Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): You can’t change people (if you could, perhaps your home would be a lot cleaner without your efforts), but you can certainly inspire them, deter them and choose how long to be around them. Taurus (April 20-May 20): You put yourself out there, and now you cringe to think of how. It only means that you have guts. Truly, the best out there have had similar experiences. You’re on your way to becoming a master. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Someone who is listening to you and tracking with you on matters of minutiae as well as the things that matter most to you: This is not only flattering and validating; it’s practically intoxicating. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You care, but you don’t always call. Maybe you’re afraid of getting hooked into the situation and not being able to get out of it. This is a legitimate fear. Decide before the interaction how far you’re willing to go with it. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): While managing the practicalities of life we sometimes minimize the importance of being able to make others feel good. After all, what does the bottom line have to do with other people’s feelings? Answer: everything. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Wanting is fun. It’s fun all weekend! It’s fun even after you realize that getting what you want won’t bring happiness. Oh, well! The chase — now that’s something you’re going to remember. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You’re not getting the help you once were getting — good! You’ve grown to the place where you can handle a lot more on your own, and because of this you don’t have to report to anyone. Relish the freedom! Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): It’s amazing how people change the rules to accommodate their fascinations and preferences. Lucky for you, you’ve the preference and the fascination that will lead to favorable changes. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When you’re not sure of your social standing, the thing to do is to host a party. Not only will you discover the social lay of the land but also it will be your pleasure to put this all together. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A critical mind can be a great gift. Your ability to discern the necessary bits from the unnecessary bits will make you more productive, popular and effective allaround. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): One way is to reach, wander and quest until you find what you’re looking for. It’s not the only way, and this weekend it’s not the best way, either. If you stay in one place, the world is sure to come to you. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Before you do the heavy lifting, physically, emotionally or otherwise, pause to ask yourself if there’s another way to float this. Look for elevators. Good sense may prevent a strain.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/ holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> I’m a 55-year-old woman, divorced for a year and a half. I was married twice before and have three grown children.

I own my own home, have a job I enjoy and a loving family. I do what I want when I want and how I want. I control the remote, the thermostat and my money. I have no desire for male companionship or a “social life,” and can honestly say I have never felt happier or more content in my life. I wonder why society places so much emphasis on men and women forming romantic relationships. I also wonder how much angst I could’ve saved myself, my former husbands and my children by realizing years ago that marriage is not for me. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize that I will never meet a man whose company I enjoy more than my own.

I just want to tell your readers — at least any who feel the same way I do — to be happy with themselves and stop letting friends, relatives or society dictate to them how to feel or what to do. There’s nothing wrong with an independent woman or man being, well, independent. These days I call myself ... EMANCIPATED AND HAPPY DEAR EMANCIPATED AND HAPPY >> If I had to guess why society places so much emphasis on marriage and romance, it would be because that’s the way society perpetuates itself. After three divorces, it is not surprising that you are happier on your own.

I’m sure many people wish they were as independent and resilient as you. However, most people crave some degree of closeness and intimacy — which may be why women and men search for romance. Today, more than half of adults in the United States are single. For those who are not “coupled up,” I’m sure your message will be meaningful.

DEAR ABBY >> I am the luncheon chairperson for a large fundraiser that will be held in six weeks. I know my question is one shared by many. How can a brilliant person be advised to keep his remarks short and not like he’s preaching to the choir without seeming rude?

— Doesn’t want to offend

DEAR DOESN’T WANT TO OFFEND >> Here’s how. Run your event like a commanding general. Tell all your speechmakers and honorees how much time they are ALLOTTED. Insist they submit their remarks in enough time before the event that you can review the length — and keep “reminding” the speakers what time the event MUST end.

If you bravely and diligently do this, your event will be a hit. And YOU will be regarded as brilliant because not many people are courageous enough to be this assertive.

DEAR ABBY >> What should a person do when their children and grandchildren don’t like to talk on the phone, and text you only?

— Lonely grandma in l.a.

DEAR LONELY GRANDMA >> Learn to text!

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.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)