Feb

Woman refuses to trust ex-husband

Dear Abby,

I was married for 10 years before I found out my ex was living a double life — other women, children, etc. We divorced, and afterward, I provided the best possible life for our three children. My ex was the typical deadbeat dad — never there for his DEAR ABBY children. Twelve years later, JEANNE my children are adults, and PHILLIPShe has decided to show up and start a relationship with them. Anytime they have milestones with church, college, jobs, weddings, etc., he is there.

I have stepped back and let them decide what kind of relationship they want with him. Even worse, my ex has also rekindled his relationship with my parents and siblings. He’s turning my family against me, although we have both remarried. When I try to talk to them about it, they say, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” “He’s changed,” “Why can’t you forgive him?”

Abby, my ex stole his business partner’s money to live his double life. If he has “changed,” why is he once again trying to turn my family against me? What do I do? Must I divorce myself from my parents and siblings? Never Rid Of Him

A man who lives a double life, neglects his responsibilities as a parent and steals from his business partner without trying to make amends to ALL of them doesn’t appear to have “changed.” Your children, parents and siblings have “chosen” to forgive and welcome him back into the fold regardless of how it affects you. (He must be one heck of a salesman.)

It’s time to look into your heart and decide how much of this togetherness (!) you can tolerate. Some discussions with a licensed mental health professional could be helpful in this regard. If, after that, you conclude that less contact with your parents and siblings under these circumstances would be healthier for you, then do what is best for yourself.

Dear Abby, My stepson is being released from prison after assaulting his 9-year-old stepdaughter in my home. He plans on living here with us, with his dad’s blessing. A few years ago, I was sexually assaulted, and I still suffer from PTSD because of it. It’s getting worse as the release date approaches.

My stepson has problems with drugs and alcohol as well as anger issues. He expects us to pay for whatever he wants. We have spent a third of our retirement money on his legal expenses, and there are no plans for him to pay us back. He has mistreated my dog several times, and I do not trust him.

Am I wrong for not wanting him in my home? My husband has turned a deaf ear to my concerns. I guess blood is thicker than water.

Dreading It In The West

Trust your instincts. Because your husband has chosen to ignore your concerns about his son living with you, the time has come for you to take care of yourself. Consult an attorney about protecting whatever assets you still have before they are completely depleted, take your dog and get out of there NOW. Believe me, you have my sympathy.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Pearls Before Swine

Classic Peanuts

Garfield

Horoscope

By Stella Wilder

Born today, you are a complex individual with a multifaceted and vibrant personality who is destined to lead a life that is itself complex and vibrant — and chock full of opportunity. That means, of course, that you are likely to enjoy your share of successes — for you are talented, capable and almost always proactive when it comes to pursuing your goals. It also means, however, that you are destined to face perhaps more than your share of disappointment.

You can be quite emotional, and though there are times when you may wear your heart on your sleeve, you also know how to conceal your feelings when you are in some kind of danger — or when others may try to take advantage of your sensitive nature. You never need to be apologetic about what you think or feel, however; it’s what makes you “you,” after all!

Also born on this date are: Dakota Fanning, actress; Emily Blunt, actress; Josh Gad, actor; Aziz Ansari, actor; Mia Michaels, choreographer; Niecy Nash, actress; W.E.B. Du Bois, author and activist.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — You know how to win the support of others, and today is the day to do just that. Be as specific as possible, and leave no one in the dark.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You may be hesitant to ask for what you need today, but that’s the only way you’re going to get your hands on it in time to make use of it!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You’ll want to keep an accurate record of all that happens today, as you’ll almost surely have to recall certain events at a later date.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — What you choose will say a great deal about you today. Putting aside petty jealousies will help you get over a stubborn self-made obstacle.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You may not understand just what your role will be in a certain group endeavor, but today you must pay attention to what others do around you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — This is a good day to experiment with one or two new ways of doing something that has not yet become second nature. You can learn a lot!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-sept. 22) — You can’t believe everything you read today — but take care that your skepticism doesn’t keep you from believing what is true!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You may have the benefit of some firsthand evidence today to support your contention that things are as you see them. Don’t back down!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — You needn’t worry about how a past mistake will affect a current endeavor. Simply stay the course and trust that you know what you’re doing!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — You may have trouble getting through to someone who is being far more philosophical than realistic. What evidence can you cite?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You may be under more pressure than usual, but you can hold up provided you have someone trustworthy to talk to who understands you well.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — You may have to remind someone of a promise made to you, as it’s now time to benefit from it. You don’t want to miss out.

COPYRIGHT 2022 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC. Zits

Dark Side of the Horse

Daily Maze

Goren bridge

WITH BOB JONES

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC CONTROL Both vulnerable, South deals

NORTH ♠ J 8 4

♥ 3 ♦ A 10 9 6 4 3 ♣ 9 5 4 WEST EAST ♠ Q 7 5 2 ♠ 3 ♥ K J 10 5 4 2 ♥ A Q 8 ♦ 2 ♦ 8 7 5 ♣ K Q ♣ J 10 8 7 3 2 SOUTH ♠ A K 10 9 6 ♥ 9 7 6 ♦ K Q J ♣ A 6 finding that he could no longer make his contract. South couldn’t lead a third trump. West would win, lead a heart to partner for a diamond ruff and then cash two more hearts for down two. South futilely tried to cash some diamonds instead, but West ruffed the second diamond, cashed the queen of spades to draw dummy’s last trump, and then the defense took three heart tricks. Also down two.

South’s play would have succeeded had the missing trumps split 3-2, the most likely split. 4-1 splits, however, occur frequently enough that declarer should have asked himself if he could protect against such a split.

South would have done better by leading a low trump toward dummy’s jack at trick two. Should West win with his queen, the best he can do is to lead a heart to partner for a diamond ruff, which would be the last defensive trick. West can duck his queen, but South counters that by leading a spade back to his 10. The contract would be safe provided West holds the trump queen.

There is a risk that East might have the queen of spades and be able to give West two diamond ruffs, so the winning line is not clear cut. How would you play it?

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