44

A Meeting of Opposites

‘Beware, as long as you live, of judging people by appearances.’

Jean de la Fontaine

If you feel uneasy about the situation, even though you don’t quite know why, you must trust your instincts. It may well be that somebody does not have your best interests at heart. If someone has made you an offer, be careful. Pay great attention to what they have to say. Notice whether their words match up with their behaviour. There is a real danger that you could compromise your personal dignity and integrity. The way to avoid this is to be determined not to allow anybody else to have power over you. Don’t be afraid to make your own views clear. If people realize that you cannot be taken in, they are unlikely to waste their time trying to convince you. Not all offers, of course, are suspect. In a situation where you are sure of the other person’s good intent, being prepared to meet them half-way will be great benefit to you both.

An opportunity for personal growth

Hidden dangers lurk in an apparently agreeable situation. If you indulge in a seemingly harmless temptation, it may well develop in an unforeseen way and cause you trouble. Be cautious. Stick firmly to the path you know is right for you. If you are aware that a bad habit is creeping into your life, do not allow it to develop further. Any problem is best dealt with in its early stages. If it is allowed to get a hold on the situation, it can all too quickly get out of hand. This applies equally to negative ways of thinking. Unless you control such thoughts as soon as they arise, they can begin to colour your entire outlook.

Further aspects of the situation

SIX AT THE BEGINNING

Something very destructive is beginning to make its presence felt. You must take action to stop this before it can develop further and do any harm. Do not allow yourself to be possessed by negative thoughts or emotions.

NINE IN THE SECOND PLACE

Be determined to resist negative ways of thinking. Keep them under control, both for your own sake and that of others who could be affected. Equally, do not allow yourself to be influenced by the pessimistic attitudes of people around you.

NINE IN THE THIRD PLACE

You are faced with temptation. A seductive opportunity beckons and you would like to be involved. Fortunately, circumstances are such that this is not possible. Yet you are left in a state of indecision. Consider the issue very carefully. A deeper understanding will ensure that you do not make a serious mistake.

NINE IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Do not be stand-offish towards certain people because you think they are unimportant. You do not know when you might need their help. Be courteous and tolerant. You will then be able to rely on their support in the future.

NINE IN THE FIFTH PLACE

Carry on quietly doing your best. Do not try to impress others or convince them of your point of view. If you do the right thing in the right way, you will automatically succeed in achieving your aim. You have nothing to gain by trying to manipulate the situation.

NINE AT THE TOP

You may want to distance yourself from certain people whose company you find irksome. It might be less traumatic to simply withdraw quietly than to make some kind of statement of your intentions. Either way, you will not be popular. But because you are doing what you have to, you will not be unduly concerned about other people’s reactions.