You and your partner might feel extra hopeful about a family or real estate expense early in the week. Perhaps you’re considering buying a home together for the first time, or you are thinking of taking out a second mortgage to free up cash. Unfortunately, by Saturday you’ll realize there is at least one very real obstacle in your way. You might not qualify for a loan, or you may discover that your credit rating isn’t up to par. Do what you can to make things right.

You might not feel as if you have a lot of time to connect with your partner lately. This week, especially, it may feel as if pressures of “real life” are killing any romantic potential between you and your mate. One of you might be under extra stress due to career requirements or a family obligation. There might be circumstances out of your control keeping you apart, and if so try to keep it in perspective. It is temporary.

Talking yourself up will be easier than ever after Wednesday. If you plan on introducing yourself to someone special or meeting a new date for coffee and conversation, there won’t be any awkward moments of silence. You’ll find common ground immediately, and you might even discover that your date enjoys how much you talk — a surefire signal you’ve met someone special! If you’re already in a relationship, you’ll still benefit from the spectacular communication energy. In your case, it’ll be a snap to make decisions with your mate. He or she will be more easily persuaded towards your perspective.

There might be tightness around your heart this week, and if so you’ll need to explore the reason behind it. Are you preventing love from reaching you? Shutting down the very possibility out of intense fear of betrayal or other pain? If so, this will be a time to remember that most of us have had our hearts broken one time or another. What a terrible tragedy it would be if you decide to be overwhelmed by yours. Work through the sorrow. Dare to keep your broke heart open.

If you’re in the market for fun and romance then this week, you’ll have the ability to make sure everyone in your social circle knows it! On Wednesday, Mercury will enter your friendship sector, where he’ll remain until May 29. This will be an ideal time to set up a profile on an Internet dating website, or to initiate communication with a “friend of a friend” you have a crush on. Attend meetings for any groups you’re a part of. New romantic prospects will be everywhere.

Communicating with your sweetheart about religious, philosophical or even educational pursuits might prove difficult this week. You may feel that no matter how hard you try to shine your perspective, your lover isn’t open minded enough to listen. He or she may also offer disparaging remarks or non-constructive criticism if you’re in the publishing industry and ask him or her to review any work you’ve written. Do yourself a favor this week and keep the conversation light. It’ll save you both a headache.

Mars continues to move retrograde in your sign, challenging you to find the courage to fight fair for what you want in your relationship. This isn’t an easy process for you, because fighting in general is not your forte. Realize you don’t have to act in an explosive way to get what you want. Brute force is not the answer, and these days it’s not even possible. Win through mastering the art of passive resistance. That’s how you’ll tire out your partner and allow room for a real breakthrough.

Anticipate reaching new heights with your partner on Tuesday. You and your love may decide to take a learning adventure together by attending a workshop on a subject that interests you both. This will open your minds in a way that delights you both — and in a way that draws you closer together. After Wednesday, it’ll be easy to approach your partner and talk about a delicate matter. You might also find it easier to make a financial decision together.

Talking to your partner should become much easier this week. After Wednesday, Mercury will move into your relationship sector, opening the door for faster and easier communication between the two of you. You might notice you actually want to engage in more dialogue with your mate now. Running ideas past each other or enjoying friendly banter are ways that will strengthen your bond. You’ll also get a sense that your partner is not just hearing you, but truly listening.

Love is in the air early this week, so be sure to take advantage of the happy energy while you’ve got it working for you. On Tuesday, romance is indicated — whether you’re dating someone or married. Either way, it appears that the way to each other’s hearts is through the senses. Indulge in a couple’s massage or dine at your favorite restaurant together. You deserve the bliss. By Saturday, you might feel frustrated at a friend’s lack of support over your love life. Why are you giving this person’s opinion so much weight?

Your mind will focus on matters of the heart with a greater intensity after Wednesday. This will be a great time to consider writing your sweetheart a love letter or calling up your sweetheart for no other reason than to remind him or her how much you care. If you’re single and in the dating game, this will be an ideal time to set up one or more meetings with prospective partners. Coffee and conversation will prove to be the best aphrodisiac now. Go for it!

You and your sweetheart might work happily on a creative endeavor this Tuesday. If you have any children, you might enjoy extra special moments together with them early in the week, creating family memories that will last forever. After Wednesday, it’ll be clear that your mind is focused on domestic matters, and this will be primarily what you talk to your partner about. You might make a decision together that involves family, real estate or a move.