Life
When you've been with your partner for a while, there are bound to be common long-term relationship problems that come up. We all bring our own personal baggage to the table, as well as our unique personalities, so it's impossible to see eye-to-eye with our partners 100 percent of the time. Life can also get in the way, and make things less-than-ideal for a while.
If you're experiencing challenges in your relationship, definitely step back and see if those areas are what's holding you back from being happy and healthy. But don't be afraid to delve into deeper, less obvious places, too, like your partner's zodiac sign. Astrology can come in handy when navigating relationships, especially since your partner's sign may be one that struggles with communication, listening, or boundaries — all things that can create problems. Always take astrology predictions with a grain of salt — your partner's sign may not predict everything about them, or the issues you may have in your relationship — but if can offer you some new insights into problems that may arise and how to fix them.
Astrology can also give you an idea of how their sign potentially interacts with yours. "When it comes to dating by astrology, it’s not so much that signs are 'good or bad,' but about how your sign reacts to the natural traits of the other sign," Jaye, a professional astrologer at GiftedAstrology.com tells Bustle. "Can you handle their style and approach to life? Does it mesh with yours?"
Here are a few potential challenges your partner may bring to the table, based on astrology.
1Aries (March 21 – April 19): They May Move Things Too Quickly
When dating an Aries, it can feel like everything is moving too fast. "Because of Aries' passionate and fiery nature, Aries will fall in love at first sight and may end up diving head first into a relationship that may or may not actually be best for them," Shirley Johnson, a Bay Area-based astrologer, therapist and healer, tells Bustle. "It can be hard to take things slow with an Aries, making it difficult to leverage the course of the relationship."
This may not be the case, but being aware of the potential for this when starting a relationship with Aries, can make it easier to pump the brakes, so you can both get to know each other slowly.
2Taurus (April 20 – May 21): They're A Homebody
A Taurus partner can be quite the homebody, which is obviously great when it comes to having a relaxing night at home, but not so great when it comes to date nights out. "Taurus tends to be very chill," Johnson says. That's why communication is key when dating a Taurus, as well as keeping that initial spark alive, so you don't potentially slip into boredom, and forget why you're together.
3Gemini (May 21 - June 20): They Want To Discuss Everything
If anyone can communicate, it's Gemini. And that's great. "They often make great writers and speakers," Johnson says. "However, it can be difficult to date them because they will want to discuss and talk about everything. Be prepared with a Gemini to have a conversation about every single issue in the relationship."
If your Gemini partner is becoming a bit much with needs to discuss everything, don't be afraid to set up some boundaries, or spend some time alone. It really can be beneficial.
4Cancer (June 21 – July 22): They Don't Express Their Feelings
As Jaye says, Cancer often "figures out their feelings internally, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation and guess work ... on their mate's side." And that's fine, but if you notice this and want them to open up more, you should let them know. And by creating an atmosphere where it's OK to talk about feelings aloud, you'll both be able to share more freely.
5Leo (July 22 – Aug. 22): They May Not Be Good At Compromising
Dating a Leo means dating someone who is playful, creative, and theatrical. "Leo is naturally comfortable in the spotlight, and because of this ... they tend to think mostly of themselves and have little awareness about compromises that are required for a relationship to progress," Johnson says.
While you may love their personality, compromise needs to happen in your relationship, if you want things to be healthy. So, if this becomes an issue, be sure to sit down with your partner and discuss ways to meet each other halfway.
6Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): They're Perfectionists
Virgo is highly organized. "[They are] blessed with being able to pay attention to all the details, being the perfectionists of the zodiac," Johnson says. "However, in dating, this can be difficult as Virgo may want everything to be perfect, which makes little room for people to be human."
Have you two been arguing over who will do the chores? If so, it may be time to have a heart-to-heart about expectations. You might, for example, set up a chore chart, so that you both know what needs to be done, and everything can feel more fair.
7Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): They May Misinterpret Your Feelings
Libra can "have unrealistic expectations, because they are such creative gift givers — handmade cards, songs, etc.," Jaye says. "They naturally think everyone else will do the same. But people have very different love languages."
If you show your love through touch, for example, your Libra partner may not even notice, because they're looking for that thoughtful gift. To prevent arguments and misunderstandings, talk about your love languages. That way you can both be on the same page, and know what to look for when it comes to giving and receiving.
8Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): They May Keep Secrets
Jaye says Scorpio partners can be "gold medal secret keepers." They can be like a locked vault, and difficult to talk to as a result.
They can also be a bit intense. "Scorpios love and sting intensely," Johnson says. That's why it's important to build trust, when dating a Scorpio. If they feel like they can trust you, they'll open up, and you'll have a healthier relationship as a result.
9Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): They Are Free Spirits
If you try to talk to a Sagittarius partner about anything meaningful, they're likely to clam up. "Sagittarius will bring up any and every distraction to stay away from [deep conversations]," Jaye says.
They also can be tricky to nail down. "Sagittarius are always on the go," says Johnson. "This can make it hard to date a Sagittarius because they are never in the same place for long. They are committed to lifetime learning, which may or may not include long-term relationship." And this may mean they need a loving reminder that it's possible to have and do both.
10Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): They're Workaholics
The workaholics of the zodiac, Capricorn may not make for the more present partner. As Johnson says, "They are ambitious and go-getters. However, dating a Capricorn may mean [they'll take] an important phone call at the dinner table, or [insist] on sending an email while you're in bed."
While it's 100 percent possible to have a thriving, busy career and a relationship at the same time, this may require a conversation about creating more balance, and more couple time, in your relationship.
11Aquarius (Jan. 29 – Feb. 18): Their Partner Doesn't Always Come First
While it's great to have things going on outside the relationship — like hobbies, friendships, etc. — an Aquarius partner has a tendency of taking things too far. As Jaye says, it's not uncommon for Aquarius to ask their partner on a date, and then invite along 12 other people. Because of this, Aquarius may make you feel like you're not their main priority.
If this is happening in your relationship, don't be afraid to speak up. Different people have different ways of showing love, so you might have to tell your partner a one-on-one thing is more your style.
12Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): They May Be Distant
As Jaye says, Pisces can have a hard time with boundaries. So in order to keep things healthy, you'll both have to work on establishing some, and then sticking to it.
They can also be a bit distant, due to their dreamy nature. "Pisces are dreamers of the Zodiac," Johnson says. "It can be hard to date them because it can seem like their head is in the clouds and they are living on another planet." So, again, communication is key to keep things grounded if your Pisces is wandering off mentally.
Of course, your partner's zodiac sign isn't the key determinant of issues that may arise in your relationship, but if you notice specific challenges cropping up, never fear. There are always ways you can work on them together and have a healthier relationship.