Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): The perfect thing for you now is a system that allows you to operate freely within it — even break out of it — because you know it’s a loose guide and not a stone tablet gospel. Taurus (April 20-May 20): The key to being “on” in the moment when it matters may be in being “off” before it matters. All that you do to rest and recharge today will count toward next week’s success. Gemini (May 21-June 21): You’ll deal with the difficult people again, because you’re often the only one in your group who can. Just remember, the loudmouths are usually trying to project a bigger sense of themselves to hide deep insecurities. Cancer (June 22-July 22): The meditator aims to master the mind by emptying it. Logically, it would seem that fewer thoughts would be easier to manage. Another, perhaps easier, way to have fewer thoughts will be to lose yourself in your favorite activity. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): It’s like you’re given a key today — just one, but one is all you need. The same key will open the door to a few different opportunities, some of them most enjoyable, some terrible. So go with caution, testing things out along the way. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When you think you understand but don’t really, it’s worse than knowing you’re clueless. The latter is an invitation for learning, the former an invitation for mistakes. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Stick too close to the tradition, routine or plan and the result will have less life in it than the zingy unpredictability of your inspired whims. Surround yourself with people who get this. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): The Zen proverb says, “The wild geese do not intend to cast their reflections. The water has no mind to receive their images.” Unintended validation, beauty and grace will be part of your day. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In all matters of life, from choosing a mate to choosing a teacher (home-repair person, tour guide, babysitter or any role at all that needs filling in your life), what matters is not that it’s a perfect match but that it’s a good fit. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): No matter how much money a person has, there will always be options that cost more. So don’t wish for wealth as you face today’s financial decisions; wish for wisdom. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): To seek “the” truth may be a waste of the day, as there are thousands of informational bits to sort through, held together by only the most tenuous threads of the stuff. Instead seek “your” truth (also difficult, but less so). Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Your fortunes will be augmented when you are sweet to your family for an hour, unless you are too busy: Then your fortunes will be augmented when you are sweet to your family for two hours.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/ holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY >> I have been with my boyfriend for two years. Until recently, we were inseparable and I loved his company. I got a job that required me to temporarily relocate and be on my own, so we saw each other only every other week. During that time, I gained a better understanding of who I am and how I want to spend my time.

Since then, I have realized that my boyfriend and I may not be as compatible as I once thought. We discussed it, and he’s willing to do anything to make it work. But some things can’t be changed, such as his interests and small quirks he has. I’m having a hard time because I want to break things off, but then I worry that he could be “the one that got away.” Any advice would be appreciated.

— Looking for the one

DEAR LOOKING >> As you have found, distance doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder. Keeping someone around not because you’re crazy about him, but because you’re afraid if you don’t he will be the one who got away is NOT a reason to continue the relationship.

Your breather has shown that he may not be “the one” after all. That’s a GOOD thing, and not something to be afraid of. So do the kind thing and let him go. That way he can find someone who loves him — quirks and all — and so can you.

DEAR ABBY >> My son “Jake” is headed to college in the fall, and I want his last year at home to be memorable and happy. He’s a good student and has been admitted to the college of his choice. The problem is, he can’t wake himself up in the morning. He switches off the alarm and goes back to sleep. I must go up to his room several times to wake him because he won’t get up the first time.

Jake is otherwise independent. He does his own laundry and keeps his room spotless. I’m spending a large part of my savings on his tuition, and I’m worried that unless he can wake himself in the mornings, he won’t get to classes on time.

I have tried talking to him about putting the alarm on “snooze” instead of turning it off, but nothing works. My husband suggests we pour a glass of cold water on Jake’s face 10 minutes after the alarm goes off. Can you help us solve this problem?

— Up already in New Jersey

DEAR UP >> Although you may think your husband’s suggestion is harsh and inappropriate, it’s time you stopped coddling your son. The two of you need to sit him down and tell him that college is expensive, that if you and your husband are willing to go through the financial hardship of paying for it, he must wake up by himself and if he cannot manage to do that, he will have to pay for his own education. Perhaps that will get across to him that you are serious. DEAR READERS >> While I’m on the subject of getting up in the morning, this is my annual reminder to those of you living where daylight saving time is observed: Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight at bedtime. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. tomorrow. I love this ritual because it signals the coming of spring!

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.