A quarrel is putting tremendous strain on your social circle. You want to stay out of it but that isn't possible. Someone has been taking advantage of a generous friend. It's important to stand in the victim's defence. It's sad when someone's irresponsible behaviour does damage to innocent victims. Think back to a time when a manipulative person did you a disservice and nobody came forward to defend you. Unless people confront this behaviour, it will continue to spiral out of control.

You regret an expensive purchase you recently made. A fast talking salesperson convinced you this was the best model for your purposes, but nothing could be further from the truth. Try to get a refund as quickly as possible. If the store won't take this merchandise back and you bought it with a credit card, see if you can block the charge. Is it impossible to get compensated? Spread the word of your story through social media. That way, you can save others from making a similar mistake.

You're not sure which direction to take. That's because your head and heart are at war. Normally, you listen to logic, fearing that emotion is a bad guide. That's not the case now. Spending more time on a creative hobby will make you feel much better. You won't have as much time for work, but that is a blessing in disguise. There's more to life than making money. Clear your schedule to write, draw and play music. Don't be surprised when you become a love magnet as a result.

It's tempting to abandon a project that seems doomed to fail. Stick it out, even if the result is terrible. You don't want to be accused of being a quitter. Chalk up this project as a learning experience. The next time someone approaches you to join a team effort, ask lots of questions. If the leader seems overconfident, don't climb on board. Someone who seems unsure how work will be divided should also be avoided. You should only give your time to those who are well prepared.

A vindictive person is looking for ways to embarrass you. Stay out of their orbit as much as possible. Block their phone calls and emails and don't engage with them anywhere else. You have every right to be proud of your accomplishments. Unfortunately, this jealous person feels like you've stolen their thunder. Most people realise you are the victim of envy and will come to your defence. Anyone who pays credence to nasty rumours will soon see they were duped.

It's clear you can no longer endure an abusive situation. Leaving a job or relationship will be difficult, but it will offer immediate relief. You're tired of walking on eggshells. Look for an environment where your intelligence will be embraced. Landing a stimulating job or making friends with smart people will be empowering. You shouldn't have to apologise for being clever. Insecure individuals have a way of taking out their fears on others. Steer clear of troubled people like the plague.

It feels like you're all alone, but that's not true. The comfort you want is available, but you must ask for it. Don't be shy about admitting problems. Pretending life is perfect will deprive you of critical support. If you have to see a counsellor, find one as soon as possible. Talking to an objective professional will allow you to process some toxic issues that have been festering for a long while. It is possible to overcome a childhood trauma or romantic betrayal.

You've been working hard but have little to show for it. Instead of continuing to spin your wheels, take an extended break. Once people realise how much you've been doing, they'll beg for you to return. Think carefully before accepting this offer. It's important to negotiate better terms. Whether this means increased pay, shorter hours or clearly defined duties is immaterial. The important thing is to keep these problems from reoccurring. If people won't agree to your demands, walk away.

You're afraid what will happen if you draw attention to illegal activity. You don't want to be implicated in the fallout. An anonymous tip to the police or media can scare away the perpetrator. It's understandable you want to protect yourself, but others are also at risk. Powerless colleagues or neighbours have been yearning for something to change. You could be the agent for this transformation. Never underestimate the effect of a single phone call.

Just when you thought you resolved a difficult matter, another obstacle blocks your path. Try not to get discouraged. Take a few deep breaths and review your options. Instead of pursuing a particular goal, change direction. Focus on dispatching small chores. Filing paperwork, stocking the pantry and tidying up your home may not seem like tremendous accomplishments, but these tasks will make you feel productive. Once you've finished with the small stuff, you'll be in better shape to resume your journey.

You are the victim of spiteful behaviour. It feels awful to be the target of such malice. Instead of subjecting yourself to further abuse, report the problem immediately. The authorities may not be able to do anything at this juncture, but creating a paper trail will be helpful later on, when this malicious person strikes again. Stop wondering what you could have done differently. When an irrational person gets a bee in their bonnet, they won't listen to reason; all they care about is revenge.

It feels like you've been banished from the group, perhaps because you've been too vocal. Instead of trying to join the fray again, keep your own counsel. In time, people will see you were right in confronting a growing problem. Now you're gone, the situation will get worse. Don't wait until the roof collapses. Find another opportunity as quickly as possible. When disaster does strike, you will be so glad you listened to your instincts. The people who snubbed you will wish they had followed your lead.