A6
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, MARcH 4, 2019
His retirement changes her
Dear Annie: Recently, my tion. I also feel she has been push-
father-in-law retired. This has ing us and the grandkids away
made my mother-in-law a differ- slowly but surely.
ent, not-so-kind person. She has
My biggest issue came after I
always confided in me her worries recently called her out on the things
about many different sub-
she has been saying about
DEAR
jects, and I have always
her husband. Our conver-
ANNIE
been honest but consid-
sation went well, but then
erate of her very touchy
she called me and yelled,
emotions. However, since
saying I had called them
my father-in-law’s retire-
bad grandparents, which I
ment, she has been bit-
would never do, and hung
ter, cranky and mean. She
up on me.
had always been the one to
This doesn’t seem fair.
take care of the home sit- ANNIE LANE Both are great people, but
Creators
her change is not good.
uation and its needs, but
Syndicate Inc.
Now I don’t know what to
she became homebound
say or do. We have spoken
a few years ago for health
reasons. After his retirement, my every day via phone for six years.
father-in-law took over many This new situation has broken
duties. In short, she seems upset, my heart. Where does it go from
acting as if he is an impostor in her here? I feel that she lied when she
said I could speak freely and then
home.
She has asked him to leave the changed my words to hurt me. I
house at times but then becomes said what I did out of love. — Lov-
upset when he is not home. He ing In-Law
Dear Loving In-Law: You
sometimes goes to his local VFW
post, where he is accepted and sound like a wonderful daughter-
seems happy. But she doesn’t seem in-law who is dealing with a chang-
ing personality that you have no
happy for him.
This is not like them. They are power to control. It is not unusual
typically free-spirited people, kind for wives to find the adjustment
and loving, with big hearts. I feel difficult after their husbands retire
sad about her behavior. She has and stay home most of the time.
even been talking about a separa- But it sounds as if your mother-in-
law could use professional help,
especially if her sudden meanness
is so out of character. It could be
depression or any number of seri-
ous ailments that only a profes-
sional could diagnose and help her
deal with. Speak with your hus-
band and father-in-law about seek-
ing help for her or possibly for both
of them together.
In the meanwhile, continue
your daily phone conversations and
put an emphasis on finding good
things to say about her and her hus-
band. Over time, she will be grate-
ful to you for helping her to feel
better. She’ll know that you cared
enough to have an honest conver-
sation with her about your concern
for her well-being.
Dear Annie: When I was
recently proofing the next day’s
paper, I read “Husband’s a
Hoarder,” and I want to give you
some appreciation. I help facili-
tate an addiction recovery course.
I’m married, so of course I read
books and articles on improving
one’s marriage. I am pleased to see,
in this age of misinformation, that
so much of your advice is really
good! In fact, I’ve saved all of it,
and it’s stacked up on every surface
imaginable in our bedroom. Ha-ha-
ha-ha... Ahem. — Editor
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). While worrying
alone does not solve problems, realizing that
there’s something that could go wrong is step
one. Step two is figuring out what to do to about
it: How to avoid it, or how to better prepare for
that possible outcome.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’re interested,
and now there’s an opportunity to dip your
toe into the proverbial pool. You won’t have to
totally immerse yourself to satisfy your curiosity
and gain some experience.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Not everyone is
comfortable sharing feelings. Some people you
know are very encouraging and supportive and
yet not demonstrative. Still, you can feel the
love and compassion whenever you’re in their
presence.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s your goal to be
compassionate and respectful, though you may
not have articulated it quite like that. There are
people you admire that embody those qualities
and you want to be like them. In fact, you already
are.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Everyone is observing
something different at any given moment. You’ll
share memories, compare notes and be sur-
prised at which details stand out to other people.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). To enjoy and be
friendly with people without feeling compelled
to spend a lot more time with them than neces-
sary is the definition of “acquaintanceship.” Who
crosses to the next level? Choose carefully.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have a complaint.
You’re right about it. But it’s not something that
you’ll be able to change today. Accept it, and log
it in your mental banks for now. Solutions and
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
opportunities will come. Stay positive.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you assume the
door is locked, then you won’t be able to open it.
Don’t assume. Watch the others. Maybe the door
is heavy and needs a shove, or temperamental
and needs a jiggle of the handle. Watch and
copy.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A live stream-
ing camera can tell you what life is like now on
the Las Vegas Strip, a city square in Madrid or the
jungle of Costa Rica. Looking around helps you
appreciate both the world and what’s going on
in your part of it.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Sometimes
it feels like you’re the only one around using
rational thought in a culture that prefers letting
the person with the biggest ego call the shots
regardless of what’s logical. Stay rational.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Maybe it looks like
the side you’re on doesn’t have a chance, but this
is early in the game. Besides, if you’re confident
enough to take action, then you’ve already won.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). To get things done
your way at the price you’d prefer would be won-
derful, but it’s not in the offering. The good news
is that the compromise that is in the offering will
be better in the end anyway.
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (March 5). You’ll
spend time with people who, though they are
from different parts of the world, seem to be
made from the same soul material as you are.
Doing well on an intellectual or academic test in
April helps you to leap forward in your purpose.
Financial gain comes from communicating your
ideas very well. Sagittarius and Aquarius adore
you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 30, 14, 22 and 36.