Resist the urge to buy somebody's love. Expensive presents will only put unnecessary strain on a relationship. Nobody wants to feel as though they're being bought. Maybe you need to examine your impulse to shower people with gifts. If you really want to form a bond with someone, practice being more giving with your time and affection. That may be a little difficult for a tough customer like you. Making yourself more vulnerable takes practice.

It feels like nobody appreciates you right now. Instead of looking to others for validation, try satisfying yourself. Give yourself a reward every time you conquer a goal or perform a job. The more positive reinforcement you receive, the less you will rely on siblings, neighbours, and friends for praise. A love affair may show signs of strains. Beware of becoming so wrapped up in your own troubles you're unable to recognise your amour's pain.

It may be impossible to get any peace and quiet today. Money matters demand your attention, creating lots of anxiety. These days, it seems like everything you do must generate income. Put in the extra hours required of you, and then seek some comfort at home. If the phone continues to ring, turn it off. There's a limit to what one person can do. It may be necessary to ask a demanding relative to back off.

Friends may have too much influence on your outlook. If you've been keeping company with depressives, then your own perspective will become gloomy. Put some distance between you and the crepe hangers, at least for today. Seek out a relentless optimist who actually grates on your nerves. At first, you'll think their positive attitude is hopelessly naive. After a while, though, you'll notice their upbeat attitude attracts golden opportunities at every turn.

It is tempting to associate with important people who can advance your career. Before you do this, work out whether an old friend needs your care and attention. True, your loved one won't be able to help you up the ladder of success. Still, they have supported you through times of trial. Beg off a social commitment and prepare a delicious dinner for two.

Your high ideals could be putting a barrier between you and potential friends. Resist the urge to judge others by strict moral standards. Just because your associates weren't raised with the same beliefs doesn't mean they are degenerates. In fact, spending time with these people could enrich your life in surprising ways. You don't have to adopt their methods, but it would be wise to treat them with respect. A nurturing woman will prove an especially worthy friend.

Jealousy could reflect badly on you, so keep these feelings under wraps. There's nothing more unattractive than a possessive lover. If you aren't in a relationship, it may be because you need to take a more casual approach to dating. People can't relax and be themselves if they feel they're being auditioned for a long term commitment. Beware of spending just to fill an emotional void. The contentment you seek will come from creative projects.

It's hard to be considerate of a partner when they're being so beastly to you. Instead of assuming a false air of brisk pleasantry, confront your friend. The faster you put your cards on the table, the quicker you can get this nastiness behind you. It's possible your relationship is under strain because of jealousy. After all, you have been pretty preoccupied with work and other distractions. Work out a plan that will give you both more satisfaction.

Work may be really unpleasant now. Whether this is due to nasty surroundings or people is immaterial. The important thing is this situation needs to change. Finding another position should be very little trouble for you, as you're extremely adaptable. If you're determined to keep your current job, though, you need to talk with your employer. Be direct but tactful when presenting your complaints.

Indulging a child's every whim will have grave consequences for you both. Pretty soon, your kid will stop respecting anyone's authority, which will put him or her in considerable danger. As your young friend looks up to you it's your responsibility to prepare them for the real world. Steel yourself to say 'no' when the situation demands it. There will be ugly scenes at first, but it's better than enabling bad behaviour. Married? Put your spouse's needs ahead of your child's.

You've always trusted your head more than your heart. This makes it difficult to form emotional ties with certain people in your life. You're especially uncomfortable with a relative who has always seemed totally irrational. Still, this person has been very kind to you in the past, and deserves respect. Try enquiring after their interests as a means to connect. It's easy to feel kinship with someone who feels passionately about certain hobbies.

Beware of saying things you don't mean, even if it is to spare someone's feelings. When someone asks for your opinion, be truthful but tactful or you will look like a hypocrite to those who know you feel differently and while your words may cause temporary pain, they could alert your friend to a problem which needs to be fixed. Resist a childish impulse to play a dirty trick on a neighbour who is driving you crazy.