Asserting your independence has always been a sensitive issue for you. At times, your desire to break free from the pack has landed you in trouble. Now the family expects you to deny your feelings to maintain the status quo. You've got to fight this trend, even if it alienates you from your nearest and dearest. Otherwise, you'll wind up agreeing to an arrangement that makes you sick inside. Speak the truth to empower yourself.

You want approval and acceptance from colleagues, but that may not be possible today. You've got things to say that won't sit well with anyone. Maybe your comments will force people to reconsider a complicated project. Perhaps your observations will make everyone see that what they thought was a good idea has tremendous flaws. Whatever the news you're about to impart, it will cause you to be alienated. Never fear; this is only temporary.

It's a mistake to compare your financial situation to that of friends and family. The fact is, you are on a unique path. You can't expect to reap the same rewards as everyone else. If you're unhappy in your current job, the time has come to find a better situation. Don't worry about taking a pay cut. The sacrifice will seem minor when you do what you love. Happiness is more precious than gold.

It feels as though you don't have a life of your own, thanks to all the family obligations you've been given. Whether you spend half your day in your car or are busy attending the needs of an elderly parent is immaterial. You've got to make more time for yourself. Delegating responsibilities to other relatives or enlisting temporary help may be the solution to your problem. Stop insisting on doing everything yourself; it's affecting your health.

You're struggling with some private demons right now, making it hard to connect with others. Finding peace, love, and understanding will be something of a struggle. Until you come clean about a painful situation, others will continue to distance themselves from you. Don't be afraid to go public with a bad habit, addiction, or painful confession. It will feel as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders once you step from the shadows.

Instead of being jealous of friends, you've got to be more resourceful. While it's true your nearest and dearest are enjoying handsome rewards, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy similar perks. The secret is to choose your battles carefully. Don't bother fighting with people who aren't open to change. Steer clear of those who pass judgment on your decisions. Above all, focus on establishing a supportive social network. It will help you stave off envy.

It may be impossible to assert your needs in your present job situation. Maybe your boss has turned a deaf ear to your comments. Perhaps you've lost enthusiasm for your work. It's even possible that favouritism has blocked your path to success. Whatever the reason for your frustration, you've got to confront it. Whether this means having a heart-to-heart talk with your employer or finding a better situation is up to you.

Don't assume that you know more than a new arrival on the social or professional scene. Even though you have lots more experience than this person, that doesn't mean their contributions are invalid. Maintain an open mind and heart, even if it means putting your initial reactions aside for the sake of harmony. The less you rely on snap judgments to guide your relationships, the easier it will be to form lasting bonds.

You're doing more for others than you do for yourself, which is really wearing you down. Stop taking your need for intimacy so lightly. Let a loved one pamper you for a few hours. Put the kids to bed early so you can enjoy some private time together. Cut back your work hours so you will have more time for play. If you're not in a relationship, do one nice thing for yourself each day.

An authority figure is imposing on your personal boundaries, which is maddening. You've got to fight this trend, even at the risk of losing your job. Ironically, the person in question will have more respect for you once you tell them to back off. In the event you are punished for exercising your rights, you may want to consult a legal expert. Just because somebody employs you doesn't mean they own you.

It's important to demand credit for your ideas, especially if others keep grabbing your spotlight. Normally, you don't have any patience for petty struggles at work; you'd rather walk away than fight for supremacy. Today people you've got to confront your rivals. Make it clear that you will no longer put up with their tricks. Otherwise, they'll continue to steal your thunder. Do you really want to sacrifice a promotion for the sake of harmony?

You'll have to delay gratification for the sake of something larger. Although it's fun to flirt with a love interest, this person may not fit in with your long-term plans. Consider whether your amour du jour will support you through good times and bad. If you're not in a relationship, consider whether you are seeking one as a substitute for arousing fulfilment. A lover won't fill the emotional void that has been widening within you.