Filth threatens early end to rekindled relationship

DEAR ABBY: I recently got back in touch with an old flame from 12 years ago. We never dated in the past because he was an alcoholic and not in a good place. A month ago, he added me on Snapchat, and we picked up right where we left off. He has been sober for three years, has a steady job, a house and a good support system. We spend hours on the phone and have a lot in common. I was excited to see if our friendship would evolve into something more, and he also wanted to see if we could be more than friends. Abby, I went over to his house and it is filthy. It’s not cluttered, just dirty -- like it needs a very good deep cleaning. He has a large dog in the house, so the place smells very bad. I wouldn’t sit down on any of the furniture, and I

by Bigar

(March 21-April 19): Someone might help you today. They might give you a gift or advice, or do a favor for you. Because the gods are smiling on you, this is also an excellent day to ask for a loan or mortgage, or help someone else. Tonight: Pay attention to conversations.

(April 20-May 20): It’s a productive day!

You will get a lot done because you’re in a practical frame of mind and motivated to achieve your objectives. Meanwhile, friends and partners are sympathetic to what you are trying to do, and they might help you. Perfect! Tonight: Get organized.

(May 21-June 20): This is a good day to teach children or organize sports events or for anything having to do with the hospitality industry or the entertainment world. You will swiftly take care of practical matters in a cost-effective way. You might feel sympathetic to a co-worker. Tonight: Enjoy!

(June 21-July 22): A family discussion will go well today, especially with a parent or an older family member. They might have good advice for you or give you practical assistance. Meanwhile, after you finish work, make time for play because this is a romantic, funloving day! Tonight: Entertain.

(July 23-Aug. 22): Because you’re in a practical frame of mind, you can tackle any work that requires effort, endurance and attention to detail. It’s an especially good day for mental work that requires concentration. Naturally, discussions with others will be serious and practical. Tonight: Study, then talk.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If shopping today, you will be inclined to buy long-lasting practical items because you’re in a sensible frame of mind. Having said that, part of you feels dreamlike and whimsical! This part will encourage imaginative discussions and a longing to escape somewhere. Tonight: Check your finances.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Today, it’s easy for you to be highly disciplined, which is why you will channel your energies toward any goal that you set for yourself. Naturally, you will also derive great satisfaction when you fulfill this goal. (Shopping for something extravagant will appeal to you.) Tonight: Save your receipts.

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): This is an excellent day for research or plugging away at anything that requires steady effort. Very likely, you will achieve the most results by working alone or behind the scenes. You don’t want to be disturbed! Nevertheless, you will be sympathetic with loved ones. Tonight: Listen.

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It’s a great day to make practical plans for the future! Someone older or more experienced might have advice for you. Your ability to work with a group is excellent. However, some of you couldn’t wait to get out of there. What do I do? Do I tell him how I feel about his house and see if he’s willing to change, or must I end the relationship we are starting to build? I don’t want to settle, but I don’t want to miss out on what could turn into a wonderful relationship. -- PUT OFF IN IOWA

DEAR PUT OFF: It is entirely possible that this man doesn’t realize how dirty his home, furniture and dog have become because he is used to living that way. You have no choice but to tell him he needs a cleaning crew for his home on a regular basis, and his dog needs to be bathed and groomed regularly for the sake of the health of the animal. If he’s willing to listen to you, it could turn into a wonderful relationship. If he isn’t, it’s better to find out now, don’t you think?

Astrology

are dabbling in a secret, romantic love affair. Tonight: Caution.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Because you are in control today and have lots of self-discipline, you will organize the efforts of others. This will impress bosses, parents and VIPS. They’ll be impressed because you want to conserve things and take a cost-cutting approach to something. Tonight: Use your influence.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): This is a good day to make travel plans because you have concentration and focus to deal with a myriad of details. Furthermore, it’s a great day to study. You might also meet a guru-like figure or a teacher today. (Some of you have a crush on a boss or someone in authority.) Tonight: Study and learn.

(Feb. 19-March 20): Discussions about shared property, inheritances, taxes and red-tape details will go well today because you have excellent concentration and focus. This is a good day to negotiate a loan with bank. Meanwhile, you have strong feelings of escapism and would love to travel. You will admire art from other cultures. Tonight: Enjoy!