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.