Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Transitions are disruptive, but don’t let that stop you from making a change. You’ll be so glad you seized the opportunity, and then it won’t take you very long to settle into a new groove. Taurus (April 20-May 20): When you slip into that certain mindset, it’s as though you can fix anything. From the smallest decision to the grandest longterm plan, there are no problems that resist clear thinking. Gemini (May 21-June 21): When it’s not convenient, practical or safe to travel in the typical ways, micro travel may be just as fortifying. There is so much you haven’t seen in your own backyard. Cancer (June 22-July 22): How productive you are today will have everything to do with the amount of interference you get from yourself. Why would you interfere with your own work? A wonderful question that only you know the answer to. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Emotions come and go. Moods settle in for a handful of minutes or hours or days. Today, you have a talent for shaking off certain feelings and turning them around before they settle into full-blown moods. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It takes guts to be assertive, but the alternative is that you let your wishes, preferences and needs go unknown and run the risk of later becoming unsatisfied or disgruntled. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You know that the way you talk to yourself profoundly impacts your mood, and yet, often, you are not aware of the particulars. Today, there will be obvious benefits to listening in closely to that you-to-you dialogue. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Is it really possible to organize your thoughts, and if so, how so? Alphabetical? First come, first served? By numerical urgency level? You’ll intuitively stumble upon the best way and have astounding clarity for the effort. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll find a simple path to feeling better. You’ll pause to reflect on what happened, what you felt about it and whether there might be another way to think about it than the reaction that caused you so much pain.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): To irrationally anticipate future threats or dangers is just an overactive version of the related rational skill. Consider your vigilance a talent, and then rely on outside opinions to keep yourself in check. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Words that follow lines of logic and heart connect you to humanity — illogical, heartfelt words perhaps even more so. Logic without heart is practically useless, if not dangerous today. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You are trying to have more discipline around something. The occasional lapses don’t mean too much. What makes a difference is what you do most often and persistently. Also that you don’t quit.

DEAR ABBY » I cut off contact with a friend I’ll call “Mick” after my wife and I had our first child. He was a gambling addict, an alcoholic and a serial abuser of women. He was violent when he drank and once broke my nose because of some perceived slight.

Mick had a troubled childhood and then served in the Army in Afghanistan and Iraq. By the time he returned home, his mental health was extremely compromised, and I believe this is what led to most, if not all, of his issues and shortcomings.

I have always believed that, at heart, Mick is a good person. As someone who suffers from mental illness myself, I feel I can understand his issues on some level. I would like to reconnect with him, but I need to protect myself and my family, both emotionally and physically. How might I approach rekindling a relationship with Mick in a safe and reasonable way?

— Missing a friend

DEAR MISSING » Drop that idea. You are not a therapist, and you can’t “fix” what’s wrong with Mick. The man is a violent abuser, and you have no proof that he has sought counseling for his issues. Offering the hand of friendship to someone who broke your nose because he had been drinking could be dangerous for you and your family. Your first responsibility is THEIR safety.

DEAR ABBY » My friend and I befriended the most adorable older couple. They invite us over and they love lunching together. They are terrific company, and we always enjoy our time with them.

During our last visit, they were cooking lunch, and it was apparent that they don’t wash their hands when preparing food. Because of the coronavirus, we aren’t comfortable eating at their house anymore. We would be happy to bring something over, but they are set in their ways and like to prepare their own food. We tried saying we can’t stay for lunch, but once we are with them, they start putting out the food. What advice can you give us?

— Staying safe in California

DEAR STAYING SAFE » Go online and check to see whether you can pick up the coronavirus from food. One would think that if the food is hot, the virus wouldn’t survive the cooking process. Have you considered inviting them to your place instead?

If you think this charming couple’s food puts you at risk of catching something unpleasant — like salmonella — the next time you are invited, lower your risk by bringing food for all of you. If they argue, tell them you are reciprocating their hospitality, which may have been onesided if you have eaten there often. However, if they question you further, tell them the truth. While it may cool the relationship, it will increase your chances of staying healthy.

DEAR ABBY » My brother passed away recently. I bought a small life insurance policy 24 years ago to provide for his final expenses and to help his widow at the time of death. After paying for expenses, I plan to leave what’s left to his widow. My husband is nudging me to deduct the premium I paid for the policy, but I don’t feel comfortable about it. I’m not sure what I should do. Any suggestions?

— Wondering in the Midwest

DEAR WONDERING » This was YOUR brother and this is your sister-in-law. Tune your “helpful” husband out and follow your conscience.

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.