Grandma pushes reader’s buttons
Dear Abby: My grandmother and I have lived together for the past 22 years. She raised me from the age of 3. We used to be best friends. However, over the last few years, things have changed. We don’t agree on a lot, and we have very different opinions on almost everything. We argue and fight with namecalling, threats and a lot of disrespect.
I have suggested we go to counseling a couple of times, but she’s never shown any interest. I know I have an anger problem. I also know the best thing to do in these situations is probably to turn around and walk away, but
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024: You are direct and honest, and you speak your mind. You have a strong energy. ARIES (March 21-April 19) ✩✩✩✩ You have big ideas that could impact your earnings, your wealth or your possessions. Tonight: You’re noticed.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ✩✩✩✩✩ Some of you have ambitious ideas about travel plans. You’re enthusiastic about what you want to implement, and you intend to do it! Tonight: Explore!
I noticed Cy the Cynic in the club lounge, nursing a drink at a far-corner table, looking like a collapsed balloon, with the life gone out of him.
“Minnie got him again,” Rose told me.
Minnie Bottoms wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks, often to her opponents’ dismay.
Cy has been Minnie’s chief victim.
In a duplicate, Cy had been declarer at four spades, and West led his singleton seven of clubs.
“I played at the same contract,” Rose said, “and when East took the ace and returned the queen, sometimes she pushes my buttons and I can’t help but fight back.
I understand this is a problem that needs to be fixed, and I want to, but I don’t know how to start. What can I do short of moving out?
Out Of Control In Colorado
Dear Out Of Control:
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ✩✩✩✩ Expect the results you want. Don’t hesitate to go after what you want. Tonight: Check your finances. CANCER (June 21-July 22) ✩✩✩✩ A partner will be lively and impressive today. They might encourage you to interact with others. Tonight: Cooperate.
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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ✩✩✩✩✩ Accept all invitations to party and schmooze with others today. You won’t regret it. Tonight: Play!
I diagnosed the lead and played low. Whatever East led next, the defense would get only one more trick.”
Because you are now an adult, the nature of your relationship with your grandmother may have changed. As adults, you are entitled to your own opinions. However, reasonable adults don’t try to inflict their opinions on the people they love.
Recognizing what causes these flare-ups can help you avoid taking anger out on each other. It takes self-control and maturity to react calmly instead of exploding. Saying, “We both feel strongly about this. Can we discuss this another time?” and then going for a walk can help to maintain a calmer perspective.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) ✩✩✩✩ You have ambitious ideas about how to make home improvements at this time. Tonight: Relax. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) ✩✩✩✩✩ Today you’re an example of the power of positive thinking! Tonight: Conversations! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21) ✩✩✩✩ This is an excellent day at work, because you will probably boost your earnings. Tonight: Check your belongings. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) ✩✩✩✩✩ Today the Moon is in your sign lined up with fiery Mars in your sign, and they are both dancing with lucky Jupiter. Think big! Tonight: You win!
“Minnie was East at the Cynic’s table, and she took the ace of clubs and led ... the jack.”
“She thought she had the A-K,” I said.
“Cy assumed that West had led from Q-9-7, and Minnie had the A-J doubleton. So Cy put up his king, expecting an overtrick. West ruffed, and Minnie got two more clubs.”
Poor Cy. Minnie is his nemesis.
DAILY QUESTION Youhold:SJ7HJ85 DQJ87CAQJ9.Your partner opens one spade, you respond two clubs, he bids two hearts and you try 2NT. Partner then rebids three hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: You showed your hand with 2NT. Your partner’s three hearts says he wants no part of game or notrump; he has a minimum major two-suiter. Pass. You might have bid 3NT at your second turn, but to change your mind and bid game now would betray a lack of discipline.
Dear Abby: I have been dating this girl for eight months. She tells me she and her ex-boyfriend remain good friends. I plan to marry her, but she wants to invite him to our wedding. The ex gives my girlfriend money. She says no sex is involved. Should I drop her over this?
Alarmed In Texas
Dear Alarmed: Probably, because accepting money from her ex-boyfriend indicates she is not independent of him. body’s robust inflammatory response sometimes causes as much or even more trouble than the infection, and one way we can help the body is by toning down its response to some critical infections.
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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) ✩✩✩✩✩ This is a wonderful day to socially schmooze with others by enjoying good times with friends or being involved in groups or conferences. Tonight: Friendships.