Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): It gives unexpected satisfaction to learn why things are the way they are, especially as you get to know the limitations someone was dealing with that led to the creation or completion of a feat. Taurus (April 20-May 20): It may be a bit of a stretch to suggest that those born under the sign that rules money should delight in austerity, and yet even the financially minded bull gets the occasional pull toward the simple elegance of minimalism. Gemini (May 21-June 21): You enjoy being the first to try products, methods and trends of all kinds. The word “new” will capture your attention and spark your curiosity, and you’ll likely be the first one in line. Later they’ll all want your account. Cancer (June 22-July 22): When you’re bored of something, don’t bail right away. Stick with it another step or two. There’s a real gem of a prize for pushing through, and you don’t have to stick with it forever, just longer than most would. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You’re not thinking about how much people do or don’t appreciate you. This is the last of your worries. Your actions are motivated out of spiritual generosity and a belief that people are in great need of your help. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When people find out about your special talent after knowing you a while, they’ll be surprised. If, later on down the line, they find out about another unrelated talent of yours, you’ll officially be alluring. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): So many of our behaviors are habits. Laughing is no exception. You seem to be doing more and more of that lately, and the people around you love how funny you make them feel. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Many people who achieve high status want to be treated the same as everyone else. You’ve a good handle on dishing due respect and still maintaining a shared reality in which everyone can relate as equals. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Today you’ll be among friends and people who wish they were your friends. You may dare to share a vulnerable, embarrassing, weird human story and in doing so push your likeability factor up a few points. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Others are uplifted by your presence. Maybe it’s something you don’t think too much about, because it’s an easy thing for you to create, and yet this is no small achievement. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Because you’re so comfortable with who you are and because you don’t think of yourself as very different from the others, you’re capable of doing things in group environments that others wouldn’t think to do. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Those who don’t pay compliments comfortably will give it up for you today. This will mean more to you than the niceties you regularly hear, considering the rarity of such an acknowledgement from this particular source.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> In the beginning of our marriage there was physical abuse and marital rape. I stayed anyway. Over the years we had two children. My husband, “Seth,” and I don’t communicate because he has refused to talk about any issues we have. During the last few years, my youngest son has also become physically abusive to me.

I tried to leave many times but failed until last December when, because I had a heart attack, I finally moved in with family. I did it for the sake of my health and my sanity.

Seth now wants to talk about our issues. He suggested that I come back home. He has several medical problems, so I was taking care of all the household chores and working two jobs. My children will not help with the chores unless I scream and yell for hours.

I no longer love my husband. He wants to romance me and try to make me love him again. He is also very controlling. He feels I “owe” him a chance to prove that he loves me and can change. Am I wrong for leaving and letting go? I’m very confused. — Letting go in Florida

DEAR LETTING GO >> You owe this man absolutely nothing! If you allow Seth the chance to romance you into coming back to take care of him, you will wind up exactly where you started.

Your son abuses you because that is what he saw his father doing — and you allowed it. If you stand your ground now, it will show your son that abuse is not to be tolerated. I hope you will teach him that lesson because it is an important one for him to learn.

DEAR ABBY >> Four months ago my wife started wearing more makeup, perfume and trying new things with her hair. It began after she was promoted to store manager. Recently, I found out that someone has been flirting with her. (She would never have told me on her own.)

Our sex life has decreased more and more over the last few months. She barely speaks to me now and spends most of her time on Facebook. She refuses to discuss our relationship, and I suspect she may be looking for someone new or has already found him.

I just don’t get it. I love her. We have been married for nine years. Please help me to understand. — Feeling lonely

DEAR FEELING LONELY >> Your wife may not want to discuss your relationship, but sometimes it’s the things people least want to talk about that most need to be. If you haven’t already, tell your wife you have noticed the changes in her behavior and in your level of intimacy, and you miss it. Tell her you love her and feel your marriage is threatened.

If she still doesn’t want to discuss your relationship, tell her it’s time the two of you go see a marriage and family therapist together. What you were told may be no more than a flirtation, but if it’s more than that, it’s better you know sooner rather than later. I hope your wife will agree, but if she doesn’t, then for your own sake, get some counseling without her.

DEAR ABBY >> Do you field more questions from unmarried couples living together than from married couples? I can only judge from what is printed.

— Inquisitive in Virginia

DEAR INQUISITIVE >> That’s an interesting question. Frankly, I have never broken down the letters into categories like “married” or “cohabiting.” Many people live together before marriage today, but eventually progress to formalizing their relationship. Others do not. Married or not, their relationship questions interest me, or I wouldn’t print them.