Spending lots of money won't win a person's heart. In fact, it could drive the object of your affection away. If you're going to secure their heart, you will have to do so through more mundane means. Let down your defences, share your heart and express interest in their pursuits. There's no bigger compliment than reading someone's favourite books and watching their preferred movies. Are you already in a relationship? Taking a class with your partner will draw you closer.

Your stubborn behaviour is causing problems at home. It's time to be more receptive to change, even if it causes momentary inconvenience. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you give way to a relative or roommate. Rearrange your living arrangements to accommodate a difficult work or school schedule. The result will be more money and freedom to do what you wish. Contrary to what you might think, the old ways aren't necessarily best. Force yourself to think outside of the box.

It's more difficult than usual to stay focused on your work. All sorts of distractions are swirling around you. You're eager to get a head start on the weekend, but must finish some boring paperwork beforehand. Hide yourself away from the public so you can complete your mission without interruption. Don't let a persuasive artist talk you into an arrangement that helps them but inconveniences you. You have enough things to do without going out of your way to accommodate someone else.

Mood swings could get in the way of enjoying a festive occasion. If you feel your temper starting to rise, focus on an idea that brings you great happiness. You don't want to give away your power to a manipulative lover or youngster. Part of the problem is that you express love through self sacrifice. Healthy relationships require participants with strong egos. If you continue to subvert your needs for the sake of others, it will be impossible for love to flourish.

You're quick to anger when things don't go your way. If you are embarrassed in public, be quick to laugh. People admire others who have a good sense of humour about their shortcomings. A well connected friend will promote your creative work to a manager, gallery owner, or store buyer. If you play your cards right, you will be able to earn money from an artistic endeavour. Pretty soon, the people who made fun of you will be drooling with envy.

Don't get obsessed with rules and regulations. Sometimes you have to let procedures fall by the wayside to deal with an emergency situation. A tight deadline is looming. If you spend all of your time perfecting small details, you'll fail to deliver the goods when they are needed. It pains you to render a less than perfect performance, but it can't be helped. Fortunately, your boss is prepared to overlook small flaws for the sake of a timely delivery.

Flattery won't get you anywhere. A socially prominent friend is always receiving praise from people who want favours. The best way to maintain your loved one's good opinion is to offer an honest opinion of their work. A few pieces of constructive criticism will help them reach new heights. Your expert knowledge of a subject will open the door for a teaching or writing job. Having a second source of income will allow you to take a nice holiday.

You can't always get what you want, especially in a romantic partnership. Give way to your amour about a career matter. Spending less time at work will allow you to resolve a power struggle that has been dogging you for some time. It's important to recognise all the sacrifices your amour does on your behalf. If you're unattached and fancy free, it may be because you have unrealistic expectations of love. Be willing to make allowances for the occasional human failing.

This isn't a good time to venture into unfamiliar territory. You have obligations to meet. Although these duties are boring, they still need to be carried out. Others are relying on you to provide information, services and attention. If you're having difficulty finding work, it may be because you are too idealistic. There's no shame in accepting a position just to earn a paycheque. People will respect your willingness to sacrifice fun for financial freedom. Don't worry; a more rewarding position will soon appear.

Being too rigid will harm an intimate relationship. Your partner has grown and changed since you first came together. Encourage their new interests and differing tastes. You may not share their desires, but you can at least respect them. If you are single, it may be because you insist on finding a carbon copy of yourself. Be willing to expand your search to include someone with radically different sensibilities. Variety can be the spice of life. Give it a try.

There won't be much support for a creative idea. You've always had a knack for being on the cutting edge. Unfortunately, it takes time for others to catch up with you. Right now, everybody is clinging to outmoded ways. This is wasting time and money, but it can't be helped. Channel your energy into writing an article describing your vision of the future. Eventually, an influential visionary will read it and offer their support. All you need is one benefactor to get this project off the ground.

Putting other people's needs before your own will harm your professional prospects. Be willing to promote your talent, even at the risk of elbowing rivals out of the way. You've worked long and hard and deserve to be paid accordingly. The opportunity to work from home seems like an answer to a prayer. Do whatever you can to secure this position. A letter of recommendation from a former colleague will make a great impression. Go ahead and call in a few favours.