We all belong to groups, the PTA, YMCA, Girl Scouts, our family and friends. They generally add to our happiness but occasionally drive us to the nearest box of chocolate. One way to make sense of our relations with others, as well as our own personality, is to understand our place in the Chinese Astrology zoo.

Are you a creative-sensitive type? An innovative thinker? A goal-oriented achiever? A free spirit? You and everyone you know belong to one of the four groups containing the 12 animal signs of Chinese Astrology. You have a lot in common with people in yours and generally share a similar orientation toward the world. On the other hand, it may not be unusual to wonder if someone from a different group is an extraterrestrial.

Knowledge of the characteristics of each group can help explain why you just click with certain people but find others hard to understand. An employee who can't seem to follow directions could be an Inventor who is always looking for a better method; maybe she should be assigned to out-of-the-box problem solving! Frustrated with a partner who can't commit? Maybe you should stop dating Free Sprits. An abrasive co-worker could be an Achiever who happens to be more focused on his goals than on social etiquette. Your daydreaming child could be a Creative-Sensitive who is aware of much more than you realize.

And here they are:

Rat, Dragon, and Monkey: Inventors
You will never be completely satisfied with the status quo. In fact you are at your best when developing new and better ways of doing things. You are often the first to try something new or to popularize a new idea. Not bound by others' expectations or assumptions you are likely to think big and make calculated risks. An occasional run-in with authority perhaps? And, your friends may wonder if you are a genius or just crazy.

Ox, Snake, and Rooster: Achievers
Achievers usually have an end-game in mind. You do not just float where the winds may take you. Whether by hard work, your wits, or sheer force of will, you are likely to accomplish everything you set your mind to. You know your strengths and experience no guilt in using them to get what you want. It was no accident Jackie became John F. Kennedy’s wife or moved on to Onassis after his assassination.You may have a different measure of success than your groupie, President Obama (Ox), but you share in common an indomitable drive to achieve it.

Tiger, Horse, and Dog: Free Sprits
You’ve got style---yours! Count Elvis and Barbra (Streisand) in your group. And, you love your independence. Anyone tries to keep you on a tight leash and you’re out the door. This is not to say you cannot commit to a relationship. And, once you do, your loyalty and devotion could border on smothering. Bottom line, you want to control your destiny. You probably also have a need for adventure. There you go, off to the Andes, Boston for the marathon, or the local university to lead a protest demonstration.

Rabbit, Sheep, and Pig: Creative-Sensitives
You see beauty and truth in unexpected places. To transform the mundane into something truly special is your joy. Along with this comes a heightened sensitivity to suffering and the emotions of others, which could be why you tend to avoid conflict. You may be intuitive and naturally talented but nonetheless struggle with developing full confidence in yourself.