Beware of falling for a customer's sob story. Their claims of receiving defective merchandise are really just a ruse. In truth, they have broken the item out of their own neglect. It's times like these when you have to make a show of force. If you don't, other opportunists will try to take advantage of you. Fortunately, you have no problem taking a hard line. Explain yourself to your colleagues and they will give you their support.

Giving up all the things you love to accommodate friends is wrong. While it's admirable you know so many people from different walks of life, you must separate your needs from theirs. You've always enjoyed relaxing, refreshing, restorative practices so take this opportunity to take a break at a spa or beach, rather than accompanying the crowd to a flashy resort. You have every right to take some time off for yourself, without regard to your nearest and dearest.

Flattery won't get you anywhere. The only way to make a good impression is through good, old fashioned hard work. You'll have to roll up your sleeves and channel all of your energy into a pressing family matter. Helping a relative relocate, arranging care for an elderly parent or starting a family are all possibilities. Naturally, all this disruption will be stressful. When you feel your nerves start to weaken, take a deep breath and remember this, too, will pass.

Someone is attacking your belief system, which is really upsetting. You've always taken great pains to be respectful of others. It's horrible to be mocked and ridiculed this way. Unfortunately, a show of temper will make you look petty and childish. It's better to maintain a dignified silence and then release your anger through exercise. Your graceful handling of this situation will win you several admirers. It takes real character to withstand the slings and arrows of a pushy idiot.

Don't get too carried away by a love affair. You still need to protect your financial interests, no matter how besotted you are. Having a discretionary bank account will give you a greater degree of control. You've worked too hard and made so many sacrifices to make all of your money accessible to someone else. If you're worried about a youngster's future you might decide to make long term financial plans now. From such little acorns, monetary oaks might grow.

Beware of taking your best friend, lover, or business partner for granted. You're very ambitious, and are determined to succeed no matter what the cost. Consider how your late evenings are affecting your relationship. Scale back your efforts in favour of your friend. Enquire after their activities, express interest in their hobbies, and perform little kindnesses for their comfort. A few selfless gestures will go a long way towards keeping resentment at bay.

You're so caught up in your appearance that you've lost sight of your spiritual side. There's more to life than beautiful clothes and flashy status symbols. Take some time away from the fray to reconnect with your soul. Quiet, solitary activities like nature walks and meditation will be revelatory. It's been so long since you've asked yourself what makes you happy. Ask that question when you're alone, away from annoying distractions.

Don't cling too stubbornly to your way of doing things. Friends need your help. Failing to show up at a party or moving date will hurt your reputation. It's understandable you want to spend all of your time on a pleasurable pursuit, but we all have to make sacrifices. Think back on a time when your loved ones came to your rescue. Isn't it time to return the favour? Listen to your better self and do what is right. There will be plenty of time for amusement later.

Although you'd love nothing more than to stay home and relax, this simply isn't possible. Your boss needs you to take care of an emergency. It may be necessary to leave a holiday early to attend to this crisis. Your family will be terribly disappointed. Vow to make it up to them at a later date. Right now, you can't afford to play fast and loose with your job. If you're out of work, you may have to take a job with a demanding executive.

No matter how persuasive you are, it will be impossible to convert someone to your point of view. This comes as a terrible blow, as you're not used to failure. Still, there are some people who are so invested in a particular way of thinking that they simply can't change. Instead of resenting this trait, try to respect it. After all, it's not easy to find people who stick to their convictions. If you're patient, you'll find another client who is open to your suggestions.

Resist the urge to go on a shopping spree. There are a lot of tempting items in shop windows, but you simply can't afford them. Spend time on cultivating a romantic relationship instead. You shouldn't have to shower your lover with presents to secure their affections. If you're single, you'll detect some sexual tension with a cranky intellectual. You might not want to follow this impulse. The two of you have virtually nothing in common, save a physical desire for one another.

Your best friend or romantic partner resents your good luck. This is really hurtful, because you're always quick to congratulate them on their successes. Don't let their foul mood spoil your fun. Wear your most attractive outfit and head for a party. You're sure to turn heads wherever you go. Your welcome reception might convince you that it's time to be more forthright about your needs. Stop letting others dictate your schedule all the time.