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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2018)
C5 THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, DEcEmbER 21, 2018 Unpleasant conversation experienced Dear Annie: A couple neighbors with whom I have a very some very difficult times, close relationship have and I don’t want to be recently become friends unsympathetic or unkind. with their new neighbors. However, I do not discuss These neighbors are retired my traumatic life issues from successful over cocktails. DEAR careers, have been The most recent ANNIE U.S. residents for at time the neigh- bors started going least 50 years and on and on about are financially com- fortable. I am grate- their tragic child- hood, I asked to ful to be included in be excused before invitations with my dinner because I close friends and the neighbors, and ANNIE LANE was “not feeling Creators well.” And truth be I have often invited Syndicate Inc. told, after hearing the neighbors to join about such graphic my close friends and me at my house. The things, I was really not problem is that the neigh- feeling well. In the future, bors always want to turn would it be appropriate the conversation around to for me to interrupt these what a horrible early life lengthy tales of woe by say- they had when they were ing, “I am so sorry that you children in Germany during had to endure all that, but World War II. It seems they could we talk about some- have no end to their horrific thing more pleasant?” No stories of such things as one else ever feels free to frozen babies lying dead on change the subject. I am the road. I find this subject not close with this couple, of conversation extremely so I am not in a position to upsetting and feel it is speak with them privately inappropriate in a social about this. — Dinner Table Talk gathering. Annie, I know that the Dear Dinner Table Talk: If dinner parties were kept to pleasant and safe conversations, they could get pretty boring very fast. Sometimes, hear- ing about people’s hard- ships can bring you closer. Maybe you yourself could feel more open or vulnera- ble enough to share some of your hardships with them and your friends. Being human is about being kind and trying to give people the benefit of the doubt. Strive to be more sympa- thetic. But when the con- versation becomes far too dark for too long, you can just try to subtly change the subject. No need to call attention to the previous topic’s unpleasantness. If they never get the hint and the conversation is con- stant despair, then speak with your friends. Tell them how much you care about them, but let them know that their neighbors are just not your cup of tea. Not every person in the world is meant to be our friend. There is nothing wrong with not caring much for your friends’ friends. TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re energized by human interaction. You forget that sometimes be- cause life in public is rife with lines, traffic, constant negotiations over minor territorial issues ... bottom line, it’s worth it. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When you can see the best and worst in a thing and love the whole range, that’s a good relationship. You have it with yourself, and with your closest people, this is peace. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). In many ways, you feel you’re in the middle of nowhere, distant from the main action, fields and forests and deserts away from what you meant to be doing. But the import- ant thing is that you’re not lost. You’ll get back on track tomorrow. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Reward systems will work particularly well today. Whether you’re dealing with yourself or others, the rules are the same, for every right move, give a treat. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Simple measures keep you organized, for instance a hook for your keys or keeping your wallet in the same place every time. It bears repeating. Keep close tabs on personal items this afternoon. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The calm before the storm is an exciting, anticipatory moment in weath- er, and in relationships, but only those who have been through a storm are keen enough to recognize the moment. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What’s needed is a fresh take on things. Build on what’s been established, and then put a twist in it. This will work with recipes, small talk, projects, and almost anything you en- 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 counter today. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Feel like you’re trying to impress someone? Good noticing, and you should stop yourself before you go too far with this. What’s most impressive, of course, is someone who doesn’t need to. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The truth is an excellent starting place. If someone is treating the truth like it’s the plan B or C — the stunt to pull when all else fails — that should be a major warning sign. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It’s said that persistence wins out, but much depends on the what’s being persisted. Of course repetitive action will eventually make progress, but is it working? Is it smart? AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The framing of things has impact on their appreciation and understand- ing. This will be true of art and more true of your view of people and interpersonal dynamics of the day. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Consider taking the same people to a new environment. You’ll see an- other side, learn of hidden strengths and have fun in a way you wouldn’t have in your typical setting. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 22). Among the purest delights — freedom! It’s uncommon for one as responsible as you to experience stretches of time without rules and expectations keeping you in check, but temporary measures of relief from duty are in store. Take full advantage! It will blissfully grow your spirit. You’ll return to the routine with fresh vig- or. Scorpio and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 20, 11, 18 and 42.
