Trying to please your family will be an exercise in futility. No matter how much you love your relatives, you must march to the beat of your own drum. Make your own decisions about the kind of work you perform and the sort of friends you enjoy. If your lifestyle offends members of your tribe, it can't be helped. Stop being defensive whenever you are confronted about your choices. Are you being bullied? It's time to cut these ties. Life is too short to subject yourself to abuse.

Be consistent in a relationship. If you've promised to help a neighbour or relative, follow through on your vow. Neglecting responsibility will drive a permanent wedge between you and someone close. If you want to close the door on this relationship, perform this one last task and then announce your departure. Don't let anyone lay a guilt trip on you. You have worked overtime to help someone with deep personal problems. They'd rather complain than change. You have better things to do with your time.

Jealousy will rear its ugly head in your social circle. Begrudging a friend's good fortune will spoil their happiness. Stop wallowing in self-pity. Just because somebody else has experienced luck does not mean you are doomed to continual failure. When you celebrate happy news, you radiate positive energy. At that point, you'll attract the opportunities you desire. A great job offers, an exciting romance or a chance for creative expression will arrive when you need it most.

When someone pushes your buttons, don't stoop to their level. Remain ultra-polite, even in the face of outrageous insults. Maintaining your cool will impress the people around you. Don't be surprised if an affluent colleague, client or contact offers you a position with their company. They are impressed by your dignified response to stress. Accepting this job will be a great opportunity to exercise your leadership ability. Every negative experience has the potential for redemption.

Stop depending on others to do your dirty work. You have a tendency to avoid unpleasant jobs until someone else feels compelled to pick up the slack. This has created terrible resentment in your inner circle. It's not important whether you are supposed to be caring for an elderly relative, raising a child or doing household chores. The important thing is to regularly and reliably carry out these responsibilities. People's respect for you will soar when they see you making a sincere effort to improve.

Playing hot and cold with your romantic partner will be disastrous. If you're going to keep your love alive, you must consistently demonstrate your love and appreciation. You have a tendency to be mercurial. It can be difficult for your amour to adjust to these quick mood swings. When you experience setbacks, process them in a quiet, mature fashion. Don't take out your frustrations on the person who is trying to help you. Instead, express gratitude for all the small kindnesses they perform on a daily basis.

Preoccupation with career concerns is making you unhappy. It's time to adjust your focus. Spending quality time with your best friend or romantic partner should be your first priority. If you're on your own, enjoy some quiet pursuits that make your heart sing. You'll become much more attractive to love when you're having fun. Don't be surprised when you cross paths with someone special while visiting a park, garden or museum. They'll be unlike anyone you've known in the past. Propose to meet later for coffee.

Just because your amour holds different beliefs does not mean your relationship is doomed. Agree to disagree about spiritual matters. As long as each of you is satisfied and isn't trying to convert the other, your love will grow. If you're reluctant to form a relationship with someone who has another set of values, ask yourself why. The world is infinitely diverse. It isn't realistic to expect everyone to have the same attitude about the Universe. When you stop trying to control others, relationships thrive.

Manipulating someone through flattery will make you feel vaguely sick inside. You've always preferred the direct approach to getting your way. When that won't work, you feel pressured to resort to other tactics. Instead of applying more pressure, make a strategic retreat. The person you want to help you will be more open to your suggestion when you respect their boundaries. Even if they decide to go their own way, you should maintain this friendship.

Having a disagreement with a loved one will make you physically ill. You're tired of rehashing a fight that will never be resolved. Instead of trying to patch this relationship together, it may be better to go your separate ways. Each of you has radically different values. Trying to reconcile these opposite ideals is exhausting. Just because you have shared memories does not mean you have to like or respect each other. Go your own way and seek more uplifting company.

Be sensitive to the feelings of others, especially at work. When you become emotional, you have a tendency to make jokes. This can offend people who are trying to cope with shocking news. When you feel compelled to make a silly comment, remain silent. It is sometimes tempting to talk when everyone else is quiet. Instead of giving in to this impulse, follow the group's example. If you want to express sympathy for someone, do so in a note.

Unrealistic expectations of love make you miserable. Instead of seeking a partner who makes a certain amount of money, maintain an open mind. You will meet a talented artist or teacher whose bank account is unimpressive. Despite their reduced circumstances, you will always be happy in their company. Are you already in a relationship? Stop demanding expensive gifts from your amour. Learn to be content with verbal affirmations, physical displays of affection and acts of service.