Horoscope: Dec. 18

ARIES (March 21-April 19). While waiting for a parent to assemble a complicated toy, a child learns patience. If young children can learn not to expect immediate results, so can that childish person in your life.TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Of course people should take care of themselves. But you're willing to go the extra mile to take care of others - and not just when they are sick or weary, but any old time at all.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll get plenty accomplished because you thrive in the atmosphere others fear. You're fine with being alone and not afraid of silence. In fact, you prefer it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you look for opportunities, you're not seeking a free handout or benefit. Instead, you're looking for a chance to match your skills with another person's needs.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll be dealing with people of all ages. It can be difficult to keep everyone's developmental stage in mind, but try to remember not to treat older people like children.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While a relationship is obviously uneven, the fact remains that you're there for a reason. Keeping score won't change that and will only make you feel worse about the arrangement.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Avoid the passive-aggressive choice to remain silent as a means of making someone pay attention to you. It will be far more effective to say what you need to say.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Sometimes taking your grievances directly to the source is not the best idea. Give it some time. You'll feel differently tomorrow, and Friday will change your stance yet again.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your creativity is flowing even stronger than usual. Consider using it to surprise the one you love. You'll thrill to the happy, excited response your efforts earn.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Friends who don't take an interest when you speak of your hopes and dreams aren't really friends at all. Rather, they are people who conveniently fit into your current lifestyle.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Go off script. If you make a scripted inquiry, you'll get an insincere response. Say what you really want to express, and ask what you really want to know.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There's no need to test a person's loyalty; just assume they are loyal and be loyal in return. Know that everyone is trying to do what's best. Stay focused on the things that will improve your corner.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 18). A relationship has taught you well, though the "watch and learn" mode ends in January. You'll love the feeling of being in charge in 2014. February brings a fun twist to your domestic arrangement. In May, you'll prove you're ready for more power and responsibility. Cancer and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 20, 4, 33 and 28.