Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Your warrior nature will be called out in a situation so ordinary and low-key you’ll be surprised at your own reaction. In Mr. Miyagi’s words, “It’s OK to lose to opponent. Must not lose to fear!” Taurus (April 20-May 20): No matter how great your day may be going, there’s always a tiny part of your mind too aware that somewhere in the world someone is having the worst day ever. Instead of letting that bring you down, you let it help you feel grateful. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Neuroscientists have captured it on film — molecules morphing into memories — so is it such a stretch to say there’s actual mass to what you remember? It will certainly feel as if that is the case today. Cancer (June 22-July 22): Social faux pas are easier than ever to make. An unanswered text or the wrong sort of social media comment could cause dissonance. Counteract by being more sensitive and conscientious than you think you need to be. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Maybe the repetition of certain behaviors seems silly, but if it means something to someone, then its significance should be noted. Rituals matter to people — unreasonably so! Don’t waste time negating this. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The potential for fresh faces is high today. You’ve the space for a new friend to drop into your world. If the other person also has the room, things will develop very quickly. If not, it will be a slow-grow situation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Be aware that many don’t have the high emotional intelligence it takes to bridge gaps of understanding between people. You do, and you’ll be called to use this talent today. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): There are several ways out of the entrapment of false need. Being grateful for what we have inoculates us from a lot of superfluous needy feelings. So does differentiating between need and want. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll wind up in an unexpected yet enjoyable conversation. It doesn’t have to lead anywhere to add sparkle to your life. But if it does develop into friendship, that will be great, too. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There is an exhausting amount of nuance involved in casual social relationships. The trick is to be sensitive to your place without putting too harsh a limit on your natural instinct. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’ve been the “mini-me,” and you’ve had a copycat of your own. These situations usually end in the same way — with the realization that the similarities between even very similar people only go so far. Today is no different. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): There are times for listening, for talking and for saying nothing, just offering a compassionate heart and perhaps a hug. You’re sensitive to what mode is right for the situation, and you’ll lead with this understanding. DEAR ABBY >> My best friend of 40 years and her boyfriend live several states away from my husband and me. Every winter she and her friend expect to come to our home for a week. We simply can no longer do this.

Her friend is a nice guy, but after a few days we can hardly stand it. He talks constantly and knows everything about everything. How can I politely tell my friend that we can’t accommodate them anymore without hurting her feelings and maybe ending our friendship? — Weary out West

DEAR WEARY >> Try this. When your old friend mentions coming to visit, tell her you aren’t up to having houseguests. If she asks why, and she probably will, say you’re not as young as you used to be — it’s true. Neither am I. Tell her you can accommodate them for a weekend. If that doesn’t work, say your husband isn’t up for company. (Also true.) However, if neither excuse suffices, you may have to choose between telling your friend the truth and fibbing by saying you plan to be out of town.

DEAR ABBY >> For mothers out there who wonder why their “wonderful” grown daughters don’t have boyfriends, maybe it is because they are too dependent on YOU. No guy wants to be involved with a woman who calls or texts her mom multiple times a day (unless she is ill). No guy wants a girl who can’t make a decision without consulting Mom, and he certainly doesn’t want the intimate details of his relationship to be shared with you.

Men want confident women, not girls still tied to their mother’s apron strings. If you want your daughter to find a man, stay out of her love life and teach her to make her own decisions!

— Hates meddling mothers

DEAR HATES >> I have long advised young women how important it is to gain independence before becoming romantically involved with anyone. I agree that women who can stand on their own two feet are more appealing than those who are still dependent upon their parents. Your letter verifies the truth of what I have been saying.

DEAR ABBY >> I recently received an invitation to a dear friend’s grandson’s 5th birthday party. In lieu of gifts, donations were requested to a choice of politically affiliated “charitable” organizations. I cannot, in good conscience, support any of them.

What’s the appropriate course of action here? Must I give the child a gift anyway, or just stay away from the party? I really don’t want to get into any political discussions with either the parents or the grandparents, and I think there would be hurt feelings if I don’t show up.

— In a bind

DEAR IN A BIND >> What a shame that a child’s party was used as an excuse for a political fundraiser. I can’t imagine any 5-year-old being “thrilled” to receive a political donation as a birthday gift.

However, because the child is the grandson of a “dear” friend, I do think a gift is in order. Make it something a 5-year-old will enjoy, have it delivered, and find an excuse not to attend if you feel it will devolve into something you prefer to avoid. Hurt feelings or not, you are not obligated to go to the party.

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.