6A
FEATURES
Ex is still in the picture
Dear Annie: About two years should start to move on with their
ago, my wife of 20 years, “Cyn- lives and shouldn’t hang around an
thia,” and I divorced. Our two chil- ex’s family gatherings.
I’m very torn. I want Beth to
dren are grown and out of the house.
Our divorce wasn’t the norm; we attend these events. However, if I
did it without a lawyer or media- asked Cynthia to stop being around
tor. Everything was civil; no one so much, it might get back to my
family, and then Beth and I
cheated or was abused. I
DEAR
would be deemed as spoil-
think we both just changed
ers in the family. But she
over time.
ANNIE
may already be seen as an
About four months after
outcast by excluding her-
the divorce, I met another
self from these gatherings.
woman, “Beth.” Hav-
Is Beth having anxiety
ing already had my cry, I
over nothing, or should I
decided to give it a shot.
ask my ex not to be around
Long story short, we were
so much? — Ex In or Ex
great for each other, and
Lane
Out
now, a year and a half later, Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
Dear Ex In or Ex
we’re engaged.
Out: Your ex-wife was
The problem is that
Cynthia doesn’t really have a fam- a part of your family for 20 years,
ily other than mine. My sister and and that bond doesn’t disappear
the rest of my family are sym- once the ink dries on the divorce
pathetic to Cynthia and want to papers. It’s understandable that she
include her. I don’t mind being wants to stay in touch with her for-
around her, but the awkwardness mer in-laws, and it’s understand-
comes in when Beth and Cynthia able that they want to include her.
attend the same family events. Beth But it’s important that your fiancee
understands that it’s unavoidable really get to know and love your
during big occasions, such as wed- family, and she’s having a hard time
dings and funerals. But she feels doing so with your ex-wife around.
that it isn’t normal for Cynthia to be Rather than disinvite Cynthia, talk
around for our casual family gather- to your family members about your
ings, which are more frequent. She concern and plan additional outings
feels that once people divorce, they with just them and Beth. Once Beth
feels more settled and secure with
her place in the family, it will be
easier for her to relax at family gath-
erings, even when Cynthia is there.
Dear Annie: My husband and
I own a boat that takes tourists on
short trips. Three years ago, he fell
in love with the only woman on
board. When I realized something
was up, I said, “If she is so wonder-
ful, what is stopping you from being
with her?” Without hesitation, he
said, “The age difference.”
I have not been able to stop
thinking about that every day for
the past three years. I am becoming
upset even writing this to you. She
is not interested in him. I guess he
is old enough to be her father. But
what if he meets someone his own
age? I think I’d better see my law-
yer. What do you think? Should we
get a divorce? — Seasick
Dear Seasick: I can’t tell you
whether you should get a divorce
based on your letter. But I can tell
you that you can’t keep living this
way. One comment has been eat-
ing away at you for three years, and
you need to put a stop to that before
it swallows you whole. Have you
tried talking to your husband? In any
case, I’d strongly recommend mar-
riage counseling so you can open up
the lines of communication.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). When the sun
rises, it rises for everyone and shines on all
creatures alike. Those who feel special and
above the rest will be humbled by the current
cosmic climate in the best way possible.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People don’t
necessarily want to hear the most honest
interpretation of things. What about compas-
sion? What about catering the message to
the audience? If you must talk hard facts,
speak the truth and then duck.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You could
put something in the world that wasn’t there
before. Note that creative ventures do require
more than a good idea. They require time and
study and practice. That said, a few minutes
here and there will add up.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The thing
about chasing mirages is that no matter how
much distance you cover, you’ll never arrive.
Illusions threaten to waste your time. Separate
actualities from fantasies, truth from fiction.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even if you have
a self-driving car, you still can’t drive two of
them at the same time. Choose. It may be
difficult, as many options seem equal, but if
you don’t make the choice now, someone will
make it for you.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You genu-
inely want to do something well. Your attitude
will appeal to others who have been mas-
terful. In a stroke of luck more fortunate than
money falling from the sky, the right teachers
will be attracted to your potential.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Imagine if you
believed that there was nothing wrong with
you and there never has been, that nothing
needed to be improved, that there was no
“better,” only “different”: Would you then still
make the same choice?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). In some ways
you are on your own, but this freedom has
many perks. You can go in any direction you
wish, for starters. Furthermore, your best
guess is pretty stellar. Act on it and your luck
will compound.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Intellectual powers
surge today. You enjoy thinking things through
and coming up with the perfect explanation
for why they are the way they are, or how they
might become something else.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When you can
right a wrong situation you feel personally
successful. Indeed you are! And those who
help you celebrate achievements of justice
are your true friends.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re ready and
willing to learn, and that’s not even the best
part: There is someone very skilled who will
be willing to teach you! You’re the one who
must make the first approach, though.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 22).
You’re exceptionally lucky over the next four
weeks. In November, shake up your profes-
sional scene some. What seems like a lateral
move will actually lead to something much
better. You don’t really know yourself until you
try new things. Your personal life percolates
with fresh activities and interests in 2018. Tau-
rus and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers
are: 9, 4, 42, 38 and 14.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Do you get the
sense that you’re coming into your own? Don’t
dismiss this as merely a good mood. Instead
heed the intuition as a harbinger of the very
lucky times you’re stepping into.
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