By Sylvia Toh Paik Choo

After a great deal of thought, you can be quite sensitive and sympathetic, but not so much with older folk; in fact you can flare up easily at people in authority.

Sounds familiar, rings a bell, or you can't really decide whether these characteristics apply to you?

You are a Tiger, according to the reams written on this animal sign of the Chinese zodiac.

Courageous and powerful, at the same time suspicious of others, Tigers are indecisive or make up their minds too late.

Yet Tigers command respect from others and get on famou sly with the Horse, Dragon and Dog - the fraternity in the Chinese zodiac.

Career opportunities abound for the Tiger whether you're a jungle cat or a kitten.

You can act and write and make music and race cars and manage offices.

On holiday you enjoy long rides with stopovers for thrills and spills, you'll never be caught poolside with a book. Unless you're writing a bestseller.

Tigers need friends and family around them and are generous and welcoming - they'll lend you a ear or a few bucks.

As a parent, you have only to look to those wildlife documentaries to picture how protective a Tiger is towards its cubs. And the tiger is often a great storyteller.

Tiger children, both boys and girls, are highly competitive and they love a challenge. Dare them and they'll bare their claws.

The Tiger lover is sensual, beautiful, romantic, and any time out with a Tiger is not short on action. Ask Mrs Woods and be armed with a golf club.

Once a Tiger lays its paws on you and gets hitched, the cat will stay committed, nay, it will dominate the other half. The partner will have to put up with the hot and cold mood swings of this irresistible animal.

To be on the safe side, consult your neighbourhood astrologer on the tie-up for a roaring good time. Expect to be chained for life together.