Arguments over hot button issues may erupt today, so be ready to do battle. Whether the subject debate is death, taxes or sex, you need to keep a level head. Consider whether you are taking your obligations towards a lover or child too seriously. It's possible you're smothering this person with good intentions. The moment you stop performing indispensable tasks on their behalf, the more independent they'll become. Then you can base your relationship on mutual affection, instead of favours.

Don't let a loved one influence your decisions, or you could do serious damage to your relationship. You need to consult your own conscience in this matter. If your partner tries to make you feel guilty or ashamed, you've got to establish firmer boundaries. This dynamic may have sprung from certain problems you experienced as a child. Whilst it's important to respect authority figures, it's more essential to respect yourself.

It feels like you're at the end of your rope, yet the work keeps pouring in. At times like these, you need to ask for help. Don't worry what others will think of your plight; if people judge you unfavourably, that's because they are not compassionate. Beware of steeping your request in bitter recriminations, or assistance will be a long time in coming. Just state your needs clearly and specifically, and hope for the best.

Finances are a problem, which causes you undue strain. Right now, it feels like you'll never catch up to your peers. Don't compound your troubles by using others as a yardstick by which to measure success. The fact is, you're on your own journey right now. If part of the trip involves learning how to live with less, so be it. Ironically, the moment you start divesting yourself of material needs, the easier it will become to attract wealth.

Mondays are never your favourite, and that's especially true today. It's hard to summon the energy for another week filled with work, family responsibilities, and household chores. To add insult to injury, it seems like nobody is sympathetic to your plight. Instead of dwelling on all the things causing you pain, do something nice for yourself. Treat yourself to lunch at a favourite restaurant, leave work early to soak in a hot tub, or stay home and catch up on sleep.

It's hard not to be sarcastic with someone who needs everything spelled out for them. Before you yield to temptation, consider how your harsh words will affect your future dealings with this person. Remember, not everyone is as sharp as you. If you take the time to find out where their confusion lies, you can clear up a whole host of misunderstandings. Think back to a time when a mentor taught you a much valued skill, and adjust your behaviour accordingly.

Be very careful with your precious possessions, as theft could be a problem. Squandering your resources is also a possibility. Wait a few days before buying anything expensive, and decline any requests for loans. You usually don't spend much time worrying about money, but now you're starting to see that cash is a metaphor for your personal power. If you give it away indiscriminately, you may not have enough to satisfy your own basic needs.

It's hard to be mindful of other people's feelings now, when your own desires are so strong. You'll find the more generous you are to others, the easier it becomes to realise your goals. Friends respond more readily when they sense you are on their side. Pitting your needs against everyone else's creates stumbling blocks that are very difficult to overcome. Wait to address difficulties with your boss until tomorrow. Anger gets in the way of reason.

Misplaced sympathy could drive a wedge between you and a perceived friend. This person has been sharing many of their troubles with you, and you've done everything in your power to provide comfort and help. Before you go any further out of your way, ask yourself whether this person's problems are self created. Someone may use heavy handed tactics to convert you to their belief system. Don't indulge this person for another second. You have better things to do with your time.

If you're afraid of losing an important person, speak up now. It's possible your friend has no idea how strongly you feel. You are a bit more reserved than most people, making it hard to read your emotions. If your friend still insists on going their own way, don't begrudge them this right. The more gracefully you give way to their plans, the more likely you'll meet later in life. In the meantime, console yourself with a hobby that gives you joy.

Being tough on others won't yield the results you desire. And although it seems as though you need to resort to threats, nothing could be further from the truth. What your team really needs is words of encouragement. Of course, you may have to strain to find something positive in any of the work that's been done. Fortunately, you're very creative in these matters. Don't be surprised if a partner is much gentler with you as a result.

Although it's admirable you feel strongly about a certain topic, beware of over stressing your point or you could alienate the very people you need as allies. Yes, you are diametrically opposed to the way they live their lives, but this doesn't give you the right to criticise their choices. Approach this situation as a learning opportunity. Looking at life from a different perspective may strengthen your beliefs in unexpected ways. Stranger things have happened.