Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Usually when you “score” it’s because you set out to do so — goal in mind. Today you’ll accidentally get your proverbial ball in the right place to make the all the points you need. Taurus (April 20-May 20): Does this routine still serve you, or is it merely automatic? One new idea presented by someone who inspires you (or inspires you to go in the opposite direction) is all it will take to make you question this lifestyle choice. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Your high level of awareness would alert you to danger, except there is none. Therefore, your keen senses will scan each new environment for opportunity, fun, novelty and pleasure. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You are loved. Believe it and act accordingly. Try not to require assurance on the fact; it only tires the others out. Instead, do the things and think the thoughts that make you feel secure. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): What does it take to be a person of the world? A courageous spirit is a good start. Next comes the open-mindedness that allows you to accept people who are very different — a no-brainer for you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your relationships are your business. You’ll benefit from keeping things on a needto-know basis, and if it doesn’t impact another person directly, you have no obligation that would infringe on your own privacy. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Creatures of the forest — they’re wild but in their own social world with structures and specific rules. You can relate. Today, you’ll make your own rules and alert your crew. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): As for the recurring issue — you could bring the matter to a conclusion if you wanted to, and there’s a reason you don’t. Stay objective. Gather more insight. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You have stories to tell and retell. Test out your ideas. Bounce them off of smart people, silly people and people who have no idea what you’re talking about. The latter group will help you the most. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The thing that helps you grow and develop your interests might seem frivolous at this point, but it’s not. Let your curiosity lead. Don’t believe anyone who makes you feel like having curiosity is a bad thing. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You are particularly lucky now, especially in matters of entertainment. You’ll feed the hungry and charm the bored. Tonight: Creativity will trump dollars. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): The friendship you seek correlates directly with the friendship you bring. Go into the social scene ready to be a stellar listener and give others a quality of attention that will make them feel important.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/ holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> While our 6-year-old enjoys the positive attention he receives from his often unusual and imaginative clothing choices, his grandparents feel we are being “disrespectful to others” by allowing him and our other children to wear these outfits in public. Neither my husband nor I was permitted freedom of expression as children, and we agreed that with the exception of health, profanity, lewdness, immodesty and adherence to organizational dress codes, that we would not restrict our children’s freedom of expression. While we often don’t agree with our children’s choice of attire, it seems prudent to choose the battles we fight.

Is anyone other than our parents actually offended by a pirate (sans weapon) in the dentist office, or a backward shirt at the grocery store? And if they are offended, does their desire not to see a costumed child trump my children’s need for a healthy outlet for their individuality during this phase of their life over which they have so little control? — Clark Kent’s mom

DEAR CLARK KENT’S MOM >> I seriously doubt that anyone other than your parents and in-laws cares at all if your children visit the dentist looking like Clark Kent, a cowboy or his horse. As far as I’m concerned, your children should be allowed to exercise their sartorial creativity. It’s harmless. A few years from now they’ll be getting pressure from peers about fitting in, so let them enjoy themselves while they can.

DEAR ABBY >> I have been through quite a bit of turmoil in the last two years. My boyfriend died last year. We had been together for 13 years. He was only 32 and his death was unexpected.

I am realizing now that I didn’t handle my grief very well. I had no real support system at the time and soon after he passed, I reconnected with an old flame I had been in contact with on and off through the years. We have become somewhat serious, but I realize that before I can go further with this relationship, I must deal with the feelings of grief that I have for the loss of my boyfriend.

Any advice that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I am at a loss on how to move forward in a healthy way.

— Lost in San Francisco

DEAR LOST >> I’m sorry for the loss of your longtime boyfriend, but I’m glad you wrote. That you recognize you need help to process his loss before you can move forward takes an admirable sense of self-awareness. If you have a doctor or a health insurer, ask for a referral to a licensed mental health professional (a psychologist, social worker, etc.). That person can help you to work through your unresolved emotions by seeing you privately, or by referring you to a grief support group.

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.

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $14 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)