Flattery won't get you anywhere. Your boss expects to see hard, fast results, but you may not be prepared to give them. Things have been so busy lately; you've hardly had time to do your regular duties, much less work on a special project. Be honest about the situation, and expect to feel a little heat. Taking the direct approach won't protect you from harm, but it will mitigate the damage. Give thanks for small blessings; at least you're looking fabulous!

It will be impossible to defend the underdogs. The ruling party is simply too powerful to resist. The best strategy is to watch and wait. Eventually, the people in charge will make a mistake, and then you can move in to take over. It pains you to see so many talented people being ignored for the sake of the wealthy and fashionable. Unfortunately, this trend will continue for the short term future. Divert yourself with as many pleasant activities as possible.

Even when you're in the middle of a crowd, you feel lonely. Nobody seems to share your interests or concerns. Try developing an interest in the group's favourite subjects, at least for the next few days. At the very least, you'll learn something new. Eventually, new people will join the group. You'll have lots more in common with these members. It's even possible you'll embark on a romance with one of them. For now, you'll just have to grin and bear a difficult situation.

It may be necessary to keep a secret from a partner. Making the truth known will just create more stress for everyone involved. Projecting an image of confidence will attract the work and prestige you desire. Unfortunately, it will make you feel false. That can't be helped. Sometimes you have to play the game to get ahead. This is one of those times. Consider how much your business or romantic partner will gain if you can just land a plum assignment.

Striving for perfection is an exercise in futility. Everyone is flawed; even you! Although you have a lot of experience, you lack the skill to pull off a particular assignment. Therefore, you must ask for help. Reach out to a colleague who has always driven you crazy. Although their methods are annoying, they are effective. Together, you can put together an impressive piece of work. This collaboration will require great emotional restraint on your part.

Stop underplaying your importance. You play an integral role to the group. Without you, the team would be unfocused and lax. Your organised thinking and high standards raise the bar for everybody. At times, people resent your efforts to be the best. For the most part everyone is grateful for your contributions. Take this opportunity to do something nice for yourself, apart from the group. When you treat yourself well, others will follow suit. Buy yourself a gift, take the day off, or get a spa treatment.

You're worried about displeasing your family. While you'd love to make them proud, some goals are just not worth pursuing. You'd rather march to the beat of your own drum. Don't be afraid to pursue an artistic path. At first, your loved ones will tease and even harass you. Eventually their criticisms will dwindle when they see how serious you are about achieving your goals. Be true to yourself; it's the only way to lead a life with no regrets.

Try not to be too sarcastic. It may feel like a work assignment is a lost cause, but your fellow workers don't share your attitude. They're trying their best to make a success of a questionable venture. Experience tells you their efforts will be wasted, and you might be right. Still, you're better off maintaining a tactful silence while everyone else sprints to the finish line. Resist the urge to say 'I told you so' when your theory proves correct.

Stop telling yourself you aren't worthy of the finer things in life. You work just as hard as everybody else. The difference is you won't push competitors out of the way. So rivals steal your thunder, getting the best assignments and the better paid jobs. If you want to break this cycle, think about launching your own business. Of course, you have to set a good rate. Don't charge ridiculously low fees just to get clients, or you'll wind up with stingy customers.

You have no trouble handling emergencies, but relatives resent your heavy handed approach. It's irritating to be criticised for doing a job nobody else wants, but there you have it. If you want to feel loved, you'll have to ease up on your family. Of course, work will suffer as a result. With nobody around to crack the whip, everyone will return to their lazy ways. Ultimately, you have to decide whether you prefer an orderly environment to a loving one.

Try not to feel guilty about having normal emotions. Someone could confess a crush, but you don't return their affection. There's nothing wrong with that. You have a right to love whomever you please. Naturally, you should let down your admirer gently, but beyond that, you have no responsibility to them. Refrain from talking about the issue in public. The less you dwell on this situation, the better. Beware of revealing private information about a neighbour or relative.

You're afraid to say what's on your mind, for fear of rejection. There's good reason to be worried, as it appears to be an intolerant group. This is one of those situations where you'll have to maintain a dignified silence for a larger purpose. So long as you retain ties with this organisation, you'll be a contender for well paid jobs. Luckily, your friends understand the sacrifice you're making, and will help you laugh over the predicament.