Your job is a source of stress and strain, thanks to uncooperative colleagues. While you won't find much sympathy from co-workers, relatives are eager to lavish you with tender loving care. That's because you've worked so hard to create a stable foundation at home. Enjoy a home-made meal with your nearest and dearest this evening, and then relax watching a favourite movie. You will have earned a break after this trying day at the office.

Finding time for pleasurable pursuits will be practically impossible because of demanding friends. It's time to set down some ground rules about acceptable hours for telephone calls and visits. Otherwise, you'll continue to be inundated with long-winded sob stories and desperate pleas for help. Fortunately, you have no trouble getting your point across. Your stern words leave no room for confusion. Lay everything on the line, and don't worry about hurting people's feelings.

Keeping yourself hidden from the world is no way to cope with problems. If you're looking for employment, force yourself to visit a job fair or employment office. The more contacts you make, the easier it will be for you to find a position. In the event you're just sick and tired of your current situation, make a list of businesses you'd like to launch. Putting these ideas down on paper will bolster your confidence.

There's no point in trying to shield somebody's feelings if it means lying all the time. You're going to have to tell this person the truth, even if it pains you to do so. Adopting a no-nonsense attitude will get your point across. Don't let this person draw you into an argument. Just state your mind and then walk away. Onlookers will think you're harsh, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.

It's hard to meet your savings goals when there are so many temptations beckoning from shop windows. You must exercise more restraint if you want something to show for all of your hard work. If this means putting yourself on a strict budget, so be it. Deep down inside, you know that you can't trust yourself to be frugal all the time. Allot yourself a small amount of money each week to play with.

You're overly sensitive with regard to a romantic or business partner. If you take offence at something they say or do, breathe deep. Lashing out will only drive a wedge between you. Exercising a little restraint will not only benefit your relationship, it will give you a better perspective on how to handle your feelings. You must admit, you hate it when your emotions start spiralling out of control.

There's no point in keeping a shameful indulgence a secret any longer, as it's bound to come out. The sooner you come clean, the easier life will become. Contrary to what you might think, people will admire you once you admit to having a problem. You've always done such a good job at presenting a perfect image to the world. It will be a relief to know that you're just as flawed as everyone else.

Beware of the company you keep, for it will have undue influence on your decisions. Normally, you're quite resourceful. Teaming up with a spendthrift can cause you to go against your frugal instincts. Turn a deaf ear to claims that you can't live without this or that luxury. The fact is, you've been doing just fine without such expensive status symbols. Why should you change just to satisfy someone else?

Resist the urge to wield your status for unwarranted benefits. Taking advantage of the system will only cause others to resent you. You're better off making the same sorts of sacrifices that are expected of the entire group. Deep down inside, you'd rather be one of the gang than one of the elite. It's just that the temptation to get some extra rewards from this situation is clouding your judgement. Consult your conscience.

Be fair when confronted with belief systems that seem strange or amusing. You don't like it when others make fun of your attitudes, so why not apply the same standard when coping with this situation? The more open-minded and generous you are, the easier it will be to form a warm friendship with an offbeat artist. Once you get past your initial differences, you may be astonished to learn that you make a great team.

Take care not to be too cavalier with a love interest, or trouble will ensue. It's not fair to toy with a person's emotions, even if you do find it amusing. This irreverent impulse is rooted in boredom. Until you find a better use of your time, you're bound to get into trouble. Why not return to a hobby you abandoned long ago? Don't be surprised if your youthful enthusiasm returns as a result.

Trying to fit a partner's ideal image is putting a terrible strain on you. You're better off being true to yourself than adopting some fake persona. Fortunately, you have plenty of creative impulses that will carry you through this tough time. If you find yourself becoming lonely or blue, turn your attention to an art project. The more challenging it is, the better you'll like it. It's hard to brood when you're being productive.