You're impatient with a romantic or business partner, which puts unnecessary strain on your relationship. Making a strategic retreat is a wiser strategy. If you really want to turn the tide in your favour, turn on the charm. Flirt, cajole and make jokes. Playing the heavy will only garner resentment. Trust your instinct regarding a makeover. Adopting a softer look will open new doors. You'll still be tough, only deceptively so. Operating by stealth will result in more victories than failures.

Don't let a stupid joke undermine your productivity. Dwelling on a crass remark will only rob you of valuable energy. If someone is engaging in unethical behaviour, report it to the powers that be. It will be a hassle to file official paperwork, but it's better than letting people get their way. Fortunately, colleagues will rally behind you. They're rather tired of their offensive comments, too. When people accuse you of being oversensitive, don't get defensive. You have every right to your feelings.

Your ideas are too unconventional to become popular. Instead of trying to convert everyone to your point of view, be content to be an outsider. There are advantages to seeing the world from a different perspective. You become more attuned to underserved members of the community. This would be a great time to work on behalf of a volunteer organisation. You may be interested in a position at a charity or government agency. Put an application in, you might be surprised by the response.

Being overly practical can create problems at home. If a relative has exciting news, don't be so quick to point out the potential problems involved. Instead, be enthusiastic and offer congratulations. Arrange a celebration for the whole gang. It's never easy for you to accept change. By putting your fears aside for the sake of your loved ones, you'll do the entire family a favour. A business deal that was once profitable is losing its lustre. Ask the other party to renegotiate.

Being arrogant will only make you enemies. Be open to learning from newcomers. Even young people with very little experience can teach you some valuable lessons. Work could be a little stressful, partly because you feel defensive. You're worried your expertise will be eclipsed. Instead of focusing on the worst case scenario, try a collaborative approach. Acting as a mentor can be fulfilling. It can also ease your anxieties and give you hope for the future. Things aren't as bleak as they seem.

Don't pry into other people's secrets. Showing respect for a loved one's privacy will keep your relationship afloat. If you're dying to get to the bottom of a mystery, ask direct questions. That way, you will give the other party a chance to reveal and conceal what they want. You never like it when people probe into your private life. Why become angry when friends exhibit the same impulse? A romantic interest that keeps sending mixed signals isn't worth your time.

It's important to make a decision, even if it makes you nervous. Some people will object to your choice, but it can't be helped. There is simply no way to satisfy everyone, so don't even try. Relatives won't be especially nurturing during this time of trial. Instead of asking them to rally round and support you, just go your own way. Treat yourself to a shopping spree. A new outfit or beautiful piece of jewellery will lift your spirits considerably. Satisfy your sense of style.

An obsession with work is undermining your health. You should make more time for pleasurable pursuits, even if it means missing a deadline or two. The simple act of visiting a museum or taking a walk in the park can put life in proper perspective. Your colleagues have become overly dependent on you. They know you can produce a tremendous amount of work in record time. Make it your mission to reduce their expectations. You have to work at a more realistic pace.

Don't fall in love with status symbols. If you want to be appreciated, let it be for your humour, ethics and intelligence. A flashy car or the latest smartphone will attract the wrong attention. Besides, you don't want to waste your hard earned money on something that won't bring long term satisfaction. Save up for an exotic holiday instead. Spending time with family can keep you grounded. It's nice to be surrounded by people who are fully aware of your faults and still love you.

Allow a little distance to grow between you and your loved ones. Trying to protect them from danger is smothering them. Take a few steps back, even if it means watching them make terrible mistakes. You'll be amazed to see them cope admirably with these challenges. Your nearest and dearest are a lot more capable than you realise. It will be difficult to talk a relative into doing things your way. Allow them to take the lead for a change.

It's hard to focus when so many distractions are beckoning from every corner. Stop trying to multitask. Pick a goal and move towards it. If that means letting other responsibilities fall by the wayside, so be it. Someone who is kind to your face may be talking behind your back. Be wary about sharing intimate details with anyone who is always lavishing you with compliments. This flatterer should not be trusted. Your creative work is about to receive tremendous attention.

As much as you don't want things to change, they will anyway. You might as well go with the flow. Being forced to acquire new skills or do your job a different way will be challenging. Fortunately, you are up to the task. This isn't a good time to steer a friendship into romantic waters. Although you may be deeply attracted to someone you've known for years, the two of you are not suited. It's better to explore uncharted territory.