Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): It’s as though you’re pulled in and out of a relationship by a tide that’s too strong to successfully fight against. Still, the struggle is always an option. Or you could relax and wait for your opportunity. Taurus (April 20-May 20): When you’re no longer interested in what you were, try travel. It shakes everything up. You don’t have to go far or be gone for very long to have a totally new appreciation of your current status quo. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Once you’ve made your mind up, you’ll be unstoppable. But do take your time in getting to that point. Deciding on the right goal will be more important than anything that follows. Cancer (June 22-July 22): To be likable, interesting and pleasant to be around is actually no small accomplishment. It requires thousands of micronegotiations between the ego and the id, which can take a good deal of energy to pull off on a day like today. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): It doesn’t matter how old you are, the result of this high-energy day will be the same for every generation — youthful folly, ill-advised fun, the silly temptations of innocence. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Because people feel so good around you, you’ll end up in a group, even when you set out to explore the world on your own. If you need time to yourself, you’ll have to carve it out and protect it. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You’ll be excellent at the art of summary today. Talk about what you know because it will save others the time of having to weed through the topic to find the relevant takeaways. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): While it’s not possible to make a completely accurate assessment about people based strictly on their affiliations, it’s a start. One exception is family ties, as no one can help that. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): As far as improvement tools go, integrity and respect are top of the line. “How could I bring more integrity and respect to this?” is the magic question that yields beautiful and instantaneous results. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Words always mean so much more than their definition. They signal to culture, status, age and more. Plus, some words are just more fun to say. You’ll note with interest the evolution of your own vocabulary. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you can bring a little levity to an otherwise serious or deadly boring discourse, you’ll earn an admirer and possibly, if the feeling turns out to be mutual, a new friend. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Along these lines, to agree with heroes doesn’t make you one, but it’s an attitude that leans inevitably toward doing the right thing should the opportunity arise. DEAR ABBY >> I’ve been best friends with “Mary” since we were 13. We’re 23 now. We tell each other everything and are as close as sisters. We went to high school together, but I graduated and Mary dropped out in senior year with the intention of finishing up later. She never did. She does want a GED, but her lack of a degree hasn’t been a big issue because she got married and had a kid, and her husband works.

Lately, Mary has confided (and I’ve seen) that their marriage is troubled. There’s a real possibility that she will soon be on her own with a kid, no job experience, no high school diploma and nowhere to go. Aside from raising her kid (who she adores and is her whole life), she has no hobbies or projects, nothing to look forward to or to pour her energy into. It’s literally just “wake up, watch the kid, clean, cook, sleep.” I think it’s taking a toll on her and she’s depressed. I want to help Mary, but I don’t know how. I don’t want to get into her personal business, but I also don’t want to see her thrown into a terrible situation. Any advice?

— Close as sisters

DEAR CLOSE AS SISTERS >> It’s time to have a frank talk with your friend about the trouble in her marriage and that you are concerned she may be depressed. While you’re at it, tell her how important it is that she get that GED. If she does, she may gain the confidence to improve other aspects of her life. Then keep your fingers crossed that Mary will listen and heed your advice.

DEAR ABBY >> When we are young, nothing prepares us for watching our parents grow old. Sometimes we must make the difficult decision about putting Mom or Dad in an assisted living facility. Making it even more difficult, there may have been promises made about never putting someone in assisted living.

Abby, please remind your readers not to make promises they can’t keep. Sometimes kids must make decisions based on what’s best for our parents to ensure they are cared for when they can no longer care for themselves and the kids can’t be there 24/7. Going against someone’s wishes is very difficult, but it’s important to remember that these decisions are made because you care about and love the person.

— Cares very much in Utah

DEAR CARES >> I think what most seniors fear about being put into assisted living or a nursing home is that once they are there, they will be forgotten or ignored by their families. While making this kind of decision is difficult, I agree that it is sometimes necessary. However, when relocating a parent is necessary, family members should make every effort to visit and to make sure their loved one is included in every activity that person is capable of enjoying. Unfortunately, if that doesn’t happen, the person in the institution is left feeling unloved and abandoned.

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.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)