Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): The hand you were dealt is but one of many factors that are influencing the game, some of which you can control, most of which you can’t. So you’ll dive into all that’s within your control and play daringly. Taurus (April 20-May 20): There are reasons to root for the underdog, choose the road less traveled or quest for impossible outcomes. Sometimes those reasons are good enough, but today not so much. Take on the battle you know you can win. Gemini (May 21-June 21): If you don’t feel like making an effort to reach out, fit in, deliver the goods, etc., well, that’s telling you something, too. Maybe this situation is no longer for you, if it ever was. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You don’t have to be merciless about getting your way. But if you’re going to be relentless at anything, be relentlessly charming. Why force anyone’s hand when you can cast a spell on it instead? Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): That kindly baby sitter called time, which is supposed to keep everything from happening all at once, does not seem to be doing her job. It’s like she’s checked into her phone and suddenly it’s a free-forall. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As is usually the case, much can be accomplished through hard work and continuous improvement. It does take a long time, and it’s not the most exciting way, but it’s the best way. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): There’s always a way to look at life that is cause for alarm. And there’s always another way of finding the sweetness and charm in it. You do the latter, and you’re so attractive because of this that you won’t know whom to choose. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You were uncertain, and now you’re an expert. You were new in the group, and now you’re a leader. You were filled with nervous anticipation, and now it’s old hat. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): There are those who will go out of the way to tell you what you didn’t ask to know. They’re not to be believed, and in fact the truth is probably the opposite of what they say. Of course you know this. It’s not your first rodeo. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Question traditional gender roles and other aspects of life in which you could be automatically playing out the script. There’s a danger in slavishly following the way things have always been done. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to what the others don’t understand and subsequently ignore or cast off. With your creativity you can easily make something glorious out of the items, jobs and relationships that others can’t value. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You keep putting your feelers into the situation and coming out with the same information: You’re here because it worked once. But don’t be afraid to reach out and explore other situations that could work even better.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY » I am a 29-yearold single mother of two small children. My 5-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I’m the only one in my family who has been trained in his care, so I understand the importance of a healthy diet, proper insulin dosage, checking his blood sugar, etc., and that unless his diabetes is properly managed, it could lead to serious health issues — even death.

I have explained these things to my mother and attempted to train her SEVERAL times, yet she continues to do things she shouldn’t be doing. She stops by my house almost every night with “treats” like candy, ice cream, chocolate bars, doughnuts, etc. When I get upset about it, she’ll casually reply, “Oh, whatever. If you dose him for the carbs in it, he’s fine,” which is not the case. Yes, he can have a treat now and then, but overall, he needs to stay away from that stuff.

It is extremely frustrating that she refuses to listen to me and continues to disrespect my wishes. I don’t know what else to do. We have fought repeatedly over this, and she keeps telling me I’m “overreacting.” I’m terrified my son will have permanent damage because of this. How do I get her to stop and listen to me?

— Frustrated in Wisconsin

DEAR FRUSTRATED » You have allowed your son’s medical condition to become a power struggle between you and your mother. Schedule an appointment with your son’s pediatrician so your mother can have the facts of life explained to her. If that doesn’t help her to accept reality, then understand that she can’t be trusted. Do not allow her to drop by with goodies, and supervise any contact he has with her. It is your job to protect your little boy, even from your obtuse mother, if necessary.

DEAR ABBY » I am having a difficult time relating to my older daughter. One reason is that when she was 18, I co-signed a $4,000 loan for school. She’s now turning 29 and still hasn’t paid the loan back. I talk to her about it often and she says, “I’ll take care it,” but she never does.

I’m a single mom and still raising a daughter. I’m trying to buy a place of our own, but I am encountering credit problems because of the loan. I don’t know what to do. She has my two grandsons, and if I take her to court, I’ll never see them again. Please help me. — Hurt mom in Georgia

DEAR HURT MOM » If you have explained to your older daughter that you need the money now, and have written proof that the loan was made with the promise that it would be repaid, your next step should be to talk to an attorney. And if your daughter retaliates by depriving her children of their grandmother, so be it. At least you and your younger daughter will have a better chance of having a roof of your own over your heads. You have my sympathy.

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.

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