Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): Your ideal day today is very different from what your ideal day would have been a few years ago — more proof that you’re growing and changing. You’ll do a navigation check to make sure you’re on track. Taurus (April 20-May 20): It’s not so easy for you to set boundaries today, but do it anyway. This is a situation to nip in the bud. Expect a little awkwardness. It’ll be better to be a little uncomfortable now than feel totally stuck or cornered later. Gemini (May 21-June 21): You’ll get advice. You can afford to be choosy about what you take seriously. Anyone with sight can see things, but it takes someone with wisdom to see into, beyond or through things. Cancer (June 22-July 22): You’re holding on to a moment in the past to learn from it, or maybe it’s because it has become so much of who you are. But are you giving it too much attention now? If it causes you sadness or sentimentality, let it go. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): If you start off the same way, you’ll soon find yourself in the same spot that made you want to start over in the first place. There’s a chance to begin again, and you’ll do it very differently this time. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): People around you may be pretending to love things because they feel they’re supposed to. Maybe their jobs or friendships depend on it. You’ll have a more objective, accurate and perhaps unpopular view. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): When a project doesn’t work, it’s not always the project’s fault. The environment may not have been conducive to a thriving result. Before you throw in the towel on your current project, take a look around to figure out what you could change to make the setting more supportive. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You think; therefore, you are. And as you become aware of some of the shady things going on around you today, you won’t exactly like what this implies. Seek inspiration and light. Let the sun shine on your thoughts. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It’s as if your playlist is on repeat. But don’t worry; it won’t be long before a fresh influence shows up. In fact, the excitement that tumbles into your world this afternoon is the start of it. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bandages of the modern world often come in stylish colors and patterns because (SET ITAL) why shouldn’t healing have a little joy in it? (END ITAL) Apply the same principle to an emotional healing, which doesn’t have to be solely drudgery. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Because of your stellar sense of humor, you may be tempted to make light of something other people hold sacred. Q: If a joke falls in the forest and no one is there to laugh, was it funny? A: Nope. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Your insights today will be spot on, but that, in and of itself, is not a good enough reason to share them. Jot them down. Collect them. They’re gold, but you have to wait for the right exchange rate to get the value.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/ author/holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY » I’m 17 and so is my boyfriend. He is an only child, and all throughout his life, his parents have put a lot of pressure on him. Recently, they’ve been talking about him getting into an honors program in a college. Abby, his parents act like if he doesn’t get in, they won’t be proud of him. He always feels like he’s disappointing them because they never give him any words of encouragement or let him know he’s on the right track.

It seems to me that he just wants to know that they’re proud of him. It’s hard for me to constantly try to support him through this because he needs his parents’ approval, and I can’t give that to him. Is there any way I can help him? He refuses to talk it out with his parents, but I just want them to be on the same page. Can I help without getting too involved with their family dynamics?

— There for him in Dallas

DEAR THERE FOR HIM » Much as you would like to help your boyfriend, if you approach his parents about the way they are raising their son, it won’t help the situation. The odds are great that it will cause them to resent you. However, if your boyfriend would discuss this with a counselor at school or a teacher he trusts, that person — an educator who is a contemporary of your boyfriend’s parents — might suggest that their son needs positive reinforcement to reach his full potential.

DEAR ABBY » I was married for many years to my ex-wife. I met another woman, wound up divorced, and I am now with this other woman.

The problem is, my ex is disabled. Somebody stays with her during the week and cooks for her and such. Sundays are different, and I usually bring food to her, which takes about an hour.

My new lady friend is having a fit about this to the point that we may break up over it. Am I wrong for helping my ex, who has very little family and no children? — Good deed punished in

Mississippi

DEAR GOOD DEED » You are a kind and caring individual. That your new lady friend cannot recognize this for what it is, an act of compassion, and realize that you would do the same for her if she needed it, is sad. You are not wrong for helping your ex, since there is no one else who seems willing. If this woman is so threatened that she can’t cut you some slack one hour a week, perhaps breaking up would be best for both of you.

DEAR ABBY » I am biting my tongue all the way through at work. One co-worker regularly brings her breakfast to eat. The other, even worse, comes in with wet hair and uses a curling iron at her computer station — in shared space! Am I too old-fashioned? — Biting my tongue

DEAR BITING » Many people bring their breakfast to work. Unless there is a rule against it, I see nothing wrong with it.

As to your other co-worker, I agree what she’s doing is inappropriate. She’d probably do a better job if she groomed herself in the restroom or at home before work. Is your supervisor or boss aware she’s doing it? If not, the person should be informed. If so, then MYOB.

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.