If you should find that time is finally granting you a more secure and independent self, the year ahead will likely be a very impressive one. You could ably tackle endeavors that previously would have been overwhelming.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- You'll not receive any standing ovations by using intimidating tactics on friends and/or associates to get your way, even if you do accomplish your purpose.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Imposing your views and opinions on friends will be futile. They might agree with you when in your presence, but they will then march to a totally different drummer.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don't take a request for your advice as an invitation to be too candid. Chances are the person asking will be looking for an endorsement, not criticism.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- If you find that you and your special someone are operating on different wavelengths, it would be smart to avoid any discussions about each other's faults. Nip such palavers immediately!

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Just because you know a little something about the issue at hand, it's no reason to volunteer to handle an issue for another person. Leave that up to the experts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- It's essential to remain patient when involved in some kind of complex commercial dealings. Hasty or impulsive actions could get you in way over your pay grade.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Someone who wasn't given the right to do so could make an important decision for you that won't be in your best interests. Be on your toes, so you can take action and stop disaster before it starts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- If anything expensive or delicate needs some mending, chances are it would be cheaper to let an expert handle the job rather than attempting to make repairs on your own steam.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Whether you're operating on an expense account or a household budget, be prepared to justify all the expenditures you make. Needless spending could hurt others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- People you're with are likely to sense that something is annoying you, and they might think they're the source. Having a churlish attitude won't resolve your problem, but it could cause a needless blowup.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If you insist on focusing on people's shortcomings, you're more than likely to cause complications where none need exist. Instead, try to see the good in others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- All the good you did by doing a friend a favor will be for naught if you keep bugging him or her about the need to repay it. Both your pal and onlookers could find your demands totally out of place.

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