TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

IF MAY 13 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY:

Handle matters that concern financial, medical or legal institutions with care and credibility. Don’t leave anything to chance or rely on someone else to take care of things for you. If you play your cards right, you can turn a negative into a positive. Do whatever it takes to maintain a stellar reputation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Hiding out to avoid dealing with someone or something will make matters worse. Address important issues and get on with your life before you end up missing out on something special.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Personal changes can be made if your motives are clear and your research is valid. Don’t jump into something without proper preparation. Listen to an expert before you make a move.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Stop being everyone’s workhorse. If you want to do something, make sure it’s for your own reasons, not for someone else’s benefit. Take the plunge and treat yourself to something special.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

You’ll be unsure whether to make a change that could influence your reputation, status or income. Consider the pros and cons, and choose practicality over risk.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

You need to get out more and experience what life has to offer. If you delve into something that interests you, you’ll encounter someone who will enrich your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23):

Partnerships will be faced with unexpected changes that need to be addressed before you can move forward. Be open to suggestions, but don’t let anyone bully you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22):

Look for the unique and intriguing today. Try something new and different, and mingle with people who can offer insight into future trends.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21):

A change of heart will leave you in a quandary. Consider your options, but don’t wait too long to express what you want to see happen. Your happiness is in your hands.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Host a get-together. Spending time with family or someone you find mentally stimulating will spark your interest in a promising venture.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19):

Taking short trips, getting together with interesting people and sharing with someone you love are all highlighted. Express your feelings and intentions, and make romantic plans.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20):

Don’t let the actions of others get you down. Financial gains, gifts and unusual opportunities are heading your way. Get out and mingle with people who have something good to offer.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Personal improvements are featured. Updating your image and associating with people you want to collaborate with creatively or spend time with romantically will improve your attitude and your day.

Dear Abby: My fiance and I are looking forward to being married soon. The problem is, he wants a traditional wedding with bridesmaids and groomsmen, and I prefer a wedding at the courthouse.

I’m not good at planning parties, and we have almost no budget to work with. We will be paying for all of this out of pocket. We have a venue booked on a beach. However, the amount of planning that’s going into this weeklong wedding/ family vacation — with all invitees attending — is becoming too much.

Dear Wedded Un-Bliss: There are solid reasons it is recommended that engaged couples have premarital counseling to work out any disagreements before the vows are spoken. I’m suggesting it for you. Your celebration should be kept low-key and inexpensive, and you do not have to explain or apologize to anyone for it.

I would like to caution you, however, to think twice about going through with this marriage. From where I sit, you are going to end up with an irresponsible husband who is unwilling to compromise.

Dear Abby: Neighbor “Bill” has lived across the street for 30 years. Our kids grew up together, and we socialized at least once a month with him and his wife. Three years ago, she left him, and his daughter moved out of town. My wife and I were among the few who helped to support him emotionally.

Bill is pleasant and presentable. The problem is, he’s the cheapest man on the face of the Earth. We have almost identical well-paying professional jobs. My wife and I travel extensively, attend events, have new cars and eat well. Bill has a 20-year-old car he won’t even pay to wash. He travels only when he can stay at a friend’s house, and must be hard-pressed to pay for anything. He’s kind of a leech in that he waits for invitations where he can get by on the cheap.

My wife is neutral, but it has really gotten to me. Mutual friends agree with me. Your thoughts?

Dear Just About Over: My thought is that the friendship with Bill may have run its course. And if your neighbor should ask you why, tell him what you have shared with me — that you’re tired of footing the bill for Bill.

Dear Readers: Happy Mother’s Day to mothers everywhere — birth mothers, adoptive and foster mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren and dual-role dads. Orchids to all of you for the love you give each and every day! Love, Abby