While we can all work hard to have healthy relationships, sometimes our innate traits can get in the way and make things difficult. This has a lot to do with personality, of course. But it might also have something to do with any and all relationship problems that are common for your zodiac sign.
If you're into astrology, then you likely already know your sign's strengths and weaknesses. And you probably also know your compatibility with other signs, and how that might lead to a great (or not so great) relationship.
Whatever the case may be, it's always fun to use astrology as a way to look at things from a different angle — especially when it comes to how things might play out with your partner. "Astrology is about awareness and self-knowledge," professional astrologer Robert Weinstein, LAc, EAMP tells Bustle. "Every sign has strengths and weaknesses."
If you know them, this info can be used to help predict and prevent possible challenges that might arise down the road. As Weinstein says, "The lens of astrology can ... help us avoid certain behaviors and unhealthy patterns that are sabotaging to intimacy and building fulfilling long-term relationships." Are you prone to codependency? Do you have a tendency to cheat? Read on for the biggest problems for each sign that could damage your relationship, so you'll know just what to avoid.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
As an Aries, you likely require a lot of alone time in order to feel your best. And that's OK. But do keep in mind how this desire can impact your relationship. As professional astrologer Rachel Lang tells me, Aries can seem pretty selfish. If you don't work to balance that out and stay on the same page as your partner, problems can definitely start to arise.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
If you're a Taurus, then you're likely well aware of your stubborn streak, as well as how it might impact your relationship. "Their stubbornness is a blessing and a challenge," Lang says. "It makes them stay committed, even in difficult relationships. However, they are slow to make any changes and can get stuck." If this describes you, don't be afraid to loosen up a bit. "Taurus must learn that it's not so important to always be right, and it's OK to break out of routine and embrace change once in while," Weinstein says.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Since Geminis get bored easily, it's something you should keep in mind when moving forward with a partner. As Lang says, "Geminis can have problems with commitment because they live for new experiences and love connecting with new people." While it's fine to be curious about the world, this trait has the potential to stir up problems in long-term committed relationships. Just so you know.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Your biggest desire in life, as a Cancer, is emotional stability. And because of that, Lang tells me you might find yourself "testing" partners for their ability to commit, which can lead to issues. It's also common for Cancers to struggle with communication. "They can hide out or distance themselves when conflicts arise," Lang says. "If their partners don't catch the clues and ask what's wrong, a Cancer can let resentment build and continue to shut down."
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
As a Leo, you're one heck of a loyal partner. And that's great news for your relationship. But it can mean putting up with way too much when it comes to toxicity. "Leos are loyal to a fault," Lang says. "Their biggest problem is knowing when to leave a relationship that isn't going anywhere. They can get stuck, and the relationship can feel more like a melodrama than magic."
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are known for their over-analytical nature. And while that might be helpful in a work environment, it's not always the most romantic — or healthy — trait for relationships. "When they finally meet someone willing to show up as an equal, they can fear that something is too good to be true," Lang says. "Then, they ruminate over minor personality differences, making mountains out of molehills." And thus the cycle continues.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Do you have a thing for pleasing others? If so, you're in good company with plenty of others Libras. "Libra loves pleasing others, and their biggest challenge is to keep their boundaries in and out of relationships," Lang says. "The sign of Libra is all about others, and they fill their calendars with social activities, sometimes dragging their partners behind." If this sounds familiar, it's definitely something to keep in mind, lest it negatively affect your relationship.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are pretty well-known for their trust issues, which can lead to them keep secrets and withhold information in an unhealthy way. But this doesn't mean all is lost. "As fixed signs, once they establish trust, they stay committed," Lang says. "However, they will not forget any incident that fractures that trust, and they can hold onto past transgressions." As long as you're both willing to put in the work and make each other feel secure, things should be a-OK.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
As a Sagittarius, you're all about freedom. And while that's great and healthy in many ways, it will take the right kind of partner to make it work. "If Sagittarius can find a partner who values freedom as much as they do, and see that commitment can bring freedom too, they are on their way to relationship happiness," Weinstein says.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
For you, trust issues may be what gets in the way. "Capricorn's biggest problem is fear: fear of opening up, letting another human being in, and trusting that's going to be OK," Weinstein says. Other long-term issues could stem from your workaholic nature. "Capricorn can work long hours or spend most of their time building a legacy, often at the expense of a relationship," Lang says. "Their lovers and partners can feel left behind or secondary to Capricorn's ambitious goals." Unless a happy medium is reached, it can spell disaster — or at least an unhappy and unbalanced relationship going forward.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
As Lang tells me, most Aquarians enter into relationships with their minds and not their hearts. "They enjoy intellectual conversations and can be detached from their emotions," she adds. "Because of this, the spark of romance can flicker out, and the relationship could become more like a friendship. The passion can fizzle away." Since it can take a lot of work to keep that spark alive, it doesn't always work out.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces are incredibly forgiving folks. And that's a lovely trait in many ways. But it can cause problems down the road, if you aren't careful. "Pisces see the very best in people," Lang says. "They will forgive even the worst errors, giving chance after chance to even the unhealthiest partners." It's also not uncommon for Pisces to fantasize about the potential of a relationship, without looking at the reality of things. This is, as Lang tells me, a habit that can keep you stuck in toxic situations, and may even lead to codependency.
Which is, of course, not what you want for the future of your relationship. So, if you see any of these traits in yourself (or your partner) keep them in mind and be ready to make some changes to keep your relationship healthy. It may take some effort, but it'll definitely be worth it.
Images: Unsplash, Austin Call; Pexels (12)
