The prospect of mixing money and friendship makes you very uneasy. This isn't a good time to borrow or lend money. If a child or lover is pressuring you to buy them an expensive gift, you've got to put your foot down or you'll set a dangerous precedent. You don't want to be treated like a cash machine. Besides, there are much healthier ways to show your affection.

Someone who is close to your heart could be committing emotional blackmail on you. If there's anything you hate, it's being manipulated. Tell this person what you really think of their methods in no uncertain terms. Yes, this will put a chill on your relationship for the short term, but it's better than suppressing your anger. If you have a roommate, they may try to win your sympathy with a sob story.

An inability to express your creative side is taking a toll on your spiritual health. You need to make more time for your favourite activity, whether it's writing, sketching, painting or craftwork. Yes, you have lots of work and family responsibilities, but these can take a back seat to what you really love to do. If you keep depriving yourself, you'll start lashing out at the people you love.

A desire for financial security could be getting in the way of a friendship. Someone who doesn't share your frugal ways feels like a threat. You'd rather avoid this person than pursue a relationship. If you continue to snub this character, you'll miss a valuable life lesson. Set your judgment aside and make a friendly overture. In a few weeks, you'll wonder why you didn't become pals sooner.

Telling somebody what they want to hear could backfire on you. Yes, their feelings will be hurt if you give your honest opinion but this person will get an even bigger shock when their ideas go over like a lead balloon after you expressed such admiration for them. Be as constructive as possible with your criticisms. Your comments won't go over well, but at least you can't be accused of lying.

A dark secret could be preventing you from moving forward in life. It's becoming increasingly difficult to keep your story straight. It may be best to make a clean slate of things, even at the risk of alienating people you respect. In time, these folks will appreciate your honesty. For the time being, though, you can expect friends to feel disillusioned. That's perfectly natural; you'd feel the same if you were in their shoes.

Having to share your resources is becoming a little tiresome. It may be time to tell a friend or colleague to get their own materials and while this person may accuse you of being selfish, that's only because they're embarrassed by their dependency on you. The fact is, you've been more than generous with your possessions. The time has come to reclaim your independence, though. Give your friend a deadline by which to get their own materials.

A lover or business associate may accuse you of putting up a false front. As far as you're concerned, this is more a coping mechanism than a deliberate deception. You simply don't believe the public will accept the real you, warts and all. The fact is, though, your quirks are the very thing that are the most appealing. These days, it's rare to meet someone who doesn't easily fit into any one category. Flaunt your individuality.

Your colleagues might accuse you of showing off your knowledge. It's not that you lord your insight over others; it's just that you have more information regarding these issues than your peers. Nevertheless, your worldliness is setting you apart from the crowd. Maybe it's time to seek out people who share your interests. That way, you won't feel so alienated. Furthermore, you could find a work situation better suited to your talents.

Trying to win favour with a wealthy relative may not be worth the effort. While it's true the financial rewards of such an association are considerable, it's also true you are more than capable of building your own fortune. Besides, your independence is too valuable to relinquish for a few pieces of silver. Ironically, your refusal to bend to this family member's may earn their ultimate respect.

Your first priority may be spending as much time as possible with a new friend or romantic interest. Unfortunately, your work and family relationships are suffering as a result. Try to spread yourself a bit thinner, or you could cause irreparable damage to an important bond. If you've already got a lover, you may be losing parts of yourself to this person. Don't be so quick to relinquish your needs and interests.

Don't confuse your personal value with your job, the fact is, you're a lot more than your skill sets. Cutting back your hours can help you reconnect with activities and people outside your place of business. If you are unemployed, you may be suffering from low self-esteem. The sooner you find a hobby that fills you with pride, the easier it will be to find steady employment.