Aries (March 21-April 19)

This week, wise advice, insight, or life-changing perspective is likely to arrive through the words of a child, crazy person, or drunken idiot you know. Listen very carefully. Naturally, most of what they say will be laughable, discardable nonsense, and should be instantly dismissed. However, there’s at least one priceless gem in there that you’d do well to heed. Miss or ignore it at your peril, or you’ll pay consequences you can’t easily afford. They won’t remember the moment clearly enough to later say I told you so—but you’ll hear it ringing in your ears anyway. Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Enforcing personal boundaries is the most natural thing in the world for you—except when their violation comes from a completely unexpected direction: perhaps someone you trust so indiscriminately that it never occurred to you that they could intrude, for example. Then, of course, bringing it to their attention could be quite awkward, especially since you effectively gave them carte blanche in your life. Nevertheless, not speaking up goes against the grain of who you are, so please say something. Hopefully this is someone who’s close enough to you to understand, and once you’ve made your point, should respect it. Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sometimes it’s your job to stick up for those who can’t or won’t defend themselves. While being a stalwart and steadfast advocate for those who need it is an admirable goal, this isn’t one of those times. This particular battle isn’t being fought because they’d rather keep the peace, not because they’re unable to fight it. They’re perfectly capable; they’ve just made the choice to let things go, instead. So you can see how taking up the standard and charging into the fray on their behalf might not be appreciated—no matter how good your intentions.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

While it’s true that sometimes you’re high-maintenance and demand more than you’re probably strictly “due,” this isn’t one of those times. Basic human decency is something we all have a right to, and if you’re not getting it, it’s fair for you to call it out. Before you do, however, consider this: Instead of sticking to your guns and fighting yet another battle, forget for a minute that you’re in the right, and consider other options—like simply forgetting about it. Do you, after all, really need to be here? Is it really worth the energy? You might be happier, if you can, just letting this one go.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

My improv coach said to me, “There are no good or bad choices, only fun choices and not-fun choices.” While this doesn’t necessarily carry over completely into real life, there is something to it. Often your decisions really can be boiled down to what will ultimately create the most fun for all involved (especially, but not exclusively, you). The best part of choosing the fun option whenever you can is that it’s also frequently the “right” option—something you’ll discover after the fact. When in doubt this week, choose the option that’ll ultimately lead to more fun. Even if it turns out to be the “wrong” choice, at least you’ll have had a good time figuring it out.Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Few people are more stubbornly persistent than you Virgos. When you’re right, it’s almost impossible for you to drop the subject until everyone’s figured that out. Sometimes, however, it becomes obvious that you’ll just have to agree to disagree, since you could both talk until the cows come home and never change each other’s minds. However, this may never become clear to the other person. That’s when it’s time to take matters into your own hands, and simply end the discussion. Cut them off. Walk away if necessary. That’s this week’s challenge. This will be insanely hard for you, but it still must be done. Good luck.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You suck at keeping secrets—and consequently really shouldn’t be asked to. As a friend, you should be able to keep even the most volatile secret quiet for a few days, or not spill the beans about someone’s surprise party. But more than that is really beyond you—which is important information to share before you become privy to any more confidences. Resist the temptation to hear juicy news you’ll feel compelled to spread. If you think you’re about to hear something you shouldn’t, be fair and speak up to let them know that your vault only stays locked for so long. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Forcing someone to live up to the promises they made isn’t easy, and not always advisable. Sometimes it’s better—and it’s almost always easier—to simply let them off the hook. Resist the temptation to do so this time, though. You’d be doing both them and yourself a grave disservice. You might be able to forgive them for letting you down—but they would have a hard time forgiving themselves. Consider it a gift, sticking to your guns and making them come through. Even if it’s difficult, you’ll both be glad, in the end, that you did. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Once you leave for the greener pastures next door, you may discover that not only are they less nice than they seemed from afar, they’re actually much worse than the place you just ditched them for. Of course by then it’s usually much too late to hit the rewind button and return to the relatively plush circumstances you abandoned, so you have to stew in your regret instead. This time, since you haven’t yet made the leap you’re contemplating, you have the luxury of really investigating the situation you’re thinking of migrating to before you leave this one. It may feel pretty cheap and selfish to so callously explore your other options, and it is—but it’s also wiser than just making a blind leap of faith you’ll later regret.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You’re not obligated to help others when they’ve taken on too much. That’s still something you can do, of course, but feeling forced into it (perhaps because their intentions are so good and honorable, and yours are more selfish) is hardly a happy scenario. As noble as their efforts are, they’re still the result of their decisions, not yours. While you may wish you were as honorable and amazing as they are, their path isn’t your path. Do what you can feel good about doing, then let the rest go. If they want to be a saint, let them do it mostly under their own steam.Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You know all too well how intoxicating and liberating a taste of freedom can be—which is why it may be hard for you to allow someone else to experience it. This week you need to conquer your fears and remember that while they too will surely adore the sweet taste of a broadened horizon, they won’t necessarily react to it in the same ways you would. In fact, any hint of clinginess or restraint from you, and that freedom will just taste that much more wonderful. Aim for affectionate and encouraging open-mindedness, no matter your fears. Acting on those fears will only, after all, make them more likely to come true. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Being the bearer of bad tidings is a huge drag. And there’s something to be said for staying out of something that’s really none of your business. However, if positions were reversed, and you’d want someone to tell you the kind of information you’re now privy to, you may have an obligation to share what you know, and deal with the (probably mostly negative) fallout from that revelation. Shirking this undesirable duty isn’t something you should feel good about, even if you can get away with it. Grit your teeth and find a way to spill the beans.sign.language.astrology@gmail.com