THE DAILY ASTORIAN • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017
FEATURES
He refuses to pay car damage
Dear Annie: I am finding the situation might have happened,
myself in a predicament. Currently, but he said that there is no way he
my sister-in-law baby-sits my 3- did it and that he isn’t paying for it.
and 5-year-old children two days I am sure he hit my car, and I told
a week while I am at work. Last him that. He told me he had gone to
week, when I went to pick them up, my workplace to look at my vehi-
I parked behind her fiance’s truck. cle and gone to the body shop and
asked to see pictures of
Her fiance, “Brad,” was
DEAR
the damage. I thought that
getting ready to leave at the
was disturbing. The con-
same time I was. Instead
ANNIE
versation ended with him
of waiting for me to move
swearing at me and hang-
from behind his vehicle, he
ing up. The next day, Brad
squeezed around my car
called my husband to also
between other vehicles in
tell him he isn’t paying and
the driveway. When I got
offered no apologies for
home, I noticed that his tire
his behavior toward me.
had rubbed against my car
Lane
The problem I now
and put several scratches in Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
have is how to handle the
the paint.
baby-sitting situation. Brad
Well, I called my sister-
in-law, as I don’t know Brad very lives at my sister-in-law’s home,
well, and explained to her what had and I really don’t want to have any
happened. I said I think Brad needs more confrontations with him. My
to pay for damages. She said she sister-in-law loves my children and
doesn’t want to be in the middle would be heartbroken if I got a dif-
of things and would give him my ferent sitter. But I really don’t think
I am comfortable taking them to her
number.
Several days went by, and I house with Brad around. Should I
didn’t hear from Brad. In the mean- follow my gut feeling and stop tak-
time, I got an estimate for repairs. I ing them there and further divide
talked to my sister-in-law again, and my family’s relationship? Or should
she said she would have Brad call I try to get past the vehicle damage?
me. Well, he finally did that eve- I am also worried about how any
ning, and he gave me about a dozen possible repercussions against me
different scenarios of how he thinks by Brad would affect my children.
How do you think I should proceed
from here? — Scuffed
Dear Scuffed: The answer to
the question “Should I follow my
gut?” is always yes. And if you’re
a mom, the answer is yes with
three exclamation points. A moth-
er’s intuition is a tool more reliable
and precious than any piece of tech-
nology. So if you feel uncomfort-
able leaving your children around
this man, then don’t. Invite your
sister-in-law over for coffee so she
can still visit with the kids. Given
Brad’s lousy attitude, I have a feel-
ing she’ll be looking for excuses to
get out of the house as often as pos-
sible anyway.
Dear Annie: I know that peo-
ple often write to you about how
hurt they are when they don’t
receive a thank-you note. On the
next gift-giving occasion, I know
what I’ll be giving those who
don’t understand the importance
of acknowledging gifts and show-
ing appreciation: a very nice set of
thank-you notes and a book of “for-
ever” stamps. Anyone who doesn’t
write me a note after that will be off
my gift list! — C.J.
Dear C.J.: Now there’s a cre-
ative solution for a tired old prob-
lem. I give you my stamp of
approval.
5A
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Trying to do
everything possible will only deplete you. Hit
the top priority. Make a trade-off, then make
another. If you only get one thing done,
but it’s your primary source of satisfaction,
you’ve won.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re not the
same as you were yesterday. What’s different
about you? This doesn’t have an easy an-
swer, and that’s what’s so compelling about
it. The mystery of you is ever-unfolding.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Teenage life is
typically wrought with drama, as the skills of
emotional coping are in early development.
Most outgrow the allure of perpetual drama,
opting to apply energy to more necessary
adult pursuits. Most. Not all.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Time proves
that even the greatest innovations, inventions
and solutions are but temporary answers.
There’s not one right explanation or one
correct method that will hold forever. The
best answers beg more questions.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Would you believe
there are people who are daunted by pres-
sures of “having fun,” unsure exactly how (or
even why) such a thing should be accom-
plished? These people need you! Go help!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As sure as rain
makes you wet and food makes you full,
perfection makes you miserable. Don’t strive
for superior results today. Don’t strive, period.
Put your head down, work humbly, and
happiness will creep up on you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Since you’re
confident in your ability and secure in your
knowledge, you’re not overly concerned
about appearing smart or correct or cool.
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
Your nonchalance only makes you smarter,
more correct and way cooler.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some people
ask questions to make a point — a move
that says, “I’m so right I can even manipu-
late you to say I’m right.” Be wary of these
people, and don’t use the tactic yourself. Ask
questions out of curiosity, not arrogance.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Conflict
is more interesting than peace, but most
people who are living purposefully find that
it’s not worth the energy it takes to witness or
take part in it. You’re right to be protective of
your precious energy reserves.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A little mys-
tery doesn’t scare you off. You’re not like the
ones who need all to be certain. You realize
that it will never be. The constant is change.
The essence of life is surprise.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Options may
be added and taken away. But the ability to
make a choice will always be yours. When
you start feeling closed in by the circum-
stances, just remember that you can choose.
You’re in control.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Questions and
answers do not a conversation make. Con-
nections are forged with twists, surprises, a
sense of play and true and honest sharing.
You can achieve it by listening better.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 1).
There’s much about your current life that you
can relax into, and yet specific needs and
wants will have you leveraging your current
situation into a new adventure. Win a prize
in April. May features hearts and flowers.
Cancer and Gemini adore you. Your lucky
numbers are: 10, 4, 38, 22 and 17.