Family get-togethers can be anything but tranquil. If you're worried that some nagging relative will ruin your good time, develop some coping strategies now. Being prepared is half the battle. Different signs have different hot buttons, so check out the following tips on avoiding your own particular stressors.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
For such an accomplished sign, your family sure can be critical! That's because, despite all of your achievements, you still manage to avoid drudge work. Some of your relatives may think that until you assume boring responsibilities, you'll never get ahead. Of course, your experience has been much different -- you've always had the greatest success with daring ventures. The next time a relative starts nagging you about buckling down, channel your frustration into a vigorous physical activity, like jogging, swimming or tennis. Exercise is the ultimate stress-buster for you Rams.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
"Why can't you be more flexible?" despairing relatives always ask when it comes to choosing a restaurant, movie or any other group activity. The answer is simple -- you have very definite tastes. You're not about to spend your hard-earned money on a meal you won't eat or film you can't bear. The pressure to compromise can wear heavily on you, because it feels like you're pretending to be someone you're not when going along with the crowd. The best way to avoid the stress of conforming is to self-pamper. Every time you defer to your family's choice, reward yourself with a spa treatment or gourmet meal.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
As a Gemini, you like to keep conversations light, bright and bubbly, especially at family gatherings. You avoid taboo or depressing subjects like the plague, feeling that these topics will only drag your loved ones down. This can create stress for you, since there will be times when you need to discuss troubling situations. Keeping your feelings bottled up inside can take a serious toll on your emotional health. The key to discussing your hopes, fears and anxieties is to choose a suitable confidante. Pick a relative who is famous for their ability to keep secrets.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
For such an accomplished sign, your family sure can be critical! That's because, despite all of your achievements, you still manage to avoid drudge work. Some of your relatives may think that until you assume boring responsibilities, you'll never get ahead. Of course, your experience has been much different -- you've always had the greatest success with daring ventures. The next time a relative starts nagging you about buckling down, channel your frustration into a vigorous physical activity, like jogging, swimming or tennis. Exercise is the ultimate stress-buster for you Rams.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
"Why can't you be more flexible?" despairing relatives always ask when it comes to choosing a restaurant, movie or any other group activity. The answer is simple -- you have very definite tastes. You're not about to spend your hard-earned money on a meal you won't eat or film you can't bear. The pressure to compromise can wear heavily on you, because it feels like you're pretending to be someone you're not when going along with the crowd. The best way to avoid the stress of conforming is to self-pamper. Every time you defer to your family's choice, reward yourself with a spa treatment or gourmet meal.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
As a Gemini, you like to keep conversations light, bright and bubbly, especially at family gatherings. You avoid taboo or depressing subjects like the plague, feeling that these topics will only drag your loved ones down. This can create stress for you, since there will be times when you need to discuss troubling situations. Keeping your feelings bottled up inside can take a serious toll on your emotional health. The key to discussing your hopes, fears and anxieties is to choose a suitable confidante. Pick a relative who is famous for their ability to keep secrets.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
No wonder you Crabs are so self-contained you're born with a hard, protective shell! And while you may appear to be impervious to criticism, you're actually quite sensitive to it. If there's anything you can't stand, it's when your relatives tell you what you should be thinking, doing and striving for. As far as you're concerned, that's nobody's business but your own. And you know what? You're right! The key to avoiding unsolicited advice is to state your opposition to it, loudly and forcefully. If you stand firm, your tormentors -- er, family -- will soon get the message.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)
You Lions understand that you're the kings and queens of the forest. The problem is, not all the other members of your tribe agree with you! You loathe being bossed around, but when you're back in the bosom of your family, certain relatives try pulling rank on you. The next time a family member tries to steal your crown, give a warning roar. This can be difficult for you, because you have such strong affection for your relatives. However, until you remind your folks that you're an adult who is capable of making their own decisions, you'll remain seated at the kiddie table. Bolster your case by establishing your financial independence -- don't ask for loans or accept expensive gifts that have strings attached to them.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
Everlastingly polite, your nearest and dearest would probably be shocked to hear your inner monologue. That's because it consists of grumbling like, "I wish everybody would stop bugging me about scrubbing the plates before I put them in the dishwasher -- so what if I like things clean?" The best way to protect yourself against such barbs is to stay out of the kitchen. Let everybody clean up their own messes -- it's the only way they'll appreciate having a neat freak in the clan! If relatives continue to tease you about your fastidious ways, lay down this simple ground rule: I won't complain about your methods, so you shouldn't laugh at mine. As always, pouring your frustrations into a diary or journal is a tremendous stress-buster for you.
Avoiding Family Stress for Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces >>
No wonder you Crabs are so self-contained you're born with a hard, protective shell! And while you may appear to be impervious to criticism, you're actually quite sensitive to it. If there's anything you can't stand, it's when your relatives tell you what you should be thinking, doing and striving for. As far as you're concerned, that's nobody's business but your own. And you know what? You're right! The key to avoiding unsolicited advice is to state your opposition to it, loudly and forcefully. If you stand firm, your tormentors -- er, family -- will soon get the message.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)
You Lions understand that you're the kings and queens of the forest. The problem is, not all the other members of your tribe agree with you! You loathe being bossed around, but when you're back in the bosom of your family, certain relatives try pulling rank on you. The next time a family member tries to steal your crown, give a warning roar. This can be difficult for you, because you have such strong affection for your relatives. However, until you remind your folks that you're an adult who is capable of making their own decisions, you'll remain seated at the kiddie table. Bolster your case by establishing your financial independence -- don't ask for loans or accept expensive gifts that have strings attached to them.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
Everlastingly polite, your nearest and dearest would probably be shocked to hear your inner monologue. That's because it consists of grumbling like, "I wish everybody would stop bugging me about scrubbing the plates before I put them in the dishwasher -- so what if I like things clean?" The best way to protect yourself against such barbs is to stay out of the kitchen. Let everybody clean up their own messes -- it's the only way they'll appreciate having a neat freak in the clan! If relatives continue to tease you about your fastidious ways, lay down this simple ground rule: I won't complain about your methods, so you shouldn't laugh at mine. As always, pouring your frustrations into a diary or journal is a tremendous stress-buster for you.
Avoiding Family Stress for Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces >>
