You're tempted to spoil children as a means to make up for personal disappointments. Try not to go overboard, however. It's important to show kids the value of working for their own goals, as this is an acquired taste. Disagreements about sex, money, or both could abound if you're not careful. Treat your mate with generous doses of tenderness and respect. Everybody is feeling on edge today. A massage could ease your own anxieties.

If your home life is disappointing, consider your own attitudes toward domestic bliss. Perhaps you are chasing a model of perfection that is impossible to achieve. The happiest households experience conflict, chaos, and disarray on a regular basis. When in doubt, pursue activities that promote togetherness, like card games, meals around the dinner table, and jigsaw puzzles. These sound like simple suggestions, but they are powerful and effective.

Just because someone has an impressive degree doesn't make them the best person for a job. Personal chemistry counts for a lot. If you feel uncomfortable with a physician, teacher, or any other type of expert, get a second opinion. Exalted reputations are all well and good, but their impact will be minimal if you can't relate to them. Trust your instincts when it comes to finding the right consultant for you.

If people are constantly taking advantage of you, it's time to admit your own part in this equation. A reluctance to set personal boundaries is creating this dynamic. Now you have to ask yourself what you are gaining from behaving in this selfless manner. It may be better to appear callous than it is to win the approval of others. After all, giving in to everybody else's demands is making you tired and miserable.

Others may be trying to use your talents without compensating you. Refuse to donate your services if you feel they are being used for cynical purposes. You have every right to earn money from your gifts - it's called making a living! Some may grumble that you have a duty to work for free, but don't buy into this argument. There's a difference between performing the occasional act of charity and being a pushover.

It's possible that you've been acting as your own worst enemy lately. Stop pushing yourself past the limits of exhaustion, or your body will pay the price. If you're overwhelmed with professional and personal responsibilities, hire some help. Cut back on your duties. Refuse to feel pressured into doing things that can wait for another time. You can't afford to gamble with something as precious as your health.

It's easy to feel jealous of your friend's accomplishments, but hold on a minute. There's no reason why you can't achieve the same level of success. They key is to make a plan that outlines all the steps you need to take to meet a particular goal. For instance, if you want to write a book, craft the first paragraph. If you'd like a better job, put together an impressive CV and send it out.

It may be impossible to live up to an authority figure's expectations, so don't even try. Instead, focus on meeting your own goals. Once the person in question sees that you're no longer willing to jump through hoops for their benefit, they'll look for somebody else to abuse. In the meantime, your self-esteem will grow by leaps and bounds as a result of your new attitude. You don't have to impress anybody but yourself.

Reaching your goals may be difficult without some formal training. Although you have a healthy distrust of so-called experts, it may pay to seek out somebody who can teach you a specialised skill. Seek out a mentor who you trust and respect. This will make all the difference to your progress. Be wary of self-defeating thoughts that could discourage you from pursuing this goal. You're a lot more capable than you realise.

Although you've always wanted to live the good life, you may lack the skills to achieve it. Putting yourself on a budget will help you build the wealth you need to enjoy life's greatest luxuries. Be accountable for what you spend. For instance, are you in the habit of throwing money away on small items that don't give you much lasting pleasure? Monitor your purchases of sweets, magazines, and other money-draining purchases.

Unrealistic expectations of a partner could drive a real wedge into your relationship. Instead of criticising this person's every fault, praise their strengths. After all, there must be some reason you've paired up with this character. Get into the habit of thanking your friend for all the little kindnesses they perform on a regular basis. The more appreciated your pal feels, the stronger your partnership will become.

It's not too late to get training in a career you've always wanted to pursue. If you fear that your plans will draw ridicule from friends and family, keep them a secret. It may be necessary to cut back on frivolous expenditures in order to finance this project. However, if you keep the ultimate goal in mind, these sacrifices will seem relatively painless. Avoid getting into a contest of wills with a young child.