THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2017
FEATURES
Where’s the wedding money?
Dear Annie: I am here won-
I’m now planning my own
dering: How many times do you wedding, and I find myself left
go out to eat and expect a free with the dilemma of not want-
meal? Never, right? So I am really ing to invite certain individuals
baffled by how someone could because I know they wouldn’t
attend a wedding (either single or give any sort of gift. The most
with a date) and find it acceptable upsetting part is this happens to
be the case with several
to leave a gift of just $100
DEAR
of my family members
for two people, let alone
(who are in good posi-
$0.
ANNIE
tions financially). I know
Sure, there are certain
I really can’t address it
financial circumstances
among them, but this has
that may hinder some-
happened at two of my
one’s ability to contribute.
siblings’ weddings, and
But here is my stance: If
I know it would occur
you can’t afford to cover
for mine. I don’t want to
your plate, why go?
Lane
cut family members off,
A wedding is intended Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
but if they wouldn’t con-
to be a celebration unify-
tribute, then I feel that I
ing the new couple’s lives
together. It is not a foundation they am left without a choice. What
set up to make donations for their do I do? — Tired of Wedding
guests and give them free meals. Freeloaders
Dear Tired: Are you planning
It’s expensive; everyone knows
this. Regardless of who pays for a wedding or running a business?
It’s common courtesy to bring
the event, I find it appalling that so
many adults would not properly a gift to a wedding, sure. I agree
contribute in any fashion — and with you 100 percent. But you
not even feel embarrassed about can’t be so concerned with the
it! Maybe their parents fell short return on investment. Invite your
in the manners department when loved ones because you love them
raising them. After being a part of and want them at your wedding,
several weddings, I am seriously not because you’ll get your mon-
perplexed by this lack of etiquette. ey’s worth. Ultimately, taking the
high road will make you feel like a
It’s very disappointing.
million bucks.
Dear Annie: I believe the
advice you gave to “Very Disap-
pointed Mother-in-Law,” who has
concerns about her daughter but
feels shut out by her son-in-law,
was pretty accurate in terms of
what she was looking for. But I feel
that you missed one thing in your
response. You didn’t address the
part where she said she believes
that her daughter is manic.
As someone who suffers from
bipolar disorder, I know first-
hand that if someone is manic —
especially someone who is alone
with children — it needs to be
addressed immediately. When
you’re manic, your behavior can
be very erratic and dangerous. If
she truly suspects that her daugh-
ter is manic, she needs to get her to
her physician to be examined and
put on medication if necessary.
Her daughter may even need to be
hospitalized to get this under con-
trol and her mental health properly
assessed. — Bipolar in Kentucky
Dear Bipolar: Thank you so
much for raising that concern. I’d
like to echo that sentiment. Any-
one experiencing symptoms that
indicate the possibility of bipolar
disorder should talk to his or her
doctor immediately.
3C
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Problems get
solved today by devoting full attention to them
in a creative way. An intense focus without
any new ideas won’t work. New ideas without
intense focus won’t work. You’ve the capacity
for both; apply it.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It will be liberating
to be around people who don’t have a lot of
rules attached to their friendship. Seek the
company of those who are accepting, unthreat-
ened by your talents and assets, undaunted by
your shortcomings.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). If you let your
thoughts wander today, there’s a tendency to
brood. It’s human nature, which has a strong
negativity bias, exacerbated by the current
cosmic lineup. Counteract it with a busy day of
distractions and delights.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll benefit
from thinking of the “self” you show the world
as verb instead of a noun — as a manner of
assembling the attributes and opinions handed
to you early on. Also, you can arrange this
differently whenever you want to.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Some of the humans
you’ll interact with today are so sensitive to
emotion and tone that you may wish you were
interacting with a robot who responds to specif-
ic commands without attaching any emotional
baggage.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Trying to hide what
you’re feeling will lead to energy blockages
that inhibit your performance. However you’re
feeling, it’s right. Let energy flow through you
so that it can either dissipate or activate your
intention.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). We live in a world
of symbols, very few of which stand for what
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
they actually are. Your thought into what things
symbolize will help today’s interactions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Of all the tests
you could be offered, it’s the tests of patience
that will do the most to expand your conscious-
ness and mature your soul. To breathe, relax
and be reasonable when the tension is high —
this is evolution.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). As you
move quickly through a problem, the rest may
seem to lag behind. There’s much to be gained
from honoring the pacing of others. Observe
and learn instead of distracting yourself away
from the business at hand.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Can there be
thoughts without a thinker? Some say it’s pos-
sible, even optimal. And though they condemn
the ego, you can bet there’s much in yours that
would be missed were you to join the ranks of
the enlightened today.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll project
yourself rather cleverly and be well accepted. If
you also happen to be having fun with this, and
are not too concerned about what others are
thinking, you’re winning all around.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). More art than
science, history is colored by the values and
beliefs of the teller. What you believe about the
past will direct the future. Be open to hearing
more than one account of what happened.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (March 4). New
reserves of determination open in you. You
stop looking for opportunities and start creating
them. Going on the premise that conditions will
never be perfect, you’ll push forward and build
major success through your efforts. Next month
seals a deal. Gemini and Scorpio adore you.
Your lucky numbers are: 10, 28, 6, 40 and 17.