A pet project has been derailed, causing you great heartache. It's so frustrating when forces beyond your control thwart your progress. When this happens, you need to treat yourself very gently. Allow yourself to grieve. This isn't a natural impulse for you. Usually, when you experience one disappointment, you plunge headlong into another endeavour. Let this be the exception to the rule. This kind of hurt won't disappear by keeping busy. It will only abate after you give it care and attention.

You're usually quite controlled emotionally, but that won't be true today. You won't be able to contain your anger at a male relative who continually makes insensitive remarks. He doesn't seem to care if you have different dreams and challenges; all he wants is to make you feel stupid. Until you call his bluff, he'll continue to heap abuse on your shoulders. He may even persist after you give him an ultimatum. If this happens, cut ties until he reforms.

You will say something in anger you will later regret. This isn't necessarily a terrible thing. Sometimes you need to air your honest feelings, even if they are hurtful. Instead of trying to make amends immediately, let some time pass. Give your victim a chance to lick his wounds. Then, when things have calmed down, approach with a sincere apology. None of this 'I'm sorry if your feelings were hurt' nonsense. Take responsibility for what you said.

You're so tired of working hard and getting very little in return. This is one of those days when it seems like cheaters are the only ones who prosper. Instead of giving in to these feelings of despair, channel your energy into a good cause. Working on behalf of a humanitarian organisation can lift your spirits. There are so many people who, like you, want to make the world a better place. The rewards from such work aren't material; they are much more precious.

It's easy to fly off the handle with a stubborn friend. This man just won't listen to reason. Instead of trying to change his mind, go your own way. Attend to the duties you have neglected while he was trying to make up his mind. In time, your friend will see the error of his ways. Until that happens, you need to be cool, calm and collected and do what you can to stay positive or you'll drive yourself crazy.

Getting involved in a secret intrigue will backfire miserably. It's in your best interest to keep everything out in the open, whether it's a romance, job search or creative project. Avoid gossip filled conversations like the plague or you will be called a hypocrite. If you don't like someone, be civil, but refrain from talking trash behind his back. This man could come to your rescue in an unexpected way. Besides, why spread negativity when it's totally unnecessary?

A quarrel may break out in your social circle. One of your friends is embroiled in a toxic romance, and everybody else is worried about his welfare. No matter how much you urge this man to break things off, he'll stay with the object of his desire. Therefore, it's better to remain silent. Be as polite as you can to your friend's amour, but maintain a healthy distance. People like this have a tendency to poison everything they touch.

Be ready to apologise for a past wrongdoing. You've changed a lot since then, and your reputation will bear that out. Still, some people will lose their faith in you. That's a price you must be willing to pay. If you continue to hold your head high, this scandal will die down. Relatives may not offer you the compassion you need. Seek comfort from a friend who has stuck by you through good times and bad. He'll keep depression from your door.

If a youngster is interested in exploring another faith, give him or her your blessing. There's no point in forcing someone to adopt your viewpoint. You can live in harmony with people who see the world differently. It's one of your special gifts. Teaching a reluctant student proves frustrating. If your pupil continues to slack off, there's nothing you can do. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

An intimate relationship is being torn apart by mistrust. One of you hasn't been honest with the other. Infidelity, irresponsible spending and lying about an addiction are among the possibilities. The first order of business is to break away from this troubled union. Then get treatment for the problem, whether you are the victim or perpetrator. There may be an opportunity for reconciliation later on, but right now you've got to protect your own interests.

It's frustrating to deal with someone who is clearly in denial. Still, it's not your job to remove the scales from his eyes. Just keep minding your own business and only offer advice if you are asked. Some people can only learn the hard way. If someone asks you to go into business together, guarantee a loan or go on a double date, refuse. Why put yourself in line for trouble? This is one of those days when it pays to keep your own counsel.

An injury, accident or illness will force you to slow your pace. Stop insisting you have to go to work. At times like these, you have to ask for help. Whether you seek assistance from your boss, family or neighbours is immaterial. You need to take a break. Staying in bed for a day or two will recharge your batteries and help you to heal. Irrevocable damage could occur if you continue to push yourself. Can you really afford to pay such a price?