You're able to deal with problems in a cool, critical fashion. No matter how heated the atmosphere, you'll find a solution without breaking a sweat. Certain colleagues are wearing on your nerves because they always defer to you in difficult situations. It's time to foster some independence in your peers so you probably won't come to their aid the next time trouble arises. Offer to give additional help or training for those who aren't confident with certain programmes and procedures.

People are drawn to your charm and poise. They can rely on you to create a comfortable atmosphere. If you work for a company, you probably have customers who ask for you by name. Beware of making extravagant promises to friends, because your time and resources are tight. There is a chance you won't be able to supply the assistance you intended. This will put a loved one in a very difficult situation. You're better off refusing all requests until your finances are more secure.

Don't go worrying about petty matters. You don't want to become like a relative who wasted their whole life fretting. The next time you become anxious, take deep breaths and direct your attention elsewhere. Think about something or someone who brings you peace. There's no point in fearing the unknown. Nobody can predict the future. Adopting a calm attitude will attract good fortune. Tension will drive prosperity from your door. You have a choice about how to conduct your life.

Avoid controversial subjects like the plague. Talking about religion or politics will only lead to hurt feelings. You're better off keeping things light. A naturally empathetic person like you should find it easy to connect with a neighbour or relative on some level. Subjects like sports, music, art and movies are worth exploring. If all else fails, ask questions about their hobbies. With a little effort, you will break down the barriers between you. You'll soon develop a healthy appreciation for each other.

You have very definite opinions about an ethical dilemma. Unfortunately, not everyone shares your beliefs. Trying to deal with this situation will take time and effort. Be willing to hear the other side's point of view. If you still can't reach a compromise, you might have to get a third party arbitrator involved. Don't get personal when debating important issues with those who don't share your point of view. The more calm and professional you appear, the easier it will be for you to prevail in this conflict.

Sometimes you can't take an intellectual approach to problems. You must lead with your heart. Your best friend, lover, or business partner is going through a very difficult time. Although their pain confuses you, it's important to be compassionate. Resist the urge to give them a lecture or question their sanity. Instead, ask how you can help. It's possible they just want a sympathetic ear. You also might be able to take some practical measures that will bring relief.

Just because you have an attachment to old friends doesn't mean you want to go back to the past. You're happy with the way things are. Certain members of the old gang are having a hard time moving forward. Although you're sorry about their situation, it simply doesn't apply to you. You're smart enough to appreciate the good things that are happening right now. Beware of a colleague who is jealous of your progress. They may express admiration for you, but their primary feeling is hostility.

It's time to take a good hard look at your strengths and weaknesses. You will be able to overcome a hurdle, so long as you change your methods. Let someone older and wiser take you under their wing. You hate taking direction from anyone, but sometimes it's the only way to master a skill. A youngster or lover is trying to play on your sympathies. Remember you have a right to a personal life. Don't break an appointment with friends.

Don't let your idealism get in the way of work. You have to compromise if you aim to move forward with a project. If you've been given substandard materials or a shoestring budget, tailor your spending accordingly. It's great that you want to give people the absolute best money can buy. Unfortunately, you're trying to make bricks out of straw. Take a deep breath and summon your wits. You'll be able to put together something acceptable without damaging your reputation.

People are intimidated by your confidence. They don't realise it is a big act. Yes, you have many impressive skills, but deep down, you just want to be loved. That's understandable, but beware of listening to this impulse when you're at work. You have a great deal of responsibility. Making unpopular decisions is part of your job. By keeping duty at the forefront of your mind, you'll avoid trouble. The last thing you need is to make a bad judgment call because you feel sorry for an inept worker.

Try to be a little warm towards newcomers. If you're training someone, ask about their hobbies, pets and children. Making a personal connection in the early stages will pave the way for a productive work relationship. Check your calendar to see if you've forgotten someone's birthday. You might not place great importance on these occasions, but others are different. A belated card will heal any hurt feelings. Stop worrying you will become soft if you fall in with these traditions. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Don't fall for someone's sob story. People have taken advantage of your generosity in the past. It's time to break this trend. Some onlookers will accuse you of being selfish, but that's not your problem. You have to protect your interests, because nobody else will do it for you. It may actually serve you well to develop a reputation for being tough. This will cause manipulators to look elsewhere for targets. You have to admit, you're tired of being cheated all the time.