East Bay Times

And wait to buy a car?

- By Eugenia Last Harriette Cole is a lifestylis­t and founder of DREAMLEAPE­RS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions toaskharri­ette@ harriettec­ole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndicatio­n, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas

DEAR HARRIETTE >>

I am a bad driver and I'm constantly scared I am going to crash. I grew up in a suburb, but I have been thinking of moving to a bigger city, like Los Angeles, New York City or Washington, D.C., for job possibilit­ies. Having a car in these cities isn't totally necessary but would make my life a lot more convenient. My driving skills, however, would not be able to withstand the crazy traffic of the city. I'm scared that I would crash and do a poor job of driving and navigating my way through the city.

I am 20 years old and I haven't driven very much because my mom has made it something that I fear and would always make an excuse to drive for me. Also, I attend college at a school where I don't need a car. Do you think it's worth the money and the stress of having a car in a big city or should I see how things go first

Happy Birthday: Monitor what's happening this year and position yourself for success. Your numbers are 4, 10, 18, 23, 29, 38, 44.

Birthday Baby: You are engaging, discreet and considerat­e. You are vigilant and enthusiast­ic.

Aries (March 21-April 19): Concentrat­e on being your best. Make exercise and a positive attitude your goals and refuse to engage in risky activities. Don't be a martyr. \*\*\*

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Connect with people who have something to offer. The insight you receive will help you redirect your skills and attributes where they will bring the highest returns. \*\*\*

Gemini (May 21-June 20): Make alteration­s at home — Bad Driver

DEAR BAD DRIVER >> The good news is that in New York or D.C. you can get around fairly well without a car. Los Angeles is a different story. If you don't want to have to drive, looking at large metropolit­an areas with excellent public transporta­tion systems is wise.

Beyond that, though, is the reality that you are a new driver. Don't give up yet. You need to practice in safe areas where you can get comfortabl­e behind the wheel. Work on perfecting your driving skills now. Trust that you can do it.

Then, wherever you live, you will have the capacity to drive even if you don't have to do it that often.

DEAR HARRIETTE >> After an unfortunat­e ending to my last relationsh­ip, I swore off dates and anything even remotely serious that are conducive to stress relief, comfort and convenienc­e and enjoy your day. Personal pampering will help you recognize what's important to you and how to simplify your life to amplify what matters most. \*\*\*\*\*

Cancer (June 21-July 22):

Use your intelligen­ce and drive, not emotional manipulati­on, to get what you want. A well-thought-out plan will make it easier to protect your reputation and convince others to follow you. \*\*

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):

Don't skip a beat. Decide what you want and don't stop until you reach your destinatio­n. Keep your eye on your target and refuse to let anyone get in your way. \*\*\*\*

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Learn from your mistakes. because I was not treated seriously in the past. I was a bit upset at myself for a while because I would talk to new people and get to a point of being ready to go out with them, but then I'd find a way to cancel before I had to commit to anything. It wasn't fair to the people involved and it did not satisfy me in any way to call everything off, but I wasn't ready yet.

Now I am over what happened in my last relationsh­ip and I am ready to get back into dating, but a lot of people, especially my age, are in it for only one thing. It is hard to make genuine connection­s now and I do not want to get hurt again. Do you have any advice about how to stay true to myself and set the right standards when dating again?

— Ready To Date Again

DEAR READY TO DATE AGAIN >> Be clear about what you are looking for and what your boundaries

Put safeguards in place before you make changes to how you handle your cash or deal with agreements. Try to get whatever you want in writing to avoid complicati­ons and disappoint­ment. \*\*\*

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Emotions will surface if you agree to a joint bank account or venture. You are better off spending time and money on something that boosts your confidence, qualificat­ions or skills. \*\*\*

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Take a closer look at how your position, reputation or partnershi­ps will be affected by the decisions you make. \*\*\*

Sagittariu­s (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You'll face confusing data that disrupts your plans. Distance yourself from are. Just because dates press for one thing doesn't mean they deserve to get it. What is your list of requiremen­ts for building a relationsh­ip? Write it down and get to know it. What do you want? You don't have to tell your dates. Just know.

You can be clear with them about boundaries from the start when you feel that's necessary. As things unfold, be upfront about expectatio­ns. Your transparen­cy will help you weed out uncommitte­d potential partners and show you who is willing to wait to get to know you. sensitive situations or anyone who tries to manipulate you. Protect your interests. \*\*\*\*

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put emotions aside and concentrat­e on verifying informatio­n before making a move or defining what or who you want to pursue. \*\*

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Review money matters, agreements and how to entice others to see the value in your pursuits. An investment will add value to something you already possess. \*\*\*\*\*

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Roll with the punches. Use charm to grab attention and truth if you want others to take you seriously. A partnershi­p with someone quite different from yourself will have its benefits. \*\*\*

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