HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Friday, August 17, 2018: This year you tend to use tension as a motivator. However, you can get locked into a point of view and have difficulty gaining a broader perspective. Let others know about some of your dreams that you would like to bring to fruition. If you are single, you radiate a unique intensity and others cannot stay away from you. You have quite a choice of suitors. If you are attached, the two of you often trigger each other. You have the key to handling the issue. SCORPIO sees you as transparent.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You might believe that someone is speaking gibberish. Although this isn’t true, this person doesn’t seem to connect the dots as you would. Don’t worry; keep smiling and your interactions with this person will work out. Financial gain is possible here. Tonight: Happiest as a duo.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Defer to others, and be optimistic about an offer. Others will seek you out, as they enjoy your company. If you are in a committed relationship, make sure to dote on your significant other. You don’t want to upset this person. Tonight: Out and about, strutting your stuff.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When the cat’s away, the mouse will play. You have acted like a mouse with an absent cat nearly all week. Now you are faced with an enormous amount to catch up on. Dive right in rather than quarrel. You might be surprised by how much you accomplish. Tonight: Out late.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use today to finish last-minute details for a project. You could be surprised by a loved one; the caring and attention he or she gives you mean a lot. You begin to see the makings of several caring days. Go along with a demand from a loved one. Tonight: Christen the weekend.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22): Your instinct might be to stay close to home. If so, you are right to listen to your intuition. Others will find you should they need you. On the other hand, you might opt to squeeze in some R and R. As a result, you are likely to feel more vibrant. Tonight: At a favourite restaurant.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You might not communicate as well as you’d like to. You feel as if you are speaking a foreign language and that people don’t seem to “get it”. Take charge of a changeable set of plans. Listen to what others want. Somehow you will make it all work. Tonight: Speak your mind.

LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22): Before you say “yes” to someone, make sure you really want to. Honour a change of heart. Remain secure in what you need to do. Be clear about your desires. Remain open in conversations. Make sure your budget is as tight as you’d like. Tonight: Treat a friend to TGIF.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): Beam in more of what you want. You have the charisma and energy to hit a home run. Do not allow someone to change plans or cause a problem. Think positively and you will see better results. Someone might change his or her mind at the last minute. Tonight: Keep smiling.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Listen to the drumbeats. Someone is trying to tell you something, whether you want to hear it or not. Slow down and follow your intuition. You might be hoping for a certain resolution, which could colour your perspective as well. Ask for feedback. Tonight: Play it low-key.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): You know what you want, but at times you do not use the correct words. Refuse to allow a misunderstanding to even begin. Verify that you are on the same page as someone else, or at least that he or she understands what you’re saying. Tonight: Get together with the gang.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take a stand, if you feel it’s necessary. You cannot minimise what is happening around you. Know that more responsibility will be dropped on you. Consider that you might not want to play a significant role. Be honest with what is going on within you. Tonight: Be willing to say “no”.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You might not have the control you desire in a tense situation. By identifying with the others involved, you can find the right action or decision. Others appreciate your sensitivity and support. Tonight: Be adventuresome and spontaneous.

(c) 2018 by King Features Syndicate Inc.