Beware of using someone who has a crush on you. Although they have access to people and materials you want, it may be best to look elsewhere for help. Pretending to return their affection will only lead to anger and resentment. It will also compromise your reputation. People admire you for being a direct, honest person. Engaging in romantic deception will prompt everyone to question their assumptions about you.

It's dangerous to build your entire identity around your job. A loving person like you needs to develop an extensive social network. The more friends you have, the easier it will be to balance your personal and professional lives. There's a chance you've been spending too much time at work. Cut back your schedule for the sake of family time. Children will be especially delighted by your increased presence. A trip you had to postpone could be back on again.

Someone may praise you as a means to get extra favours. Take all of their lavish comments with a pinch of salt. Of course, you are incredibly talented and attractive. You shouldn't need other people to tell you that, though. Be honest about an ambitious creative project. By offering a few strategic cuts, you could help the artist turn a flawed work into a compelling masterpiece. It's all a matter of presenting your opinions in a positive way.

Don't expect too much of a friend who is living in reduced circumstances. Just because you were able to give them lavish presents in the past doesn't mean they should feel obligated to do the same. If they seem to be avoiding you, it may be because she isn't able to afford to go out to expensive places. Suggest a casual get together at your place. This would be a great time to put your culinary skills to work.

Nobody will be fooled if you're overly polite to an enemy. Your underlying hostility will come out in other ways. Such behaviour doesn't do your reputation any favours. If you don't like somebody, treat them with chilly civility. A loved one is going out of their way to satisfy your whims. Be sure to give thanks for these efforts. You're so used to having people at your beck and call that you can sometimes take small kindnesses for granted.

You may not feel confident about your ability to do a job. Someone who has much more experience in this area may come forward to help, but only if you ask. Don't let pride get in the way of making life easier. You may expose yourself as a novice, but you will gain some hands on training along the way. Beware of eating and drinking too much, or you'll pay the price tomorrow. Let moderation be your watchword.

It's important to be loyal to friends; don't cancel an appointment if a better outing comes along. Attending someone's birthday or anniversary party may not be the most exciting way to spend a Friday night, but you'll still have a good time. A stalled home improvement project could start up again. Keep careful track of the budget, or expenses could spiral out of control. Using discounted materials can save a considerable amount of money. Scout around some salvage yards.

Being honest with an authority figure won't get you very far. It looks as though you'll have to flatter her ego. Although you hate such hypocrisy, it can come in handy. After all, this woman can advance your career. Getting into her good graces could be as simple as complimenting her wardrobe or praising her managerial skills. An older friend could express disapproval for your behaviour, but then again, he's not in line for a promotion.

You've got to quit keeping score in a relationship. There should be an organic ebb and flow to generous gestures. If you do something nice for your partner, don't wait around for it to be reciprocated. Instead, think of other ways to pay tribute to your amour. Single? This may be because you have a rather cynical view of romance. Try developing your sentimental side by listening to soft music and watching old movies.

You won't be able to buy your way into someone's affections. To win their heart, you've got to let down your defences. Stop stonewalling them when you're asked personal questions. Above all, admit to liking things that have fallen out of fashion. If you're in a relationship, relieve your partner of a dreaded chore. Such a gesture will mean much more than a glittering diamond or sleek sports car. This is because it will require real sacrifice on your part.

It feels like everybody is in love except you. If you're in the midst of a dating desert, you may want to spend some quality time by yourself. Consider what you really want in a partner. Think of ways you can attract such a person, whether it's developing your listening skills, becoming more romantic, or letting down your defences. If you are in a relationship, you need to spice up your love life. Offer to become your amour's love slave.

Work has become pretty unpleasant, thanks to a nasty workmate. Nothing you can do will change their terrible attitude. Your best course of action is stay as far away as possible. If you can't keep your distance, you may want to look elsewhere for employment. An influential friend could get you a job interview. Opportunities related to research, recycling, or antiques are all favoured. You might also find success as a private investigator. You have a gift for ferreting out information.