Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): You feel stalled in some respects, but it’s not your fault; it’s the destination. The goal is off. Change what you want from the situation, and you’ll find that the road is totally clear. Taurus (April 20-May 20): The people who you’d categorize as “fun” are the same ones who tend to find something new in a familiar situation. It’s one of the reasons that you’ll be looking for the novelty in something you do nearly every day. Gemini (May 21-June 21): If no one can give you self-confidence, then no one can take it away, either. There are, however, those who foster an atmosphere where such a thing can grow. They should be your first choice for company. Cancer (June 22-July 22): Everything doesn’t have to be big and spectacular to be pleasing to you. Simple pleasures will be even more satisfying now, as you effortlessly settle into them. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Making small talk is a ubiquitous feature of your professional standing and your busy social life, though not one that you always feel prepared for. Pick your topics before you leave the house, and you’ll win at conversation. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’re interesting in so many ways. Don’t be in a rush to reveal them all up front. There’s an art to impressing people and getting them intrigued — rather than impressing with the effect of making people jealous and resentful. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Absurdity is a tone that intellectuals, artists and humorists like you can pull off beautifully. By the way, if you don’t think of yourself in these terms, it’s about time you started to, because it’s definitely part of who you are. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You can go through the day’s challenges hoping not to crash, but you’ll only be shortchanging yourself. Instead, go into them anticipating the opportunity to take a running leap into the sky and soar. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Ask an OK question; have an OK time. Ask a better question; have a better time. Ask (SET ITAL) the (END ITAL) question; hold on for a conversational loop-theloop that no one was expecting and none will soon forget. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): So many instances prove that in life, it doesn’t matter how intelligent you are: What matters most is how prepared you are. That big brain of yours notwithstanding, get ready today and you’ll succeed tomorrow. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When you love and are loved, it makes everything a little easier. You feel like you can choose what to get emotionally invested in. The perspective you come from is one of involved detachment. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You don’t always turn up your power to high voltage, because it’s not the level that’s needed much of the time, and you don’t want to exhibit bad taste. However, you can afford to amp it up somewhat today.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> My mom wants me to exercise more. Currently, I just walk a lot (in my house and around the block). I know exercise is a good idea, but I’m really self-conscious about it. I never feel like I’m doing it right (because I know you can easily pull a muscle), and I feel like everyone else in the gym is judging me.

Now that I’m 17, Mom expects me to be more mature about this. I don’t even feel comfortable swimming in public places anymore. I feel stressed about it, but Mom just thinks I’m being picky.

Being in a gym makes me feel unhappy and judged. I wish there was a better way to exercise, but I don’t know what. How can I get my mom to understand how hard this is for me? — Wondering in Wichita

DEAR WONDERING >> Going to a gym can be fun if you do it with a buddy. Most of the people there are more concerned with what THEY are doing than what anyone else is. That said, going to the gym isn’t for everyone. There are many forms of exercise.

Tell your mother you would prefer to exercise on your own rather than go to a gym. Then put on your walking shoes, leave the house and walk for 20 to 30 minutes a day. It’s good for you. Listen to music when you’re doing it and it will make the time go quickly. And on days when you don’t want to go outside, put on some music and dance. It’s good for the circulation, and it’s also good for the soul.

DEAR ABBY >> My husband and I have been married for 44 years. We eloped in high school and still feel like newlyweds. We built a successful business, ran it for 40 years and recently had an opportunity to sell it.

The problem is my mother. We bought a second home in California, but kept our first home. Every time I call to ask how she and Dad are doing, she responds with, “You don’t care how we are. If you did, you would be here.”

I love our new life. Our kids are grown, and we are enjoying ourselves to the fullest. We are both in excellent health, and still young at heart. How can we tell her that we have a life we love without her being so resentful?

— Loving life in California

DEAR LOVING >> You can’t, because your mother feels you should be at her beck and call. She has had you close since you were a child, and now she may be feeling deserted.

At this point, I don’t advise telling your mother that you “have a life you love” without her. Instead, I suggest that you phrase your greeting to her more carefully.

Rather than ask how she and your dad are doing, say that you are “calling to check in.” Say that you were thinking about her. And if she starts in with “you don’t care,” tell her that you DO care or you wouldn’t be on the phone with her, but if she keeps giving you a guilt trip, she’ll be hearing from you less.

DEAR ABBY >> If you go to a party and bring something (chips, soda, etc.), what is the rule of etiquette about taking it home when you leave?

— Practical in Idaho

DEAR PRACTICAL >> When someone brings food to a party, it could be considered a host/ hostess gift. Before taking any of it home, first ask your host or hostess if it would be all right. While some people wouldn’t mind, others may, so you shouldn’t assume that because you brought something that the leftovers are yours.

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.