the rest of Facebook us to let us know. Dear Third: John obviously Have people really become so feels responsible for Zack and lazy that they can’t write a thank wants to take care of him. He you to each person who gave a gift? doesn’t feel responsible for you, It wasn’t Jill’s job to inform the rest since you are independent, both of us. Shame on the bride-to-be. — ¿QDQFLDOO\ DQG VRFLDOO\ +DYH Proper Thank Yous Please you asked John privately whether Dear Proper: The bride may =DFNFRXOGEHQH¿WIURPFRXQVHO- not have realized that a single gift ing? If he is the older brother and from multiple people still requires still has no job and no social life, individual thank-you notes. But he might need some coaching in yes, laziness undoubtedly played life skills. He also might appre- a part, considering that the guests ciate having someone teach him had to pre-address their own en- how to handle himself at a party velopes. Annie’s Mailbox THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Artificial glory can be bought. It’s shiny and brand-specific, and it makes an impression strutting down the street, though often not the impression intended. People, including you, sense real confidence. That’s what you respond to today. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The early day is filled with imperfect delights. The temptation will be to improve upon them later, although the more artistic choice may be to leave it alone and see how memory enhances the picture. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your way with words is that you’re never without them. The words are always right where you need them — well, almost always. Today brings an unfa- miliar sensation: the argument getting lost on the tongue. It’s for the best. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Just because they can’t handle it doesn’t make it “too much.” You have a different tolerance, a different fa- cility with the subject matter and a degree of confidence you can’t expect them all to under- stand. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If it’s important to you, it’s important. The same goes for the fool- ishness of the past that seemed do-or-die at the time. Have compassion for “past-you.” You had your reasons, even though you no longer believe them. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If there’s some- one you want to know better, ask now while your personal energy is impulsive, assertive and charming as all get-out. Don’t think about it too much. Just aim and launch. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Though your most accurate answer to today’s questions may be “I don’t know,” it’s not the answer that will move you forward. Resolve to learn what- 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 ever is necessary to succeed with your project. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The good op- portunities in the near future will come much earlier or later in the day than you would nor- mally choose to be active, but don’t let that stop you from saying you’ll be there. It will be worth it to change your schedule. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The vil- lage idiot often winds up being the wisest one of them all. That’s why you respectfully listen (if only for a limited time) to all of the many opin- ions wafted your way today. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Being able to entertain views that differ from your own in a reasonable, calm, detached way will ultimately make you smarter and give you an advantage should you need to resolve a conflict of inter- est. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There are a lot of people you like and feel friendly toward, but truly hitting it off with another person is a relatively rare gem of an occurrence and worth following through on. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The exercise routine that’s fallen away doesn’t need to stay away. Your physical energy may be low, and that’s all the more reason to push yourself. The effort won’t drain you; it will invigorate you. FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 18). You’re a deep thinker and will be an even deeper doer. Once you start working, you won’t be able to stop. The emotional, professional and physical muscle tone you develop will help you make a leap of lifestyle in 2016. You’ll turn complicat- ed family dynamics into art. You’ll generate a large sum for a cause. Scorpio and Leo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 2, 22, 29 and 16.