Astrograph- Tuesday

Reflecting upon your past will help you move forward. Consider what your attributes are and try to use those skills to enhance something you enjoy doing. The combination will lead to greater success and happiness. Don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t let anyone discourage you or lead you astray.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) :

Make a commitment to do your best. Figure out the best way to get what you want, and start moving forward. All talk and no action won’t get you very far.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) :

Keep a lid on the way you feel. Observation will be in your best interest. Don’t make assump‑ tions or engage in arguments based on insufficient facts. Choose peace over discord.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) :

You need to seriously as‑ sess the secrets you’ve been keeping and the cost of doing so. Certain matters should be revealed to help eliminate uncertainty and stress.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) :

Don’t try to change others. Make an honest attempt to increase your inner strength. Making your life better begins within. If you share your feel‑ ings, your personal life will improve.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) :

The so‑called opportunity someone is giving you is prob‑ ably not going to help you as much as it would him or her. Branch out alone, without broadcasting what you are go‑ ing to do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) :

Alter‑ ing your vocation or domestic situation will open a window of opportunity, giving you clear passage to get what you want. Children and elders will play a role in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) :

Keep your enemies close so that you can see what might be used against you. Protect yourself against bad health, financial loss and a poor repu‑ tation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) :

If you look for an opportunity, you will find it. Take time to nurture partnerships and to include those who can be of assis‑ tance to you when you need it. Romance is featured.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) :

Work from home, if possible. You’ll get more done and avoid interference. Unusual lifestyle changes will give you peace of mind and greater insight into your future.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) :

If you express your feelings, you will find a way to improve your personal life or bring greater business opportu‑ nities within reach. Love can’t be forced or bought, but it can be earned.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) :

Emotional distress will take charge if you try to control situations. Choose to let ev‑ eryone, including yourself, have the freedom to do whatever will bring the best results.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) :

Reconnect with a former co‑worker in order to forge a new beginning. Your ability to make things happen through discipline and hard work will be admired. This weather drawing is by Samantha Scott, a kindergartner at St. Patrick’s Elementary School. DEAR ANNIE >> I met and married a wonderful man 23 years ago. I found out his family has a history of lying and manipulation. One of his sisters goes beyond that. She decided days before our wedding to reveal that she was abused when she was a teenager. Over the years, she has been caught in lies — so many lies we don’t know what is the truth. She made sure to tell all her nieces about her abuse as soon as they turned 14 — the age at which she was abused.

She took all her parents’ money and plays games with her therapists. When my husband’s parents passed away, she decided to tell people that her dad wasn’t really her dad and that he had abused her. She also said her uncle was her real father. None of these people is alive to defend himself. Now I’ve found out that she’s also been going around saying my husband — her brother — has violated her.

Since my husband’s parents died, she has cut herself off from us. It hurts my husband, but he simply wants an apology from her. I don’t want her in our lives anymore. I don’t want her telling lies and accusing our sons of things or telling our daughters her personal problems. What is the best way to handle this? DEAR TIRED >> It sounds as if your sister-in-law suffers from mental illness and the death of her parents exacerbated her condition. If your husband and his other siblings are on board, you could try staging an intervention with the help of a licensed therapist, with the goal of her committing to a treatment plan.

Regardless, I think you’re wise not to let her spend time (especially unsupervised) with your children. It was highly inappropriate for her to discuss abuse with 14-year-old children. She’s unpredictable, and until she’s willing to get help, she’s forfeited the right to close relationships with her nieces and nephews. DEARANNIE >> Your response to “Emotionally Exhausted” — whose friend “Melanie” is always complaining about the same problems — had merit, but you addressed the symptoms of the issue, not so much the cause.

How about she say something like this? “Melanie, we have been friends for a long time, and it is obvious you are unhappy and frustrated with your job. I have learned over the years that ‘I need’ and ‘I want’ are dead-end thoughts with dead-end results. To make your life more satisfying, look at the situation from a different perspective. Use phrases that include ‘I choose.’ That simple shift will change the entire game and put you in control of desired outcomes. For example, ‘I choose to have a job that I like.’ ‘I choose to have a path to a career.’ Wanting achieves nothing, but choosing achieves results that serve you.” DEAR BELIEVE >> I like that “I choose” phrasing, as it drives home the point that we’re in charge of our own destinies. It’s a point we all need to be reminded of from time to time, so I’m printing it here. Thank you. DEARHAPPY >> Mar- riage makes life a tagteam sport. Estate planning isn’t one of your husband’s strong suits, whether it’s because he simply feels too tired to face such a big task or he’s uncomfortable with the subject of death. Fortunately, you seem equipped to tackle this challenge on behalf of you both.

Tell your husband that you’ll prepare a draft of the will and that he can simply sign off on it or make revisions before it’s finalized. My guess is that he’ll be relieved. Once the will is behind you, you’ll have the peace of mind to enjoy the rest of your lives together even more. DEARANNIE >> I’m a 75-year-old retired teacher. It doesn’t bother me when a store clerk calls me “honey.” I’m fine when the young woman who works in my husband’s nursing home refers to me as “dear.” If the receptionist at my hair salon greets me with “sweetie,” no problem. The waitress at my favorite lunch counter often says, “Hi, love. What are we going to have today?” I smile and give her my order. I can’t understand why so many older women make a kerfuffle about nothing. You can call me “honey” anytime. DEARBONNIE >> Your laidback attitude is refreshing — but I assure you, it isn’t just women making kerfuffles.