8A
FEATURES
Thinking of an old flame
Dear Annie: In December, I wishing for a time machine, I think
went to a holiday house party, and you’d better keep your distance. I’d
most of the people in the crowd also recommend taking off those
were my old friends from college rose-colored glasses when looking
(class of 1979). I hadn’t seen some at your past. There was a reason
of these people in 25 years or more. you two broke up. Reminisce about
The hostess pulled out her giant your college days as much as you’d
like, but don’t try to resur-
photo album, and there
DEAR
rect them.
they were, several pictures
Dear Annie: When I
of my favorite ex-girlfriend
ANNIE
saw the letter from “Feel-
and me having the time of
ing Neurotic,” the young
our lives. I haven’t seen or
person who is experienc-
talked to her since 1985. So
ing random bouts of anx-
my big question is: Would
iety and dread, the words
it be kosher to write her a
“sense of impending
light and lively letter and
doom” jumped off the page
catch up? We’ve both been
Lane
at me. Just put the word
married with kids for close Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
“overwhelming” in front
to 30 years. (I looked her
and you have the exact
up online.) She’s the one
who got away from me, but I’m not phrase I’ve used to describe how I
looking for any do-over; we had feel sometimes. The first time it hap-
our chances. But I would pay big pened, I was 50 years old and driv-
money for a time machine! What do ing down the road. Nine years later,
I still experience these episodes, but
you think? — Nostalgic in Boston
Dear Nostalgic: No matter how on a very infrequent basis.
Minus the obsessive-compulsive
many years have passed, to recon-
nect with this old flame would be behavior, “Feeling Neurotic” and I
playing with fire, and your whole share the same confusing experi-
family would be liable to get ence. There is no apparent reason
for that feeling, no particular stimu-
burned.
If you didn’t feel that this woman lus, no way of explaining or under-
was the one who got away, I would standing or predicting it. Over time,
say sure, you could strike up a I’ve learned to roll with it by rea-
friendship. But because you’re still soning that it is just a feeling —
that it always passes in a short time
and there is no harm other than the
“sense of impending doom” itself.
It’s just my opinion, but I think
“Neurotic’s” obsessive-compulsive
behavior is merely a response to the
anxiety attacks rather than a symp-
tom to be treated. A sense of help-
lessness that accompanies the anx-
iety may be prompting behavior
simply because “Neurotic” needs to
do something in response.
I think the OCD behavior is a
self-defense response. Because the
anxiety attack is illogical, there is
no apparent cause for it and there
is no tangible threat to respond to,
“Neurotic” is compelled by the
brain’s self-defense mechanism to
do something, anything, even if that
something is illogical.
I hope this high-school soph-
omore is able to learn to deal with
this. The first step is to accept that
the anxiety attacks are not a har-
binger of doom and to control the
obsessive-compulsive impulse. I’m
sure it can be done. — Anxious in
New England
Dear Anxious: Thank you for
sharing your experience. I’m shar-
ing your insights here with the hope
they help “Feeling Neurotic,” as
well as other readers who experi-
ence anxiety attacks.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you didn’t
sign up to be the hero, don’t worry, the real
heroes never do. They get roped into doing
the right thing. And usually by their own
heartstrings, and lacking the stomach for
cowardice, they keep up the trend.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your workload
will be intense today, but so will be your
energy. The extent of determination will be
tested. What they don’t know is that you’ll
never give up. For as long as you can
possibly hang in there, you will.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You combine
that bright intellect with the human touch to
unbeatable effect. The tendency to include
everyone, even (and especially!) those who
don’t fit in is part of your enormous charm.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Each person
has a level of untidiness they are willing to
accept. Woe to the people who go beyond
that point today, as you’re in no mood to let
it slide. This is true of both your emotional
and your physical world.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). This is one of
those fast-paced days when you’ll feel that
life is getting out of hand ... or maybe you’re
just realizing that it never really was in your
hands in the first place.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A different
frame doesn’t change the picture per say,
but it changes how we look at the picture.
Experiment with this concept as you’re in a
position to direct someone’s attention.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). For you, the
hardest part of being tolerant is tolerating
the intolerant. It’s part of the work though,
and you’ll regret it if you let someone’s
uncongenial attitude get under your skin.
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
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You like to
interact with those who are confident in
their knowledge. It is far less favorable to
interact with those who rigidly assume that
their way is the only correct way.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Maybe
there are no stupid questions, but there are
definitely questions that open new worlds.
And there are also questions that open
cans of worms.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There’s
nothing you could say to make someone
understand better than they do at this
moment. It’s not your fault; it’s the nature
of maturity. People can’t mature faster than
they do. Give love, not words.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your life
has been full of surprises and serendipity
and it’s about to get even more interesting
in that regard. The more people you know,
the more likely you are to run into someone
you know.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are
many who ask for good advice who won’t
follow it. Maybe what they are looking for is
not advice so much as validation, support
and a general sense that they are not in
this alone.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 24).
It’s said that a smooth sea never made
a skillful mariner, but there will be plenty
of time for learning to handle life’s storms
later. Enjoy the glassy sailing now! You’ll
make money and feel the warmth of love.
June’s challenges strengthen family bonds.
September begins a thrilling educational
process. Libra and Leo adore you. Your
lucky numbers are: 4, 18, 25, 37 and 1.