6A
FEATURES
Facing a tough deal breaker
Dear Annie: After a series of, can determine what your own per-
let’s just say, not-so-nice relation- sonal deal breakers are, as they’re
ships, my best friend and old college different for everyone. But if you’re
roomie set me up with a girl from at all willing to consider having
his hometown named “Stephanie.” more children, perhaps you and
I’ve never believed in love at first Stephanie could meet right in the
sight, but this was pretty close. We middle and settle on having three.
And if you can diplomati-
hit it off and have a ton in
DEAR
cally reach such an import-
common. A year and a half
ant agreement, you and
later and we’re engaged.
ANNIE
Stephanie have the stuff of
I’m excited to make Steph-
a strong partnership. Com-
anie my wife.
promise and marriage go
We decided to go to a
together like a horse and
premarriage retreat through
carriage — and that’s a
our church. During the
good thing. Two hearts and
retreat, the leaders ask you
minds working together
all sorts of questions about
Lane
are better than one.
your plans for the future. Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
Dear Annie: I’m writ-
We were compatible on
ing in response to the let-
all the major answers —
except for one. “How many chil- ter from “Feeling So Bad,” who
wrote about the death of her friend
dren would you like to have?”
I wrote that one or two would “Marie.” She was angry that
be nice; she wrote five! When we Marie’s husband, “Bill,” didn’t pro-
went back into our room to discuss, vide updates about Marie’s health
she explained how she came from or inform neighbors of her death.
I am sorry that “Feeling So Bad”
a small family and always dreamed
of having a bigger family. Well, I lost her friend, but it appears that
came from a large family and never her only contact with Marie or Bill
felt that I got enough attention, so was by phone. I guess she never
I have always wanted to have just took over a casserole that Bill could
one child — two at the most. Is this have heated up for dinner. I guess
problem a deal breaker for our rela- she never stopped by and offered to
stay with Marie so that Bill could
tionship? — Apprehensive
Dear Apprehensive: Only you get out of the house to run errands,
take a walk, go to a movie — any-
thing to give him some relief from
the constant and often overwhelm-
ing needs of his wife. Do you know
that the stress of being a caretaker
often results in the death of the care-
taker before the patient? I feel sorry
that “Feeling So Bad” was upset not
to get a notice. I expect that Bill, as
I did after my husband died of Alz-
heimer’s disease, slept for 24 hours.
When my husband died, I didn’t
care about getting out “notices” to
so-called friends. I did call those I
knew cared.
Sorry, but I’m not sympathetic.
Instead of feeling bad, “Feeling So
Bad” should feel guilty that she
ignored the needs of her friend and
hope that next time, she will find
time to actually visit and provide
assistance. — Sad Experience
Dear Sad: I’m sorry for the loss
of your husband. And your letter is
a good reminder that it’s import-
ant to reach out to friends and fam-
ily who are grieving, even if we feel
awkward or unsure of what to say.
However, it seems you’re still hold-
ing on to a lot of anger toward peo-
ple who weren’t there for you. For
your own sake, I would encourage
you to try to forgive them. Let go
of that anger so you’re free to more
fully embrace life.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2017
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve a suc-
cess story to share. Be discerning, though.
Certain friends will be too jealous to be
genuinely happy for you. It’s obviously less
than ideal, but the friendship will be stronger
when you’re sensitive to such quirks.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Trust your
instincts. They are creative, accurate, attrac-
tive, compelling and healthy. Whoever told
you that you couldn’t trust your instincts was
acting out of self-interest at the time.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You crave the
joy that comes from letting go of control. The
way to get exciting results is to set boundar-
ies and then encourage your crew to go wild
within those boundaries.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). From
Shakespeare to Disney, the dramatists
agree that evil plans are most harmful to
the one planning them. All you have to do is
mind your own business and the drama will
take care of itself.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re thinking
deeper and wider. Don’t be surprised if the
people around you do not see the same
options that you see. You’ll either show
them the way or preserve a special route for
yourself.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). While it’s
cynical to think that people are being nice
in hopes of future favors returned, it’s not
altogether wrong today, either. Luckily, the
land of politics is one in which you’re well
versed.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). This is not a
zero-sum game. Your success will not come
at the expense of anyone else. The cost will
be paid by you and you alone. The rewards
will go to you, too.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Managing
expectations will be a very important part of
your day. If you can master this (mainly by
under-promising and over-delivering), you’ll
wind up a hero.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re not lost.
You’re just paying attention in a new way,
which can be disorienting. Close observa-
tion can make the familiar seem unfamiliar.
Take breaks. Observation takes energy. It’s
harder work than it seems.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you down-
play your accomplishments, you’ll insinuate
doubt in an otherwise neutral mind. If you
praise yourself, it will only annoy. For today,
you’ll win socially by not discussing yourself
at all.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Would happi-
ness prevail if not for the current problem?
No. The current problem itself is integral to
happiness. You’ll derive great satisfaction
and pride from solving it.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (March 14).
There’s sunshine in your mind this year, and
the cheerfulness you feel will touch lives in
ways known and unknown to you. Get out of
a competition in the early part of this solar
return. Compete only with yourself. You’ll
accept an honor in May. Contracts favor you
in July and October. You’ll cash out in 2018.
Gemini and Cancer adore you. Your lucky
numbers are: 6, 10, 33, 28 and 45.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). While it would be
foolish to aim to make mistakes, it’s equally
silly to avoid and fear them. The wise do not
aim to live without folly. There will be much
to learn in a tidy little mess.
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