THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017
FEATURES
Planning an exit strategy
Dear Annie: I have been mar- embarrassed me in front of every
ried to my husband for 34 years. boss of every job I’ve ever had.
He’s been emotionally and ver- He’s constantly putting me down. I
can’t do anything right in his eyes.
bally abusive for the whole 34.
His favorite expression is, “If
He hit me a few times when we
first got married (he was physically you would just do as you’re told!”
and verbally abused as a child), I’ve told him for years that I wasn’t
put on earth to do as I’m
but he hasn’t hit me since
DEAR
told.
then. However, he’s very
I have put away
bossy and controlling. I
ANNIE
enough money over the
can’t go visit anybody
years (which he doesn’t
without his approval. My
know about, or it would
niece and nephew live 45
have been long gone,
minutes away, and several
spent by him), and I want
of us in the family go to
to divorce him. My prob-
their house to watch col-
lem is that I don’t know
lege football on Saturdays.
Lane
how to go about tell-
He doesn’t want me to go, Annie
Creators
Syndicate
Inc.
ing him without being
because I have to drive
trapped here in the house
after dark if I do. I have no
problem driving after dark. Really with him. We live in a rural area
it’s that he doesn’t want to go, so and each have our own vehicle.
he expects me to stay home with He is in poor health and doesn’t
get out much unless it’s a doctor’s
him.
I didn’t mind it as much years appointment.
I have enough money saved up
ago. When we were both young
and healthy, I worked and was to rent an apartment in town, 15
gone all day. But now we’re both miles away, so I would have some-
where to go. I have no siblings, and
retired.
I’m sick and tired of being my parents are both deceased. My
around him all day long. He is dad passed away six months ago
grouchy, complains about every- and left me his house. It needs a lot
thing under the sun, drives like a of work done to it, and I don’t want
maniac and yells at me as if I were to live there. I want to sell it, but I
stupid in front of people. He’s don’t want to give my husband any
of the money when it sells.
I’m trying to figure out a way to
go somewhere public and call him
to come meet me at a restaurant
or something. But I’m not sure he
would come if I did call him.
Could you please help me fig-
ure out how to tell him I want a
divorce without getting trapped
here with him? He will raise all
kinds of hell when I tell him.
— Trapped
Dear Trapped: I commend
you for finding the strength to
leave an abusive partner and for
coming up with an exit plan. Those
are huge steps. You should be
proud of yourself.
Your safety is paramount.
Meeting in public is wise, and if
you fear he will become violent,
you can request an escort from
your local police department. For
more personalized guidance on
planning a safe exit from your rela-
tionship, contact Loveisrespect at
866-331-9474 when your husband
is not around.
Once you’re free and starting
the next chapter of your life, the
healing process can really begin.
Consider seeking counseling or
joining a support group for women
who have undergone similar abuse.
I wish you all the best.
3C
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
most satisfying?
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Just as you
have often clicked “Agree” without reading
the internet agreement jargon that goes
along with the software download, you might
have agreed to what a loved one wants
without fully understanding what it is.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You contribute
daily to the lives of others in ways big and
small. Good fortune follows your indulgence
in an artistic whimsy; appreciating the arts in
any way at all counts.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s human
nature to feel entitled to the things that the
other humans close by seem to have. Those
who compare and fall short become discon-
tented. It makes you think twice about whom
you surround yourself with.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your
light, casual curiosity about the people you
encounter today is nonetheless focused
enough to be flattering. Perfect strangers will
open up and tell you what their innermost
circle doesn’t even know.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are
people with similar talents to yours who do
a similar job to what you can do. But it’s not
the same. Your contributions are rare! No
one else can do what you do in the way you
do it.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your
relationship with someone from a different
generation will get interesting. You may
realize that there is much you know that can
never really be understood by people who
weren’t your age when it happened.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s the people
who have known one another for a long time
who find it the most challenging to refrain
from argument and bickering that they would
never engage in with less-familiar people.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The generos-
ity you deal out today is hardly unusual,
though those who are not used to the perks
that come with being your friend may experi-
ence it as such.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Certain rituals
have served you well. Build on the trend by
creating a ritual around the habit you want to
incorporate in your daily life. Put in the style
and quirkiness that will make it your own.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). In the fairy
tales, someone is a hero and someone gets
saved. Today’s real-life scenario features
several heroes who save themselves
through the process of helping others.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’d rather be
acknowledged for something minute and
very specific to you than accept big, general
praise. You’ll get your wish in a compliment
you can take to heart.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 18).
Family business booms this year. Aesthetic
choices will matter more than you might
have guessed over the next 10 weeks. As
you make your environment lovelier and
better suited to you, you attract fascinating
people. The opportunities in July and Sep-
tember will pay double on the investment.
Sagittarius and Virgo adore you. Your lucky
numbers are: 14, 18, 20, 45 and 33.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Maybe you want
something you shouldn’t want. Then again,
what if you thought that it was perfectly
acceptable to want whatever you want in
whatever quantity you believe would be
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