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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 8, 2018)
6A FEATURES TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE Shunned by siblings Dear Annie: I am a middle good. The fact that your par- child with two elder brothers, ents are flabbergasted leads a younger sister and a younger me to believe that there is brother. They all get together some serious communication and have dinner and movie issue at play here. Seek out dates or hang out with one the help of a professional fam- ily therapist who can another. I am always DEAR resolve this sibling excluded. No phone misunderstanding. call or text. They have ANNIE Dear Annie: Your been rude and unwel- coming for more than column about the gos- siping in-laws struck 15 years now. No idea a chord with us. Some why. I have finally folks resort to back- told them that I think biting and malicious they have treated me gossip for vicari- poorly and I don’t Lane ous excitement and consider them broth- Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. ers. My parents are because they don’t flabbergasted, as well. have positive self-im- It has truly broken my heart. ages. My sister-in-law falls How do I let go? — Pushed into that category. Away For many years, she seemed Dear Pushed Away: like a sister to me — only I Before you let go, let out your eventually found out the ugly feelings. I know you men- rumors she had spread, about tioned that you told them me and many others. She even what you think — but was it tried to break up my marriage in an angry and hurt way or (to her brother) by saying I’d in an honest and gentle way? had affairs all over the world You don’t get to choose your while on business trips. family, but you only get one, I avoided her (we live out so I am all for trying to work of state) for several years but out your differences. Feel- then confronted her directly ing excluded never feels in private during a fam- ily visit. She cried and cried, apologized and said she was ashamed. We will never be close, but because she has advanced cancer, I have for- given her. Malicious gossip is a stealthy type of bullying, as your target is unaware of the slander. I liked your advice to “Betrayed” (to have her hus- band talk to his relatives), Annie, but direct confronta- tion shames the individual and puts the power back where it belongs — with the victim. If other family members don’t like it, so be it. We can pick our friends, but not family or in-laws. One would be bet- ter off without them all than walking on eggshells. Your columns are great. Thanks for all you do. — Flor- ida Villages Reader Dear Florida Villages Reader: You make a great point. Perhaps it would be more effective for “Betrayed” to confront her in-laws than for her husband to talk to them. Bullies must be held accountable. Thank you for your insight. THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2018 By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You won’t have everyone’s approval, and frankly it would be weird if you did. You so have the blessing of all who matter in this, though — even if it’s only you. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are wise. Wisdom can be practical — but often isn’t. Wisdom can point to the popular choice — but often doesn’t. Wisdom can provide comfort — but it also tolerates the very uncomfortable and uncertain realities of life. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It’s been a while since you fantasized about the future. You used to do this often and well! It’s time to get back to that rich imagination of yours and apply it creating some magic for yourself in the weeks to come. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everything feels better when you have a plan. It doesn’t have to be a good plan. Even a janky, under-re- searched, unfeasible plan will give you the measure of purpose and confidence neces- sary to go one step further. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You want to make an improvement, and here’s what will help. Plan the “ifs” and “thens”: If this happens, then I’ll do that. If that happens, then I’ll do this. Decide in advance and set yourself up for success. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While you’ve been known to do excellent work in phases, you’ve neither the patience nor the time for that today. You’ll throw it all down in the white-hot heat of one long frenzy. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When you muster up the courage to take a chance, that’s some- thing in and of itself. You needn’t couple your 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 daring with the added pressure of demanding that you succeed. Give yourself credit for start- ing. Starting is for the brave. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The best answer just might be “I don’t know.” That’s the answer that lets many things be possibilities. A connection made in the afternoon will take a surprising and delightful direction. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re in a community of people who are making the world a better place. You’ll love your role in this. The group isn’t always in agreement as to the best methods, but you’ll come to a consen- sus today. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Remodels and reorganization efforts can be funny this way: You often have to make a mess before you can make an improvement. When things get crazy, push through to the “after” picture. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You face life with a thoroughly optimistic outlook even when the circumstances do not obviously favor you and yours. Your calm, measured approach allows for smooth dealings all around. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Hesitation isn’t always fear. Sometimes it’s a function of pru- dence, intuition or wisdom. Maybe you sense you’re not ready, and there’s no shame in that. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 9). This so- lar return is an uptick in love and abundance. Winning teams will be part of the fun. What happens to your group in February will lift you all. You’ll get to make your own schedule in April, and this will be a game-changer. The spring lets you create, innovate and play while getting paid. Sagittarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 40, 20, 12 and 33.