Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): If you’re constantly questioning the deal or the relationship, it’s not a problem but a recurring theme and an excellent indicator that change will be beneficial or perhaps even necessary. Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’re about to work very hard, so take the time to investigate the job beforehand to be sure it’s work worth doing. Mostly this is about excellent communication. Gemini (May 21-June 21): The way you think and feel about someone will be reflected in your actions even when you’re trying to hide it. The extra charge that your feelings add to the mix will infuse the atmosphere with a crackling excitement. Cancer (June 22-July 22): It’s easy to have a good attitude while participating in leisure, but it’s the people who have a good attitude when fighting in the trenches (or, more likely, waiting in line at the DMV) whom you really want on your side. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): This very productive day follows a pattern: You take action then let it go, take action and then let it go. Tonight, you’ll be surprised by what you have in common with someone. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): To explain things well is to become more powerful. And if you can write down or otherwise record your explanations, it’s like you’re able to be in many places at once. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): One way to make something better than it seems to be is, quite simply, to love it. Your attention gives a thing value. And the high value you assign may be only your personal estimation, but something about it will stick. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Your purpose is simple. You want to make people happy. You want to see them smile. You’ll achieve the aim, though you should know that in a few cases there will be basic needs to address before this can happen. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’re a connector of people. The fabulous thing about that is that when you bring people together, you’re the thing they all have in common, so you’ll be the topic of conversation in a good way. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The common thread through all of your achievements: You didn’t arrive through pure willpower. Willpower runs out. You were powered by a strong emotional need, a need that can still drive you if you let it.

The vision is foggy, but you can clear it up as easily as a person putting on glasses. Your “eyeglass prescription” will come in the form of an objective person with experience. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Getting overwhelmed is easy. All you have to do is focus on everything at once. Give more focus to the things that are going wrong and bam! Instant panic. To be cool and effective, do the opposite. Focus on one thing at a time.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/ holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY » I met my boyfriend, “Matt,” when I was a sophomore in high school. We started dating when I was a senior. By then, he was already active-duty military. We weren’t serious at the time (his decision, not mine). We’ve always had a longdistance relationship.

During his first deployment, Matt broke up with me. He told me he didn’t want to see me again when he came home, although I begged him to change his mind. When he came home last year, he felt differently, and we’ve been together since then. Abby, he once told me after he’d been drinking that “he didn’t think we were soul mates” and that “it wouldn’t be him sitting next to me when we’re 80.” He is, however, very reliable and caring. My family loves him and he has a solid life plan.

Matt is now on his second deployment, and we don’t get to talk more than about once a month. I recently met another guy at college, and I have fallen completely in love with him. We get along easily and he makes me laugh. I have never felt this way about any other guy before, but I also haven’t known him very long.

I worked hard to be with Matt, and we have been through a lot together. I won’t see him in person for at least six more months. I don’t know what to do. Advice?

— Conflicted in the East

DEAR CONFLICTED » Punt! Real life is more than a bundle of laughs. Do not break up with Matt and do not commit to this new man until Matt is again stateside and sober. Only then will you be in a position to make an informed decision about a future with either one of them.

DEAR ABBY » I had a rough time during my teenage and young adult years. One of the ways I dealt with it was by cutting myself. It became more severe over the years, and both my arms are covered with very noticeable scars.

Life is much better now, and my wife and I are expecting our first child. I have been trying to decide how I’m going to explain the scars to my child when he or she is older. I realize this will likely be a series of age-appropriate conversations. I don’t want my child to follow in my footsteps, and I’m afraid to rationalize my behavior. How do I explain them? — Better now in Massachusetts

DEAR BETTER NOW » I agree that you should answer your child’s questions in an ageappropriate way if you are asked. When your child is little, he or she may be satisfied if you simply say, “Daddy hurt himself.” When he or she is older, add more detail as necessary. Because a tendency toward depression can run in some families, it’s important to make a special effort to keep the lines of communication open when it comes to “feelings.” If you are unsure how to handle this, consult your child’s pediatrician for guidance.

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.

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.