Stop fooling yourself about a good friend's motivations, or you'll be hurt. This person seems to be manipulating you in ways that are evident to onlookers. The reason you can't see these manoeuvres is that you give pals the full benefit of the doubt. While this attitude is admirable, it could get you in trouble today. Take the blinders off and assess the situation for what it really is. A confrontation may be inevitable.

Confiding in your superiors may not be the best idea now. Although you'd like to think that these folks have your best interests at heart, that isn't the case. Keep any personal plans a secret, even if they don't seem related to work. You wouldn't want this information to be used against you, especially when you're at your most vulnerable. Being lulled into a false sense of security is especially damaging for you.

People may not appreciate your skills as much as you think, so be on guard. Use your intuition when dealing with bigwigs or VIPS. If you sense disapproval, change your approach. Be especially guarded with people who pelt you with compliments. It's entirely possible that this person is trying to eliminate your position, or worse yet, steal it from you! Your best line of defence is to keep a low profile. Keep your head down.

Buying someone's affection with expensive gifts is the wrong way to go. If you really want to test somebody's loyalty, sit back and watch what they do for you. As a natural born giver, you have a hard time letting others pamper you. However, it's the only way to discover who is really deserving of your tender loving care. If the person in question does disappoint you, perhaps it's time to put some miles between you both.

Beware of being seduced by a smooth operator, or you could be taken for a ride. While it's true you love to be admired, you hate being deceived. Consider this person's motives when they rhapsodise over your accomplishments. It's entirely possible that they are after a favour. Withhold all gifts and services until they have proved their loyalty through actions, not words. This is a great technique for repelling leeches of all shapes, sizes and senses.

It's not a good idea to interfere in a difficult situation remember too many cooks spoiling the broth! If others see you standing back, they have no choice to get on with it. On the other hand, if you stick your oar in, everybody else will too and make the situation that much more intolerable. Sometimes you don't realise what a powerful effect you have on your peers. You'll understand the extent of your influence by setting a high standard for others to follow after all you are a perfectionist.

Take pains not to spoil children, lovers and proteges, or you will do more harm than good. Sometimes you have to be a rough taskmaster if you're going to get the results you desire. It's hard for you to crack down on others, because you always desire harmony at all costs. If you let little transgressions slip today, though, you will never have the beautiful product you've been striving for. Think about the long-term future.

You won't achieve your dreams through charm alone; put your nose to the grindstone. While others admire the grace and polish with which you approach your job, it's more important to establish yourself as a diligent and dedicated worker. If you are passed over for a promotion, raise, praise or favour, let this be the catalyst for you to double your efforts. Being angry or spiteful will only drag you down further. Rise above and transcend your disappointment.

It is virtually impossible to get a straight answer out of anyone today. This frustrates you to no end, because you're a pretty straightforward person. If you sense somebody is just stringing you along, pull back and act disinterested. Refuse to press them for the information you need. Pretty soon, desperation will give way and you'll have them eating out of your hand once again. Play hard-to-get.

Money you were expecting is held up, so have Plan B ready when your cash flow dries up. Exchanging goods for services is the best way to go right now. Luckily, you're notorious for driving a hard bargain. If you play your cards right, you'll walk away with more than you would have originally gotten if it were a straight business deal. Whatever you do, make sure you get written receipts and contracts. Handshakes aren't proof!

Promises have a way of falling through, so prepare to be deflated. If you feel that you've been unfairly overlooked, time to show the stuff you're made of and put up a fight. It's better to vent your anger than accept defeat quietly. Your rage may inspire you to look elsewhere for better opportunities and chances. Allow yourself to explore unfamiliar territory. You could stumble across a whole new career path or life goal. All it takes is an open mind and pioneering spirit.

Harbouring a defensive attitude toward an expert could be an exercise in futility. Even though this person may not be your cup of tea, there's a fair chance they can teach you some valuable lessons. Put aside your personal dislike for the sake of your own personal growth. It may develop that you have more in common with this man or woman than you realise. Perhaps that is what is causing all the friction between you in the first place.