Your family isn't impressed by your professional accomplishments. When you're home, you're expected to pitch in like everybody else. Asking for special treatment will only cause resentment. It's important to treat all your relatives with courtesy and respect, regardless of their age. You may have to put a youngster straight, but don't resort to heavy handed tactics. Praise them when they make progress, no matter how small. You'll attract more bees with honey than you will with vinegar.

If you want something, be direct. Flattering an influential person in the hopes of getting a favour will fall flat. You don't want to seem like an opportunist. Everyone needs help from time to time. Being honest about your needs will cause someone to step forward and offer assistance. In the meantime, stay strong and keep taking steps towards your ultimate goal. Your diligence will inspire confidence in a philanthropist. Don't be surprised if you're offered a job, scholarship or grant.

Conflating money with love is a dangerous business. Just because someone can't buy you expensive presents does not mean they are unworthy. When assessing someone's character, examine how their words match their actions. Explore their values. Watch how they treat those who are less powerful. These considerations will speak volumes about a potential partner. Are you already in a relationship? Get into the habit of thanking your partner for their many small kindnesses.

Resist the temptation to overindulge in food and drink. Your system is very sensitive and to be handled carefully. Fresh produce, whole grains and lean proteins will give you the extra energy you require to fight illness. It's also important to get plenty of sleep and take light exercise. Adopting a positive outlook can also improve your well-being. Take this opportunity to listen to upbeat music or watch an uplifting film. By tonight you'll feel pleasantly tired instead of completely drained.

It may be best to keep your personal and professional lives entirely separate. Showing your creative work to a colleague will be cause for regret. The last thing you want is to hear criticism from someone who has no knowledge of your field of interest. Many times, people at work are threatened by those who have rich lives outside the office. As a result, relationships become strained and both spheres feel poisoned. By maintaining firm boundaries, you'll avoid this kind of trouble.

Friends disapprove of your romantic partner. You're tired of being forced to come to your partner's defence. It's time to set some ground rules with your social set. Don't talk about your relationship with people who keep pressuring you to break up. You are the only one who can decide whether someone you meet is right for you. If it turns out you were lead down the garden path, be willing to accept the consequences for your poor judgement.

Someone wants you to champion their cause. Be wary about defending this so called underdog. There are things in their background that will later come to light. You don't want to be implicated in their bad behaviour. Never underestimate the impact of your social circle. A good reputation is easily tarnished by a questionable friendship. It's better to remain neutral and stay out of an ongoing argument. Once you hear the other party's story, you'll be glad you erred on the side of diplomacy.

You think a so called expert isn't as intelligent as they pretend. Instead of voicing your opinion, keep it to yourself. There's a good chance you'll need a reference from this leader. Getting on their bad side will put you out of the running for a good job. It's unfortunate you can't be honest, but that's the reality of the situation. Be discreet when their name is mentioned in public settings. If someone hears you making negative remarks, you could suffer.

This isn't a good time to splash out on luxuries. Conserving your resources will make it possible to cover emergency expenses. It may be necessary to buy some technical equipment that makes your job easier. Having cutting edge technology will put you in line for a new role that will be well worth the investment. Are you unemployed? Think about taking a course in a rapidly growing field. Being able to pick and choose your work assignments will be a welcome change of pace.

Pouring all your energy into your love life is a mistake. You have to pursue activities apart from your relationship. If you keep pushing your needs aside for the sake of your partner, bitterness will set in. Taking a short trip for pleasure by yourself can be therapeutic. Arrange to do something your partner dislikes, whether it's fishing, shopping for antiques or communing with nature. Making your own needs a priority will bolster your self-esteem.

Neglecting a friend will be cause for regret. Although it's hard to tear yourself away from a relaxing interlude, do it anyway. Someone you love needs your help relocating, processing grief or coping with a health problem. By turning away in their time of need, you'll do serious damage to your relationship. Ordinarily, you count friends as your most prized possessions. Right now, you just long for a break. This desire is understandable, but their need for you is greater.

You're not getting the praise and approval you deserve. Turn a deaf ear to friends who think you're not working hard enough. Much of your work is performed behind the scenes. This causes you to be misunderstood, because you rarely draw attention to these contributions. Instead of dwelling on your disappointment, do something nice for yourself. Take the day off work. Treat yourself to a massage. Luxuriate in a scented bath. You don't have to spend a lot of money to indulge yourself.