Beware of falling for a hard luck story. Someone who always wants money will exaggerate their problems, hoping you will volunteer to pay a bill or make a loan. Keep your money in the bank, where it belongs. You work too hard to throw away your earnings on an irresponsible person who has no intention of paying you back. Usually, you're keenly aware of manipulators, but this one has flown beneath your radar. Take every one of their claims with a pinch of salt.

A loved one will accuse you of being cold and unfeeling. This is because you never let emotion interfere with practical decisions. Your attitude is welcome during emergencies, but can cause problems in normal circumstances. Instead of focusing on a job until it is complete, be more responsive to the outside world. Stop what you're doing to comfort an upset colleague or talk to a distraught relative. There are more important things than turning in projects on time and under budget.

You're cautious in love, which results in missed opportunities. Instead of waiting for a sure thing, adopt a more adventurous approach to romance. If someone turns down your overtures, you can remain philosophical. It's better to know where you stand than remain in the dark. Are you in a relationship? Make a point of expressing affection to your amour. When they feel valued, they'll work overtime to please you. The most successful relationships are founded on give and take. When you feel deprived of love, do something nice for someone else.

Being too idealistic causes problems on the romantic front. Instead of looking for a fairy tale lover, entertain the idea of a flawed but lovely partner. You'll enjoy the challenge of winning the heart of a successful executive. Breaking down their reserve with humour will be lots of fun. Are you already in a relationship? Stop expecting your other half to be someone they are not. Instead of concentrating on their faults, celebrate their many good points. Be more complimentary and encouraging.

Love doesn't have to be a never-ending rollercoaster ride. Rather than creating lots of unnecessary drama, try cultivating an air of comfortable security. Being paranoid about your partner's loyalty will only drive you further apart. The next time you want to feel loved, do something kind for your amour. Give them a gift, relieve them of a chore or plan a pleasant outing that is tailored to their taste. When you go out of your way for them, they'll respond with the affection you crave.

Ignoring a growing problem will only make it worse. It's time to address the elephant in the room. If you haven't been able to find love, ask yourself whether you've been driving away romance with your perfectionist tendencies. Are you in a relationship? Voice your mounting frustration to your amour. Dividing domestic chores more equitably will give you more time for your favourite activities. You have a right to paint, read and write. Let your partner do the dishes while you disappear into a good book.

Making someone dependent on you is a recipe for disaster. It's much better to encourage your romantic partner to become self-sufficient. Encourage them to get a job, acquire valuable skills or move into their own place. Your bond will become much stronger when you demonstrate faith in their abilities. If you're dealing with a highly irresponsible person, let them learn from their mistakes. They'll never improve if you continually bail them out of trouble. Stop trying to rescue them.

Don't panic if you're not the centre of attention. Staying in the shadows is instructive. You'll be able to observe people when their defences are down. Are you in love with someone who doesn't know you exist? Pour your energy into an engrossing creative project. You're never more attractive than when you're flexing your artistic muscles. If the object of your affection remains immune to your charms, seek a worthy candidate for your love. You deserve to be with someone who finds you wonderful in every way.

There's a difference between being attentive and smothering. If you sense a loved one wants an extra measure of freedom, give it to them. You shouldn't feel insulted if they want to meet with a close friend, watch a television show or enjoy their favourite hobby without you. Use your time apart to pursue your own interests. By the time you reunite, you'll have plenty to discuss. You'll quickly grow tired of each other by acting as though you are joined at the hip.

Stop worrying you will miss an important chance after making a commitment. Keeping your options open will result in some missed opportunities. It's time to move forward with a relationship. If you can't envision staying together, make a clean break. Stop letting your other half think there is hope for a future together. Living in limbo is making you restless. It's time to make a final decision. Let your intuition be your guide. It will tell you which path to take.

You are generous to a fault. The next time you feel the urge to do something nice, be good to yourself. Buy yourself a lavish gift, take the day off work or indulge in some creature comforts. Too often, you ignore your own needs for the sake of others. This can take a toll on your emotional health. Constantly neglecting your deepest desires will make you anxious and irritable. Take your needs seriously. When you treat yourself like royalty, others will follow suit.

You won't be able to win over your employer with charm. Instead of trying to avoid responsibility, accept a difficult assignment. When you encounter difficulty with this job, don't complain. Narrow your focus and find a solution. The more self-sufficient you are, the higher your star will rise. This is your chance to establish yourself as an employee who doesn't require intense supervision. If you play your cards right, you'll be able to work from home several days a week.