Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): You want to help, but you also realize that people might need to take things as far as they can on their own first. You don’t want to rob anyone of the chance at the kind of confidence that only autonomy can bring. Taurus (April 20-May 20): Shakespeare suggested, “Assume a virtue, if you have it not.” Dare to enact the virtue you seek today and you just may wind up with it by the end of the day. Gemini (May 21-June 21): If you found out that the whole world was made for you, would that change the way you enjoyed it? Maybe it was; maybe it wasn’t. But there are certainly pleasures around you that are not to be missed. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You’ll finish the job you started to the very best of your ability, impediments notwithstanding. Most of them will in fact back down (even the inanimate ones), as if they realize that you’re coming forward regardless. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You’re ready to follow advice, even though it may lead you far out of your way and take a great deal of effort. Well, you can’t argue with success. And a proven success formula is something to adhere to as closely as possible. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): People who talk about what kind of person they are may as well be waving a red flag in your face. Usually just about everyone is the opposite of what they proclaim, at least some of the time. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Casual conversation will lead you to realize that you have stories you haven’t quite learned how to tell yet, but you’re getting better and better at it. In fact, you’re downright entertaining tonight. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): The people who make you want to put on your cool clothes, say your clever lines, behave as the best version of you — those are the ones to keep around. You’re about to step up your game like crazy. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It won’t pay to be too picky in matters of food or entertainment, but you can certainly afford to be picky in some matters this weekend — love, for one. You’ll only be better off for being very selective in matters of romance. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Before you do what you planned, consider that your day could go a few different ways. What if your favorite person was the one who was looking out for you? What would this person tell you to do? Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You know free spirits, and you know people who have lived in the same place for decades if not a lifetime. You have something to learn from both these extremes now, as you experiment with your ideas about home. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Life seems to be moving quickly, and it’s why you will take many pictures. Also, your artistic eye is keen now, and you notice the pretty things, the unusual things and things that you’re not likely to capture on any other day.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY » My partner of 11 years has decided he is no longer in love with me. He says it’s because he thinks I cheated on him. I have told him repeatedly that it didn’t happen, which is the truth. Long story short, he says he wants us to start over as friends and see where things go because he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with anyone right now. However, he’s sleeping with a 22-yearold here in the home we share. I love him so much that it hurts. When I tell him every day that I love him, he tells me he knows. Our relationship hasn’t been a bed of roses, but we did have good times when we were able to do things together. Should I hold out for him, or tell him the “friends” thing is not going to work and cut ties altogether?

— Confused and lost guy

DEAR GUY » I don’t blame you for feeling confused and lost, considering the mixed messages you have been getting from your partner. What you are experiencing now is, of course, painful. He is making excuses for wanting to trade you in for a newer model. This is why he is accusing you of having done something that he is doing under your nose.

The only true confession he has uttered is that he doesn’t want to be in a relationship. That is your cue to head for the door, unless, of course, the roof over your head belongs to you. If your home is rented or jointly owned, other arrangements will have to be made. But for the sake of your sanity, do not live with him under these conditions, or he will make you old before your time.

DEAR ABBY » My family includes a niece and her husband with three kids ranging in age from 8 months to 7 years old. The middle child, a 5-year-old girl, is allowed to choose her own outfits for family gatherings and school, with appalling results. Her hair, which is long and tangled, goes unbrushed. Her ill-fitting clothes are worn and inappropriate for the weather and school. When I discussed it with her parents, their answer fell flat.

Because she’s learning to dress herself without parental guidance, she’s not learning what’s appropriate. When they came for Thanksgiving dinner the child showed up in summer clothes — sleeveless top, thin cotton skirt, etc. By the end of the evening, she appeared ill.

I’m surprised neglect charges haven’t been filed against the parents. Any suggestions to get across to them that their parenting style is lacking?

— Worried relative

DEAR WORRIED » Your dilemma isn’t how to get across to the parents that they need to teach their child better fashion choices. If that little girl is going around with tangled hair and summer clothes in cold weather, it may be that her parents are unable or unwilling to give her the basics. I, too, am surprised that the school hasn’t contacted Child Protective Services to do a welfare check. Since they haven’t, you should talk to these parents again and voice your concerns.

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.

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 610540447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)