When a friend or loved one gets in a bind, it’s only natural that you feel protective of them and want to defend them. But before you do your best impression of a mother bear protecting her cubs, stop and wait for them to ask you for help. Chances are good they won’t. You can’t take responsibility for other people, no matter how much you think they need your help. Let them fight their own battles and learn from their own mistakes.

All relationships are hard work, so before you dive headfirst into dating, be honest about the time you’re willing to put into a budding romance. Love is a complicated pursuit, so don’t give it only half your attention.

If your romantic life isn’t as steamy as you’d like it to be, it’s time to get creative! Let your loved one in on your fantasies and tell them you’d like to make them a reality.

You make your decisions based on your emotions, even your financial decisions, but you’re feeling completely empty. Don’t let yourself be convinced to proceed anyway. It just means you shouldn’t be making any decisions one way or another today. You’ll be more likely to pick a winner once you sound less like a hollow drum.