posted November 05, 2007 01:46 AM
http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/avoiding-family-stress-aries-taurus-leo Avoiding Family Stress by Sign
How to navigate summer get-togethers
By Stephanie Dempsey
Provided by Tarot.com
Ease the Tension
Let astrology pinpoint the best times to interact with family members. Get an AstroSync Snapshot now.
Get the Best Times Now 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.
Zodiac Central
Which celebrities share your sign? What are your sign's strengths and weaknesses? Learn all this and more at Zodiac Central.
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces 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.
Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces
Ease the Tension
Let astrology pinpoint the best times to talk with family members. Get an AstroSync Snapshot now.
Get the Best Times Now Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)
You Librans have the gift of knowing how to relax. You're not about to use your precious vacation cleaning out the pantry or waxing your car. Unfortunately, certain type-A relatives take umbrage at your so-called lazy attitude, and may try to goad you into forgoing your afternoon nap for the sake of color-coordinating your sock drawer. If you don't want your summer spoiled by nagging, make your desire for rest known from the outset. Encourage people to pursue their pet projects at their leisure, instead of yours. While you're at it, form an alliance with other family members who share your desire for fun in the Sun. You always feel more confident when you're not the lone voice of reason.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)
Family is always an interesting challenge for you, Scorpio. There's a good chance you feel like there was some ghastly mix-up at the hospital when you were born, and that you went home with the wrong people. How else can you explain the extreme difference between you and your relatives? You can't comprehend their tastes, and they are equally baffled by your interests. The next time you get grief for wanting to watch an investigative report on the bacteria in your food instead of a rerun of 'The Simple Life,' resist the temptation to make a scathing comment. Instead, channel your sentiments into a darkly comic novel or screenplay. If anybody's family is rich with material, Scorpio, it's yours!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)
One of the most delightful things about you Archers is your refusal to stand on ceremony. Unfortunately, some of your relatives don't appreciate your free-wheeling style. These are the folks who are always nagging you to comb your hair before you go jogging or eat a hot dog with a knife and fork. It's important to realize that in these situations, the problem rests with them, not you. Have a few jokes prepared to rebut their pleas for propriety. Humor has always been one of your best weapons against stress. You can also ease these relationships by asking etiquette sticklers for help with socially awkward situations. That way, your folks won't feel like you're always trying to be a wise guy
or gal, as the case may be.
Pisces Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)
Is there anything more annoying than a relative who tells you to lighten up, Capricorn? As far as these folks are concerned, your insistence on facing facts isn't an asset -- it's a liability. Meanwhile, you're bewildered by your family's ability to pretend as though life is just a bowl of cherries, without any of those nasty pits. When it comes right down to it, you're just going to have to agree to disagree with these folks. In the meantime, find a productive outlet for your frustrations. Working with your hands has always given you comfort. Taking up a simple hobby like wood carving, knitting or pottery will make you feel as though you're making good use of your time, like the ant who spent all summer gathering food. Leave the crickets to their own devices when it's time to come in from the cold!
Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)
"Why can't you be like everybody else?" your relatives groan when you show up to a black-tie function in a purple jump suit. The answer is simple
you're an Aquarius! Your mission in life is to challenge the status quo. Unfortunately, your need to challenge authority doesn't sit well with relatives who cling to convention. And while you pretend not to care about these people's opinions, their comments can actually be quite hurtful at times. Instead of being praised for your originality, you're castigated for being a freak. The best way to avoid this kind of stress is to express interest in your relatives' unique abilities and interests. The more you praise their inventiveness, the less they'll be threatened by your individuality. It's a crafty strategy, but an effective one.
Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)
You're extremely sensitive to your environment, Pisces, so it's especially important for you to have some stress-relieving strategies for family gatherings. This is where your prodigious imagination can come in handy. The next time a family member makes an insensitive remark, pretend as though they're making it about themselves. This revealing exercise will give you added insight to that relative's character. Quite often, people project their own problems onto other people. By keeping this little nugget of wisdom in mind, you'll be able to withstand the pressures of family life that would ordinarily wear on your psyche. When you're no longer able to shield yourself from insensitive remarks, take a bath or a shower. Water always has a therapeutic effect on you.
About the Author
Stephanie Dempsey is an accomplished author, Feng Shui practitioner and astrologer. She has contributed to several New Age titles, including "Your Birthday Sign through Time: A Chronicle of the Forces that Shape Your Destiny" and the upcoming "Love Signs and You: The Ultimate Astrological Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships." She holds a degree in Feng Shui from the Mountain Institute of Tribeca in New York City.