FEATURES
6A
Not doing his fair share
Dear Annie: My irst husband
was a workaholic with little time for
me, so when I divorced and met my
current husband, I was thrilled to ind
such an optimistic, fun-loving man.
He is affectionate, extremely clever
and a real people person. However,
as years go by, he seems to have less
and less ambition and isn’t doing his
fair share to keep us out of debt.
When we irst met, he was work-
ing two jobs to cover his expenses
and pay child support. He now works
one job and thinks nothing of knock-
ing off early to go home and watch
sports and goof off on the computer.
A large part of my personal pay-
check is spent covering his past-due
taxes, his kid’s college loan pay-
ments, etc. There’s little money left
for me to get a haircut or have lunch
with friends once in a while. I’m now
facing some health challenges, and he
hasn’t stepped up to help me.
My resentment is starting to
destroy any affection I had. I’m ready
to separate. I am self-suficient and
would be better off inancially on my
own; however, I’m hoping a separa-
tion might make him wake up and
start doing his fair share.
Am I fooling myself thinking a
separation might help him grow up?
Do I need to accept that I married
Peter Pan? — Overworked Wendy
Dear Annie
By
Annie
Lane
Creators
Syndicate
Inc.
Dear Wendy: Don’t send Peter
Pan packing to Neverland just yet.
He’s fallen into a lazy slump because
it’s been easy for him, and now he
needs a push to get moving again.
Being honest and open is your best
shot at a happily-ever-after ending.
Tell him that if this marriage is to
continue, it needs to start function-
ing like a true partnership. Perhaps he
should pick up a second job again. I
would also talk to a inancial adviser,
as it might be wise to keep your
inances separate until he shows he’s
ready to grow up. And if that never
happens? He can ly away to another
couch.
Dear Annie: Two years ago, my
son’s stepson died very suddenly and
tragically. Now my son’s wife is in
the depths of depression.
She does things to try to feel bet-
ter, such as going on trips, but when
she returns, she seems sadder than
ever. She unloads on me out of the
blue and makes me feel terrible. I try
to help her but end up so upset and
feeling down on myself. Then later I
hear that she has done something fun,
and meanwhile I am still reeling.
My son loves her but is living a
solitary life. He works 40-plus hours
a week but still has to do his laundry,
the cooking and other chores. They
have other children, who I don’t think
are getting attention.
I have offered to do anything I can
to help her. I have found grief support
classes. I have offered to take her to
church, but I think she blames God
for what has happened. I
I feel so sorry for everyone. It
seems my son and his family are liv-
ing in a dark, depressing cave. Any
suggestions? — Got the Blues
Dear Blues: I am so sorry for
your family’s loss. Your daughter-
in-law is experiencing every par-
ent’s worst nightmare. Continue
being empathetic and letting her
cry on your shoulder. Spend time
with their other children. Talk to
your son about attending marriage
counseling speciically for par-
ents who have lost children. Con-
tact the American Association for
Marriage and Family Therapy for
more resources.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Tomorrow’s horoscope
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). When the
storm nears, the natural response is to take
shelter and huddle in fear there until the
tumult passes. Why, then, do you feel com-
pelled to chase the dark cloud and poke at it
with a stick until it tells you what it’s made of?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Part of you
would do anything to make the person you
love happy. The other part of you realizes
that nothing good comes of spoiling your
loved ones. They’ll only take you for granted
and become rotten. Limits can be love, too.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Which came
first, the dream or the memory? They are
all swirling together now, motivating you to
march forward. Just know that you do not
have to avenge the wrongs of yesterday to
create a new tomorrow.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Getting
there is said to be half the fun, but when
the vehicle is a thing of beauty, it might be
well over the three-quarter mark. Whether
it’s better shoes or a better car, you won’t
regret the upgrade.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Like a pilot tak-
ing to the air, you will review each point in
your checklist to prepare yourself for take-
off. This is something you know to do every
single time. Leave nothing to memory or to
chance.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You spoke
your heart. Your heart changed, and you
spoke it again. Each time, you get braver
and clearer. Communication is something
you can’t get worse at. Communicate often
and you’ll communicate better.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll be in-
volved in a mixup. You’ll discover over the
course of the interaction that though there
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE
is something similar in the two things being
confused, they are not the same at all.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can be
considerate and appropriate and still quietly
make an unpopular choice. You’re so well-
liked that it will be possible to fly under the
radar if that’s what you’d prefer.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll
teeter between personal relationships and
professional interests. Like a dancer, you’ll
balance beautifully as long as you keep
your core very strong and your posture
pulled up toward the sky.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may
find yourself craving more knowledge of,
access to and products from the object of
your focus. You’re fast becoming a fan, driv-
en to get your hands on more of the thing
that thrills you so.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The more
you know, the more you want to know. This
is how you tell that your interest is worthy
of you! Once you start asking around, new
circles open to you. You were meant for this.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re get-
ting attention. Publicity will create a greater
demand for your product. Be smart. Hold
out. The lack of immediate access will drive
the price up so you can ultimately sell high.
FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 9). You’ve
learned not to fret over or force the action,
and life unfolds beautifully before you. An
inheritance will make your way easier. You’ll
be challenged by a great teacher in Decem-
ber. You’ll give a top performance and start
earning more for your work at the start of
2017. March brings new friends and goals.
Cancer and Leo adore you. Your lucky num-
bers are: 6, 11, 13, 3 and 40.