Don't fool yourself into thinking you can hide things from your nearest and dearest. Although they may not know the exact nature of your secret, they will know you are withholding information. The sooner you tell the truth, the better. If you want to leave for greener pastures, say it. The immediate fallout will be painful. Eventually, hearts will mend and everyone will be able to resume a happier, healthier life. Sometimes the worst thing you can do is to pretend to be invested in a relationship.

Just because your friends are enjoying a certain lifestyle doesn't mean you should. Many people who appear to be affluent are actually deep in debt. Save yourself the trouble of living beyond your means. You're a practical person who needs to have money in the bank. If bills are threatening to overwhelm you, take control of the situation. Contact a money expert and devise a plan to satisfy your debts and get back into the black. You can do it by remaining calm and focused.

You won't be sure how to proceed with an important project. Stop worrying about looking foolish and ask for guidance. An authority figure who is impatient with your questions may not know what they are doing. Once you establish the truth of the situation, it will be easier to move forward. Form an alliance with a colleague who has faced similar challenges. Together, you can produce some impressive work that will result in some awards. Make sure to share the credit with your collaborator.

Beware of getting swept up in a social, political or religious movement. A charismatic leader may have malicious intentions. It will be hard to recognise their true motives in the early stages. If someone asks you to accompany them to a meeting, politely refuse. You'll fare better by marching to the beat of your own drum. Fad diets and extreme exercise programs should also be avoided. Sensible measures work best. There are no miracle cures or overnight solutions.

Don't play fast and loose with your finances. Report all your income and pay your taxes. It will save you lots of time, energy and frustration in the long run. The last thing you want is to get hit with excessive penalty fees. If you're going on holiday, don't write off purchases as business expenses. A romantic relationship may be experiencing a dry patch. To keep the passion between you alive, you must be more attentive to your partner's emotional needs.

Don't fall for a manipulator's sob story. A lazy person will try to get you to do their work. Unfortunately, you're too busy to perform both their tasks and yours. Be ready to refuse this request. If angry recriminations are made, walk away. Nobody can justifiably accuse you of being uncaring. You're always looking for ways to be of service to others. That doesn't mean you're a doormat. Steer clear of opportunists who have no intention of pulling their own weight.

Be realistic about the amount of work you should be performing. Slacking off will make colleagues angry and resentful. When you have down time, ask your supervisor if there's anything you can be doing. If a fellow worker is struggling with a task, offer to help. Putting yourself forward is taking a risk, so prepare to establish some boundaries. If you're asked to do more work than you can handle, say so and propose an alternative. Make it clear you are willing to help within reason.

Someone who seems like your perfect partner has quite a few flaws. Be prepared to deal with them when your relationship gets underway. If you're just starting to date, take things slow. This will give you a chance to back out if you notice unacceptable behaviour. It's difficult for an incurable romantic like you to take such a practical, pragmatic approach to relationships. You must remember your first priority is your own health and wellbeing. Fixing people isn't possible. Individuals must do this for themselves.

You can't escape problems by staying buried at home. Although it's understandable you want to be comforted by familiar surroundings and loving people, you must confront this dilemma. If you have too many responsibilities on your plate, it's time to get some help. Hire a health care professional to wait on an ailing relative. Get a cleaning service to keep your home tidy while you work. Launch a home based business if you're unemployed. Face the truth of the situation and make some changes.

You should beware of signing official documents. Confusing terms or fine print could put you in a terrible situation. Submit such papers to a legal professional who has lots of experience with this type of contract. They'll give you valuable insight to the type of agreement that will serve you best. Don't worry if an official is putting pressure on you to sign on the dotted line. You're in control of the situation. Playing the waiting game will only strengthen your position.

Keep a close eye on your financial situation. If you're not mindful of what you have in your account, you'll get hit with overdraft fees. Sending in late payments to credit card companies can also put a serious dent in your budget. You've always prided yourself on not being terribly materialistic. While this quality is admirable, it doesn't divest you of financial responsibility. Spend a little time each day reviewing what money is coming in and how much is going out.

You're sending mixed signals to your employer. On one hand, you don't want to be given too much responsibility. On the other, you want to be able to express yourself creatively. If you're going to have more freedom, it is necessary to accept a greater measure of responsibility. Don't be afraid to take the helm of an important project or division. Giving orders isn't your style, but it's an essential component of your job. Every job has unpleasant elements. Come to terms with yours.