Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Someone who has come to your emotional rescue in the past is now in need of a little attention. This won’t be a “rescue” per se; rather, it will be the sort of nice acknowledgement that keeps a rescue situation at bay. Taurus (April 20-May 20): You can’t exactly control everything you think. Your mind is like a great dragon, far more powerful than you, but you can ride on its back and steer it. It’s likely to go where you tell it to. Gemini (May 21-June 21): You’ll be attracted to the people who can do little things right, correctly assuming that this is a sign that they might do their best to get the big things right, too. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You’ll be in the support position today, and the role will come as a nice break to you. “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap when they go by.” — Will Rogers Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Look at the facts, references and all the evidence you can find, but don’t base your decision solely on these things. Let your gut feeling weigh in. Evidence can be falsified. Your gut is less likely to be fooled than your mind. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You hear yourself differently depending on whom you talk to. That’s why it’s important to talk to many different types of people. People with different status levels, skills and cultures will help you understand. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): A core of selfappreciation will help you improve quickly. When you know, at a very basic level, that you’re OK, you won’t be defensive in the face of feedback. You’ll take every note and build from it. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Brilliant interactions are often less interactive. More contact means more tangles. Believe in people’s abilities to solve their own problems, and let them know you’re there to back them up if needed. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): All results will be the results of action. The one who takes action gets to change the landscape, define the story — indeed, to be the star of it. Even passivity can be active, with the right level of awareness. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Small things matter, but petty things don’t. It’s not the size that makes things trivial; it’s the significance. Pay attention and you will understand the difference and avoid mixing into anything that would reduce you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re inclined toward the big questions today, although this will be displayed in a very down-to-earth way. The big questions can be answered with simple acts of cleanliness, organization and kindness. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You may make an innocuous and breezy comment, but others won’t hear it that way. Some consider you the official word from above. Your position gives your words weight. Today’s birthday (Aug. 30): There is something inside you that’s as luminous as anything on the planet has ever been. Clear away anything that shades this secret. Go where people see you, and use your talents. The respect you’ve shown the authority figures in your life will pave the way for many lucrative opportunities in 2019. Pisces and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 33, 38, 4 and 18. DEAR ABBY » My wife and I know a couple whose daughter has been our daughter’s playmate since they were 3 months old. They are pleasant and welcoming. We all get along well and have gone to dinner, ball games and musicals together. However, when we go to their home for a gathering, the father will slip off with a few of his old friends and smoke pot on the back porch while the kids are playing inside. It’s their home, and marijuana is legal in our state.

Their daughter’s 4th birthday party took place last weekend, and once again, with numerous children running around, they slipped out for a toke before the cake was served. This may seem prudish, but I don’t want my daughter in a situation where she might be exposed to this, or think that we think smoking marijuana is perfectly normal.

I enjoy spending time with this family, but I don’t think I want to visit their home if this is what I can expect. What should we do?

— Mystified in Massachusetts

DEAR MYSTIFIED » Because you prefer your little girl not be exposed to the kind of behavior you have observed in this couple’s home, call a halt to her going there to play. Invite the other child to your home instead. If your friends ask why, explain it just as you explained it to me.

As parents, it’s your job to protect her from influences you feel are not healthy or appropriate for her. Because pot is legal in your state, this will be something you may have to revisit again in the future.

DEAR ABBY » “Fred” and I have been in a relationship for 10 years. During that time he has broken up with me six times. It’s always over something trivial, and it’s always my job to smooth things over and get us back together.

When we are together we have a good time, but I never know when the next breakup will happen. I love Fred, and he claims to love me. What’s your opinion of a man who constantly does this? — Perplexed widow in Florida

DEAR PERPLEXED » Fred may love you, but his definition of love and yours are different. He may be afraid of intimacy or not want to marry you — which is why he breaks up with you when he feels you are getting too close.

If all you want is a good time, and you’re willing to do all the work in the relationship, this may be enough for you. However, if it isn’t, then 10 years is more than enough time to invest in someone who treats you the way Fred does.

DEAR ABBY » About five years ago, a co-worker married a woman with four kids. Now, all he does is talk about one of the kids or his wife. He tells anyone who will listen about them — even total strangers.

When I pointed out to him a couple of years ago that he was constantly talking about one of the kids, he stopped for a week, and then started talking about another one. Lately it has been all about his wife. I’m sick of it. How do I tell him we’re ALL fed up without damaging a 30year friendship?

— Stumped in Kentucky

DEAR STUMPED » You can’t. Obviously, the man’s wife and children are the center of his life, and he may not have much else to talk about. Be grateful it isn’t politics.

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.