A love affair makes you an optimist. Thanks to your amour's upbeat attitude, you're starting to look at the glass as half full, the way you did when you were a youngster. At heart, you're very happy. Lately professional disappointments have made you sceptical about the human race. It seems like ethics are a thing of the past. That's not true. It's just that you should learn how to avoid toxic people and gravitate towards life affirming ones, like your partner.

Taking care of an emotionally or physically vulnerable friend gives you a sense of purpose. You enjoy preparing nourishing meals and providing entertainment for the people you love. Still, you have to beware of making life too easy for them. It's time to offer a firm push. Without one, your friend won't feel compelled to fulfil their considerable potential. Be a sympathetic listener, but resist the urge to provide a shelter from all life's storms.

Avoid conflict like the plague. If you need a favour from a wealthy benefactor, pile on the compliments. Flattery will get you everywhere. A group of friends might disapprove of your shameless behaviour, but they don't share your determination. You're intent on beautifying your surroundings. Your plans require a sound investment. If that means heaping someone with extravagant praise, you're willing to do so. Fortunately, you've been blessed with a golden tongue.

When you channel your energy into projects and people you love, you feel invincible. There's good reason for your certitude. You were born with tremendous leadership ability. By gathering a capable team and calling in favours, you can create something of lasting value for the community. Providing an artistic outlet for people at risk will give them renewed hope. We all have prodigious imaginations, but unless we're able to express our creativity, life can be pretty bleak.

Your ego gets a boost from some favourable publicity. People respond well to your willingness to venture into unknown territory. Anything seems possible when you're along for the ride. Fledgling artists are especially drawn to you. That's because you encourage people to express themselves, and never flinch from extremes. You find merit in all creative efforts, whether they are beautiful or rebellious or dark or disturbing. No wonder why you have such a devoted band of admirers!

You gravitate towards a friend who shares your love for simplicity. The last thing you want from life is a lot of unnecessary complication. If that means turning your back on a tumultuous love affair, so be it. You can't thrive with a partner who is always trying to upset the apple cart. Fortunately, your creative juices are flowing freely. By pouring your frustrations into a book, musical composition, or painting, you'll soon regain your zest for life. Lean on your friend when your resolve starts to weaken.

A warm, passionate relationship has good prospects for the future. You and your amour are intent on leading extraordinary lives. Embracing the status quo has little interest for you. Granted, your lover is a lot more flamboyant, while you're more cultured, but that won't be a barrier to your love. If you're already in a relationship, this would be a great time to encourage your partner to fulfil a childhood dream. Your support will be instrumental to their success.

You're giving the world a rare glimpse at your soft side. As a general rule, you give very few people access to your thoughts and feelings, preferring to generate an air of mystery. In this case, you feel compelled to show how deeply you feel about a civic issue. Protecting children, animals, or nature from harm is your biggest priority. If that means giving an impassioned speech or making a grand sacrifice, so be it. Your reputation will soar as a result.

Reach out to a shy newcomer. You're a naturally gregarious person and have no trouble making friends wherever you go. Not everybody possesses this talent. By expressing interest in a neighbour or colleague, others will follow suit. Pretty soon, it will be as if you've all been friends for years. Later in life, this friend will become one of your most valuable allies. You never know who will be in the position to help you, which is why it's important to be nice to everyone.

Relax and unwind with a loved one who is an unabashed sensualist. Somehow, food always tastes better and colours look brighter when you're together. That's because this loved one knows how to live in the moment. When you're in their company, you stop worrying about deadlines, phone calls, and contracts, and start revelling in the sheer joy of being alive. It would be wise to take more cues from this character. Don't worry; you'll never forget your responsibilities.

You greatly appreciate a lover or colleague's willingness to give you some breathing room. Although you're capable of deep emotion, you need time to process your feelings. Taking a brisk walk or run will clear those mental cobwebs that have been gathering these past few months. At long last, you're ready to make yourself vulnerable to somebody again. It won't be easy, and you'll need lots of gentle encouragement, but it looks like your efforts will pay off.

Forming a partnership with a compassionate colleague gives you a new lease on life. In the past, your efforts to make work a more pleasant place were thwarted by some mean spirited members of the office. Now you have more support, it will be easier to attain your objective. Beautiful artwork, flourishing plants, and comfortable gathering spaces will bring everyone together in a spirit of harmony. It's better than having everybody at each other's throats all the time!