Unrealistic thinking could put a crimp in your love life; it's time to come back down to earth. If you're single, you may want to re-examine your family's attitudes towards love and romance. These perceptions may be out of step with today's expectations. In the event you're in a relationship, it's important to keep relatives out of your private life. Don't discuss problems and plans with anyone but your partner. Otherwise, you'll be asking for trouble.

You need to work on your communication skills with colleagues. While you think your methods are crystal clear, your peers are having trouble understanding you. Observe the way a respected member of the group gets their ideas across. Taking a page from this person's book can have remarkable results for you. Instead of giving orders, try adopting a more conversational approach to your co-workers. You'll be surprised by the results.

Spending lots of money on a child or lover won't improve your relationship. In fact, your extravagance could drive a wedge between you. People don't like to feel as though they're being bribed. They'd rather have a relationship that doesn't come with any strings attached. If you're single, don't choose expensive restaurants and clubs for your first dates. Instead, head for casual spots that will allow you to focus on each other.

Beware of being too forceful when presenting ideas to your nearest and dearest. It may take some time for your relatives to get used to your proposals. You've always had a tendency to put your family members on pedestals. This can cause tremendous disillusionment. This time around, don't try to predict the reactions you'll get. Instead, present your ideas, then make a strategic retreat. That way, you can't be accused of unfairly influencing people.

It may seem as though everybody is plotting against you, but the opposite is true. Actually, people are too self-absorbed to notice what you're doing. The best way to change this situation is by adopting an outgoing attitude. Make more of an effort to connect with neighbours, friends and colleagues. Enquire after their troubles and find out about their passions. Until you make this change, you'll continue to feel unduly self conscious.

Resist the urge to take too much pride in material things, or your relationships will suffer. Friends don't like to be made to feel inferior. If you've had trouble forming supportive relationships, practice performing random acts of kindness. When you do good deeds without expecting anything in return, you make room in your heart for intimacy. People will sense your selfless attitude, and seek out your company as a result.

Beware of promising more than you can deliver to an authority figure. While you're flattered by this person's confidence in your abilities, it's important to be realistic about what you can and cannot do. If you find you've bitten off more than you can chew, notify your boss immediately. This will give him or her a chance to make alternative arrangements. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride to salvage your reputation.

Relying on someone's charity can create a destructive dynamic. If you lack fundamental knowledge or skills, it's time to correct the problem. Enrolling on a course or learning a foreign language will make you less dependent on others. There is also the added advantage of boosting your self esteem. Deep down inside, you think that you're incapable of realising certain dreams. You owe it to yourself to at least work towards your goals.

You may have very different ideas about love and sex than your friends. At times, you wonder whether your attitudes are normal. Ultimately, it doesn't matter. What you need is to find a partner who shares your attitudes. Joining an online dating service can help you connect with someone special. Why waste time worrying about what people will think when you can connect with others on the very basis of your interests?

Beware of economising on insignificant matters, as it's unwise to deprive yourself of small luxuries. You work hard for your money, so why not give yourself a treat every now and then? If you don't value your labour, it will feel as if you're enslaved by it. A business associate or romantic partner may be astonished by an extravagant purchase. Don't bother trying to defend yourself. It's fun to keep people guessing.

Try not to jump to conclusions with regard to a sensitive colleague. This person has lots of hidden depths. Until you make an effort to know this person better, there will always be a barrier between you. At times, an open-minded character like you has trouble seeing that everyone has fascinating quirks. Make a game out of discovering this person's secret nuances. This will teach you some valuable lessons about human psychology.

The inability to separate sex from love can cause tremendous upheaval in a relationship. Instead of casting judgement on a romantic partner, have a heart-to-heart talk about your respective attitudes. That way, you can understand where each other is coming from. In the end, you may decide to go your separate ways. That's better than forcing a relationship that is doomed to fail from the start. Be brutally honest about your needs.