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THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012 PAGE 7C
Woman in love with fiance’s identical twin is now in double trouble Dear Abby: I am 26 and have been dating “Mike” for four years. We met in our senior year of college and recently became engaged. I’m looking forward to being married and starting a family, but there’s one “small” problem. I’m in love with Mike’s identical twin brother, “Matt.” Mike and Matt are identical in appearance, but Matt is funnier, more outgoing and affectionate than my fiance. I didn’t know he existed until a year ago because they had a falling out at their high school graduation and didn’t reconcile until recently. When I met Matt, I knew right
DEAR ABBY ADVICE away he was the one for me, but I continued dating Mike because I didn’t want to ruin his re-established relationship with his brother. Matt reciprocates my feelings. He has told me he’s in love with me and wants to date me. I know I shouldn’t have accepted Mike’s proposal, but I don’t want to hurt him or start another fight between him and his twin, but I also don’t want to be married to the wrong man for the rest of my life. I’m unsure what to do. The wedding date has been set. Help! — In Love With the Double
UNIVERSAL SUDOKU
Dear In Love: You should have put the brakes on the relationship with Mike the minute you realized you were attracted to Matt. The engagement should be ended immediately. That you would not only continue to date Mike but also accept his proposal of marriage knowing you were more attracted to his twin was cruel. If Matt starts seeing you after the breakup, it will probably cause a permanent rift between them. It will be interesting to see what happens when you become available because with some people the “apple” that’s just out of reach is the one that’s most enticing — and you may wind up married to neither brother. Dear Abby: My 4-year-old son made a snowman in our front yard and then
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went inside to take a nap. Our neighbor came over with his son — age 16 — to talk to my husband. When I brought my 3-year-old daughter outside to see the snowman her brother made, I was horrified to see it was now “anatomically correct”! I asked my husband who did it, and he said it was the neighbor’s son. My husband thought it was funny and that I was overreacting. I think the behavior was inappropriate, and the fact that my daughter saw it and wondered what was “hanging on the snowman” was no laughing matter. If the neighbor wanted to make an X-rated snowman, he should have made it in his own front yard. Do you think I’m being too sensitive? — Fails to See the Humor
Dear Fails To See The Humor: Yes, I do. While I agree the neighbor boy’s “artistic endeavor” was in poor taste, it provided an opportunity to answer your daughter’s question in a matterof-fact way and explain there are anatomical differences between boys and girls. You could also have explained that private parts are not supposed to be displayed in public, and asked your husband to remove them. Seeing the snowman would not traumatize your daughter as much as seeing you shocked and upset. To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send a business-sized, selfaddressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby’s “Keepers,” P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
HOROSCOPE BY HOLIDAY MATHIS
GOREN BRIDGE WITH OMAR SHARIF & TANNAH HIRSCH PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTION
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are competent and focused. Those who are less structured will be attracted to you as they believe, on some level, that you will help them rein in their scattered energy and accomplish something of meaning. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are independent and self-motivated. Still, you’ll do your best work when you’re accountable to somebody for it. Tell someone you admire what you’re up to. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re open-minded and will therefore pick up some helpful tips and shortcuts from sharing individuals. For instance, someone’s productivity method may work for you. Try it out and see. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your assumptions are what make things so. The rules are not as concrete as they seem. Poke around, and you may discover they are rubbery enough to bend or brittle enough to break through with minimal effort. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You cherish your privacy. However, avoid seeming closed off and aloof to loved ones. You’ll benefit from an open communication policy. Encourage their questions. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll finish up what you started and look for the next project worthy of your time and attention. There are sure benefits to being slow to decide. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have a plan, but you’re also willing to toss it for something better. An open mind will be essential as you’ll get the most out of this day by being ready to entertain.
CROSSWORD
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MINUTE MAZE JUMBLE BY MICHEAL ARGIRION & JEFF KNUREK
HOW TO CONTACT: Dear Abby: PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll make some quick decisions and set new priorities. A loved one can’t keep up with you but would like to at least know more about what you’re doing. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ve been playing it a lot safer than usual, perhaps because you realize the stakes are high. Not taking a risk is dangerous, too — maybe more dangerous than taking one. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you look on a person with tenderness day after day, the affectionate connection becomes a habit, the habit becomes a bond and the bond becomes part of who you are. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re still holding on to someone’s wrongdoing against you. There are so many benefits to forgiving this person that forgiveness would almost be an act of selfishness. So, what are you waiting for? PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Everyone must agree on some aspect of reality for things to move forward. Telling the truth promotes health in bodies, relationships and organizations. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 1). New habits you form over the next 10 weeks help you to balance your emotions and set burdens free. You’ll be a stellar example for loved ones as you create relationship success wherever you go. Financial opportunities in March provide a boost that helps you go into a new interest or business this summer. Cancer and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 21, 3, 28 and 18.