A favour you do for someone is interpreted the wrong way. They seem to imagine there is an ulterior motive for your kindness. It's not so much what they say but the way they say it. What's important is you let them know they've got it all wrong. An act of genuine thoughtfulness should not be taken with so much distrust; you have a right to feel offended. What you should also be asking yourself is: what does this say about the person on the receiving end of your good deed?

Next time you're issued with a challenge from someone who has been trying to pressure or control you, face it head on. It's time to put an end to this kind of emotional manipulation. A partner in business or romance is argumentative and their mood is polluting your relationship. Standing up for yourself may mean a temporary parting but it will prove you won't put up with their behaviour any longer. You mean business and it's about time they realised it too.

By acting more forcefully and decisively you will manage to steer your life onto a more meaningful path. These days you've been drifting along with vague goals in mind but nothing real to aim for. Mental stimulation is what you crave now and you're likely to find this through seeking new work or new ventures and exploring areas new to you. Dabbling with different types of pastimes or sports is also recommended.

Don't put yourself out trying to get someone who's feeling out of sorts and grumpy, to smile. If you're working with them, it may be their personal life causing them to be so miserable. Just cheerfully get on with your job and try to keep the atmosphere light. Some will welcome this, even if others don't! Remember, you can never do enough to make an unhappy person happy if they don't want to be cheered up in the first place.

Being tied up with pleasurable pursuits keeps you from thinking about a test or interview you aren't looking forward to. A joint hobby, task or interest could be rewarding provided you're both in a sufficiently cooperative mood to work together without too many disagreements. You might quickly grow weary of tasks needing little effort. Anything which involves a degree of challenge or even risk excites you today.

Check your job description if you feel someone is taking advantage and you're doing jobs that aren't your responsibility. To impress your boss or a senior colleague, look as if you're listening to everything they say, even if you're really wondering about what you're going to wear for a social event this evening. Organise your desk and your schedule so you have everything planned down to the last detail. Then you will feel in control of events rather than as if events are controlling you.

If you've been foolish enough to allow yourself to be drawn into someone else's troubles, find a way out now! A problem will soon come to a head; the further you are away from it, the better. You've always preferred peace to discord and a big argument is brewing. Offer a sympathetic ear whenever it is needed but don't, whatever you do, get so implicated that you are liable to be blamed or accused of something you didn't do.

The gut feelings you have today give you reason to be wary or uncertain. You may have noticed something peculiar or not quite right. Whether someone is lying, acting deviously or behaving strangely, heed the red flag and follow your instincts. You're very serious these days even in your off duty hours. Pay attention to the mood of those sharing your world and recognise when a little fun is in order.

You're starting to see changes which will eventually improve your living conditions. Making a start on exciting projects will prove thrilling but don't get too disappointed if things don't change over night. This is a long term venture and results will be slow but in time, impressive. Getting others in the family to join in will help speed up the process. This evening you may have to make a vital decision very quickly; play it safe!

Your practical help will give others the chance to see their ideas being put to sensible use. Sharing thoughts will give you new angles to look at certain situations which in the long run could be of great advantage. This is not the time to dive straight into your work. Instead, sit back, take your time and let other people share the thinking and the labour. You could be surprised at how much you enjoy this team effort.

Make an effort to catch up on belated correspondence, emails and phone calls. A short trip to visit a friend or workmate who is expecting you, should not be dismissed as non-urgent. It is entirely possible they have some important information to pass on. Any social activity will bring pleasure your way, later in the day. If you're in a reasonably new romance, aim to let your feelings show; your trust will be rewarded.

Be selective about your social commitments; don't be too available to everyone. Spread yourself too thinly and you will have no time left for the people you care most about. If you feel you're swimming out of your depth and someone throws you a line, reach out and catch it. Even if it means pulling out of group arrangements, admit to having taken on far too much and there's a need to reduce your social obligations.