Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Do you actually know your strengths? They are so inherent that it takes another person to point them out for you to even begin to realize what they are. Taurus (April 20-May 20): It takes confidence to do this, but that’s your cosmic boon today, so here it goes: If you make someone earn your attention, you’ll both be better for the effort. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Capture your heart’s memories. If you don’t, who will? The way you see it may not match how others do, but it is nonetheless a vital part of the story. Cancer (June 22-July 22): Style doesn’t necessarily cost money, though it does take a great deal of creativity and effort. You’re willing to put in the time because you love how good style makes you feel. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): The words meant to show one person’s superiority are always suspect. We are all in this together. Uniqueness and specialness support insofar as they help generate solutions. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Every generation evolves. You’ll notice today how you do things differently from the way your parents did, and their parents... and you’ll get a sense of what is working and what’s not. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Divert your focus from unwanted outcomes. Plan to ignore them, and then follow through on that plan. Things lose power without attention to fuel them. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): A scattered mind can get focused right quick with the broom of intention to focus it. Write down your top aim, and then give yourself a timeframe in which to accomplish it. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): People will tell you who they are. They won’t even realize they are doing it, but the truth of your presence will draw out the truth of theirs, and then all will be known. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Kind gestures will be reciprocated. Warm feelings will create a simmering brew enjoyed by many. Keep the good vibes going today, and this elixir will last through the weekend. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): People play games. Some games are competitions with rules. Some are subconscious games, primal even, with the intent to establish social order, and that they certainly will. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Your respect for others makes you beloved. This is a concept that those who are drunk on power do not understand. Humility and curiosity have power beyond the auspices of might.

DEAR ABBY » My wife and I have been married for a year. Recently, I have been questioning my sexuality and have realized that I am gay. I have been trying to think of different ways of telling her, but I don’t want to hurt her. Please help. — Coming out in

Ohio

DEAR COMING OUT » You are right: You must tell your wife, and the sooner, the better. She may — or may not — be shocked and possibly angry. During the talk, make clear that this has nothing to do with her, her attractiveness or femininity. Afterward, suggest she contact the Straight Spouse Network for support if she feels the need. It’s an organization founded many years ago by Amity Pierce Buxton, Ph.D., to support heterosexual spouses of LGBTQ mates. Your wife can find it online at straightspouse.org, and I highly recommend it.

DEAR ABBY » My son has been married three times. After each divorce, he has expected me to distance myself from the ex’s children. I have been Grandma to them, and this is driving us apart. My son says it’s them or him! I’m heartbroken and want to maintain a relationship with both. Help!

— Forever grandma

DEAR GRANDMA » That your son would deny his stepchildren contact with a loving grandmother because he’s angry with their mother is terrible. You may wish to maintain a relationship with them, but because of your son’s current mindset, it may not be possible.

Since you asked me to weigh in, my advice is to stop sitting on the fence. Maintain a relationship with them regardless of their “step” status. They need you. They need the validation that they are loved, which you can provide. As to your inflexible son, I can see why he has such terrible luck with women. It appears he still has a lot of growing up to do.

DEAR ABBY » I am an introvert, which may be hard to believe since I am the sixth child in a family of 10. I enjoy talking with my siblings. My problem is how to handle people who call and think I should be happy to chat about nothing of interest to me. During the pandemic this has become a major problem.

— Not interested in Virginia

DEAR NOT INTERESTED » Your problem isn’t unique. During this period of social isolation, social contact can be crucial in combatting depression. I’m hearing from people who say, “Every day is exactly the same as the last one. I have nothing to say to my spouse, my children, my friends, etc. I’m bored stiff, and I have become a boring person.”

It is important that you allot some time to those who are reaching out, but it doesn’t mean you must be a prisoner to long conversations. Tell the caller you’re glad they are adjusting and maintaining their sanity. If you see something noteworthy on television, in your online research or a book you are reading, share it. But no law says you must remain on these phone calls for long periods or participate in them every day. Consider rationing them instead.

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.

To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.