6A
FEATURES
Look who just dropped in
Dear Annie: I occasion- ried that my sons are overly
ally have lunch with a relative affectionate with each other.
whose company I enjoy. We (He admitted he had written the
usually have a nice time, but letter when I confronted him.)
lately she has been bringing a
I appreciate your thought-
last-minute guest with her with- ful answer to my father’s let-
out telling me. Sometimes it is ter. For the record, my sons
another relative, and
know that their grand-
DEAR
sometimes it is a person
father disapproves of
I’ve never met. This
their closeness. They
ANNIE
has caused seating con-
think he is being silly.
fusion and a less desir-
I explained to my elder
able room at places
son, “Steven,” that his
where we have reser-
grandfather grew up
in a time when affec-
vations. Does this mean
tion between brothers
she doesn’t care for my
or a father and a son
company, or is it just
Lane
was frowned upon. His
a lack of manners? — Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
response was: “That’s
Mystified in Michigan
messed up.”
Dear Mystified: I
My husband, their dad, was
can’t divine this woman’s rea-
sons. Perhaps she’s trying extremely affectionate to them,
to save time by consolidat- so I think that kind of open-
ing her lunch dates (which, I ness and love is what they are
agree, would be bad manners). used to. When their dad died,
But there’s no need to consult the boys were devastated.
a crystal ball. The next time When the younger boy, “Fred-
you’re making plans and won- erick,” wanted to sleep with
dering whether she’ll invite Steven because he was having
nightmares, I let him. Steven
anyone else, just ask.
Dear Annie: My sons were would comfort him by hold-
the topic of a recent letter pub- ing him in his arms all night.
lished in your column. It was Now, six years later, Freder-
from “Concerned Grandfather,” ick gets scared because I some-
my dad. He told you he’s wor- times work a third shift. He says
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
he feels safer with Steven by his
side when I am gone overnight.
It is true; they hug a lot. And
yes, they do exchange pecks on
the cheek, but it is not constant
as my father described.
My sons love each other. I
certainly will not do anything or
say anything to make them feel
their behavior is dirty or inap-
propriate. How different would
the world be if boys gave and
received more affection?
My sons are well-adjusted.
They play sports, get excellent
grades and have friends other
than each other. My father has
often said they need to see a
counselor to end their disgust-
ing affection for each other.
There is no way I would ever
take them for counseling to
break something that I think
is beautiful and normal. My
prayer and wish is they will
always stay close and openly
affectionate. — Loving Mom
Dear Loving Mom: Thanks
for sharing. I’d like to add that
you shouldn’t automatically
discount the notion of coun-
seling for your sons — not
because they are affection-
ate but because they lost their
father at a young age.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You take pleasure
in maintaining your friendships. It’s not so easy
for all your loved ones. Some find it difficult to
be social, so it’s wonderful that you’re willing to
reach out and take the initiative.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s time to
expand the social circle again — an effort that
will pay off in laughter and fun as well as in the
context of business and finance. One way is
to plan an event that will allow your friends to
introduce you to their friends.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The mistake may
have been an honest one, but that doesn’t
change what happened. Try to be logical and
methodical as you work out how to make
things right and how to make sure this doesn’t
happen again.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). What’s not ad-
vancing in your life is retreating. Chances are,
you’re fine with this. You can’t move everything
forward at once. And letting cycles run their
natural course is the smart thing to do.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Oddly, what you think
is boring will get far less so as you do it re-
peatedly. Your mind will open to the intricacies.
You may even feel that you’ve glimpsed the
magical underpinnings of life itself in this.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One of something
is a choice. Two is an accumulation. Three is a
collection. Moving into the higher numbers will
involve more rules, hierarchies and categori-
zations. The more organized you are, the more
you can handle.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The ideal way
to behave in the situation isn’t written in the
manners books. Also, a person can be caring
and compassionate and still have no idea how
to do the right thing. You’ll help in this regard
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
today.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Flip the problem
around in your mind, because the obvious
solution may not be the best one. Furthermore,
it may very well be the case that you can get
more use from your obstacles than from the
things that are going easily right.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Not one to
be cynical or pessimistic, you know to listen to
those voices inside that might be nudging you
toward an uncomfortable conclusion. This is
intuition warning you.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When the
weather turns cold, the stagnant water freezes
long before the running water. To avoid rigidity
of mind, body or spirit, keep moving. To avoid
rigidity of style, keep seeking new influence.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The problem is
like a kinked-up Slinky. In your efforts to handle
the twist, things coil into themselves, become
even more entangled, until it’s absolutely a
mess. Two choices: Either throw it away, or call
it art.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re an integral
part of whatever group you join, even if you’re
new there. Don’t underestimate your energy.
Your joy is contagious; your curiosity is a stim-
ulant for all around you.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 10). You’re
changing and so are your wishes. Your efforts
to be a better communicator on all levels will
lead to astounding luck. A long process will
end happily. What you pay forward before the
end of the year will change someone’s life. A
group will progress in part because of your
intelligent leadership from within. Cancer and
Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 45,
7, 12, 22 and 15.