Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): When you’re rested and cared for, your enthusiasm is naturally strong. If you’re feeling less than enthusiastic, don’t mistake this for intuition or a judgment about the circumstances. It could very well just mean that you need rest. Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’re in danger of making things more complicated than they have to be. Take a step back. Breathe deep. Yes, there are many moving parts here, but most happen as a chain reaction to your moving only one or two of them. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Don’t assume that as long as your time is available you should keep filling it up. Every commitment affects every other commitment. Leave a wide stretch of open space in that schedule and you’ll be glad you did. Cancer (June 22-July 22): Lately you couldn’t care less about what people think of you — which is precisely why you are so well-liked. If you dare to extend an invitation, you’ll be most pleased with the response you receive. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You know what you want to accomplish, and momentum will be on your side all day long. Also, there are many who want to (and have the means to) help you with your quest. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ve been worried that you’re not quite qualified to take on a certain job, but the thing is that no one is until the job is theirs. This type of work can only be learned by doing. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): If you find that your ability has been underestimated, there’s a fantastic opportunity in this. You are now in the perfect position to impress and impact with a performance they weren’t expecting. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Every flight plan includes a destination point and an estimated time of arrival. Similarly, your current plan will require a few time and space specifics before you’ll be allowed to take off. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your social flair is going strong today, and a wide range of people will be drawn to you, though most notably your fellow fire signs, Aries and Leo. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): People who don’t want to do boring work will try and rope you into doing it. How frustrating! But actually, you might find that it’s not half as boring as you thought. In fact, there’s something juicy in this for you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Let no man speak on behalf of your satisfaction and comfort level. The only person who knows if you’re really comfortable is you. In fact, you cannot be comfortable unless and until you decide that you are! Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): At best, it will be useless to talk about anything outside your realm of direct experience and knowledge. At worst, such talk will be harmful. Gossip is dangerous to both the gossiper and the subject of gossip.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> I have been in a two-year relationship with a man who is loving and intelligent. We have talked about marriage since the beginning. I have traditional values, while he doesn’t believe the institution of marriage is necessary.

This would be a second marriage for both of us. Our children are grown, so having kids doesn’t factor into this decision. He says he’s willing to marry me because he knows how important marriage is to me. I was raised in the church, and living together not only makes me uncomfortable, but is looked down upon by my family.

For a while he wanted to wait for a few of his financial issues to be worked out. They have been, but he doesn’t seem ready to move forward. Another issue is that while we are compatible in most ways, we are polar opposites when it comes to politics and religion. It bothers me, but he says we don’t have to agree on everything — that if we did, life would be boring. I feel that to have a happy relationship, a couple’s essential values and morals should be similar.

He never wants to discuss political issues, and it makes things difficult and awkward. I know he doesn’t feel the same as I do, but he doesn’t want to start an argument or discussion. We never really fight, but sometimes I’d like to be able to talk about what is going on in the world.

I’m wondering if a relationship with so many differences can survive. He does make me happy, and we have a very passionate, loving relationship. — Opposites attract in

Washington

DEAR OPPOSITES ATTRACT >> Opposites often attract, that’s true. And, depending upon the people involved, it can lead to successful marriages.

However, couples in a solid relationship need to be able to communicate honestly with each other, and your gentleman friend appears not to be capable of doing it fully, which is not a good sign. If you plan on taking this relationship to the next level, I recommend the two of you have premarital counseling. Your church may offer it. Or, if he would prefer, consult a licensed marriage and family counselor.

DEAR ABBY >> My daughter is 3. She has reached the point where she notices and comments upon others’ appearance. Generally, her comments are of the “that lady has a big bottom!” variety, spoken loudly and within earshot. We are working on the concepts of manners and tact, in addition to learning that people come in all shapes, sizes, colors, etc.

In the meantime, however, have you any suggestions for how to address the subjects of her comments? I’ve offered some version of “I’m sorry, we’re still working on our manners,” but it seems to imply that I’m teaching her to make her hurtful comments in a quieter voice.

— Embarrassed in Kentucky

DEAR EMBARRASSED >> You are overthinking this. Children sometimes say the darndest things. The way you’re handling it is just fine. I hardly think anyone will be wounded for life because of anything a 3-year-old utters. (Everything looks “big” to a kid that age.)

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.