Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): They’re falling in love with your smile. If only they knew how difficult it can be to take the sunny route. It’s often automatic, but just as often not. Something good usually happens when levity wins, though. Taurus (April 20-May 20): How much caring is too much? You’ll wonder this as your love expands along with your involvement in, and expectations of, a relationship. Take your time. This part requires thoughtfulness and space. Gemini (May 21-June 21): There are people from your past whose paths you may never cross again who think of you in a certain way. You can’t control or change that, but you can definitely make a fresh impression on the people you meet today. Cancer (June 22-July 22): To wish for an easy route — well, it wouldn’t be wrong, but it wouldn’t be you, either. You’ll take what comes naturally and know what it feels like to get stronger and smarter for the work. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Some will find the way; others will find the excuse. You’re at a point where you need to decide how much it means to you. Much will be riding on how important the mission is and how deeply you are committed to it. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Reality and your dream of it do not seem very far apart from one another today. But there are still a few key differences. Take these obstacles into consideration one by one. Be methodical. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Conflict comes from facing life head-on. So does peace. Avoidance keeps the tension going unnecessarily. Today, everything is better handled very quickly if not immediately. Speak to each moment in that moment. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): The people in charge may place roadblocks to deter the faint-hearted or those who are only mildly interested. You’ve every reason to keep trying. You’ll quickly prove you’re not in that category, and doors will open to you. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The leadership position will come with stressful responsibilities and expectations, and yet somehow that won’t bother you the way it would others. Things will be better when you’re in charge. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Relax and let things unfold naturally. Even with today’s lengthy to-do list, you’ll approach with the right attitude, handle it all and even have some fun along the way. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You see funny things today — or maybe you just notice what’s always been there but you suddenly see the humor in it. Stress levels go down with every laugh. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Opportunities will present themselves in coy, understated ways. The best one will sit quietly, not drawing much attention. You won’t be fooled. You know a good thing when you see it. Seize the moment.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY » My son and his live-in girlfriend were expecting a baby. My daughter planned the shower, and it was a wonderful eight months of excitement. I was included in the ultrasounds and all information, and we were all anticipating the big day. Two weeks before the baby was due, my son showed up and announced that the baby is not his. He was heartbroken, as were all of us.

I had given them items that should have stayed in the family, and many of his friends and our extended family gave them a lot of gifts. Shouldn’t those things be returned? She cheated on my son, became pregnant by another man and then waited until the end to break his heart. Your advice would be appreciated.

— Sad and mad in Idaho

DEAR SAD AND MAD » Please accept my sympathy for the very real loss your family has experienced. My question to you would be, how is your son handling this revelation? Is the relationship over, or is there a chance he could forgive her, reconcile and accept the baby as his own? (Some men do.)

If that’s the case, let things stand as they are. However, if he won’t, you should politely ask for the family items to be returned. Rightfully, they should be. Assuming they are in her possession and were given as gifts, she may refuse, and you can’t force her. Be prepared, hang onto your temper and try not to say anything for which you might be sorry later. This is a time for negotiation, not vendetta.

DEAR ABBY » I was raped when I was 13. My uncle was the person who took me to the home of his friend who raped me. After that, my uncle started molesting me. Instead of believing me, my parents believed my uncle’s lies. They blamed and abandoned me afterward. I had to learn about life the hard way.

My dad is dead now, and I don’t associate with my mom or anyone on her side of the family. I always mess up any relationship I have. I love the guy I have been seeing for three years, but I’m still doing the same things that ruined my last relationships. I have a huge problem with trust, even with this new guy. How do I stop acting like this? — Needs help in Florida

DEAR NEEDS HELP » Considering your history, your trust issues are a normal reaction to what was done to you by your family. That your parents would believe your abuser instead of you when you told them you had been assaulted is appalling.

If there is a rape treatment center near where you live, reach out to it for help. If there isn’t, and you can’t afford private counseling, contact the county department of mental health and ask to talk to a licensed psychotherapist.

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.

Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)