Family responsibilities could be putting a crimp in your love life. It feels as though your relatives expect the impossible from you. Maybe it's time to assert your independence in a firm but loving way. Everybody knows you would walk through fire for your loved ones. Still, that doesn't give them license to take advantage of your devotion. Set aside more private time so you can pursue your own interests, both romantic and otherwise.

Overindulging in rich foods and domestic luxuries could lull you into a sense of complacency. Suddenly, when you're given a chance to pursue a more exciting path, you'll hesitate and while it's never easy to leave comfortable surroundings, it is in your best interest to do so. You'll never realise your dreams if you stay in the same spot. Ask an Aries or Sagittarius to give you a rude shove in order to get moving.

Making up a financial shortage may be as simple as improving your communication skills. If previous requests for a raise have fallen flat, try a new approach. Flattery won't get you far, but facts and figures will. Start making a list of all your contributions to the workplace. Include any monies you've earned for your employer, as well as the sales figures and production levels. Figures don't lie.

Your self-confidence is pretty low, probably because an authority figure keeps denigrating your efforts. Resist the urge to jump through even more hoops as a means to impress this person. The truth is, your superior is probably threatened by your gifts, and is deliberately belittling them. Looking for other jobs will cause your self-esteem to come flooding back. You may not realise this, but you could be earning a lot more money.

You're justifiably proud of your accomplishments, but an employer doesn't see it that way. This person may be angry you've stolen their thunder. Resist the temptation to show off at work, or you could land in hot water with the boss. Assuming a low profile is never easy for you. Ease the pressure by meeting with friends after hours. They'll lend sympathetic ears to your tale of woe. Chin up; tomorrow is another day.

Normally, you're too busy to sit around daydreaming. Today it's virtually impossible to get your head out of the clouds. Perhaps a sizzling new love affair is distracting you from the tasks at hand. Whatever the reason for your reverie, you need to snap out of it. Otherwise, you'll disappoint people who are relying on you. Breaking down tasks into short, manageable steps will improve your focus.

Difficulties with parents, employers or government agencies cause extreme embarrassment. You hate being dressed down in a public place. If friends don't seem sympathetic, it may be because you've brought these troubles onto yourself. Your desire for peace at any price has dimmed your stature. The next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, defend your beliefs. Onlookers will admire your defiance, and may seek your guidance when future problems occur.

Beauty, charm and intelligence won't get you ahead at work. Instead, your employer is asking for blood, sweat and tears and while you don't respond well to the crack of a whip, you're better off obeying orders. The only way you're going to get ahead is by honing your skills. Doing the same job over and over again may be mind numbing, but it will train you to perform certain tasks without second-guessing yourself.

Usually, you're quite eager to bridge cultural gaps between you and people with exotic backgrounds. Today you are baffled by someone's behaviour. It doesn't matter how familiar you are with this person's customs; you simply can't accept some of their beliefs. You may want to put your relationship on hold for the short-term. A little time and distance can smooth your ruffled feathers. Meanwhile, summon all of your tact.

Legal difficulties and public relation problems could be plaguing you. It may be best to make a few concessions, just in the interest of resolving this matter as quickly as possible. Don't let your pride get in the way of practical considerations. Disagreements over joint finances can be particularly problematic. You may be forced to part with funds that are rightfully yours. Take heart; you can make up for this loss in no time flat.

You're simply not seeing eye-to-eye with a romantic partner. It's possible you're taking this person's contributions for granted. Before you jump on your high horse, consider what life would be like without your beloved. If you're single, it may be because you place too much emphasis on your independence. Learn to lean on others a little bit more, if only for the sake of enriching your relationships.

Children seem to be taking up the lion's share of your free time. Perhaps you've just had a baby. Maybe you're taking care of a friend's kid. Whatever the job entails, it is incredibly draining. If you don't have the money to hire a baby-sitter, you may want to work out a system whereby you look after a friend's child one day, while they watch yours another. Seek relief wherever you can find it.