Relationships are front and center this month as the Sun occupies the two houses of your chart most associated with partners. It's in your 7th House of Others until January 20, attracting strong willed or demanding people. However, the point is for you to step up and state what you want in clear and direct terms. Someone's going to control the agenda and it might as well be you. If you're single and looking, it's better to run off a questionable candidate with your candor than it is to compromise your feelings.

Thinking about the long-term situation is essential now so don't be afraid to pass up a good time or to engage in a challenging discussion if that's what it takes to put a relationship on a solid foundation. You don't need a weak individual who you have to protect when a stronger partner who is a little pushy is likely to be a better match right now.

There's a New Moon Solar Eclipse in your 7th house on January 4 that can shake up your partnership life. If you're with someone, expect to have to break things down to the basics to rebuild trust and set up new goals with one another. Single Cancers should recognize old patterns that stand in the way of satisfaction and need to go before you can raise your romantic expectations. Your sign may be tender but you need to be tough to make this happen.

The Sun's entry into your 8th House of Intimacy on January 20 teaches you that having room to breathe as an individual is essential to establishing or maintaining closeness now.