Zodiac

Each Zodiac Sign Has Its Own Love Language—Here’s Yours

written by BRITTANY MAILHOT
collage of couples on galaxy"
collage of couples on galaxy
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider

Over the past few years, love languages have completely taken off for deciphering your relationship style. On top of that, we’ve got conflict resolution styles, platonic love languages, bedroom love languages, and more. But how does this internet-favorite way of relating to others fit into the zodiac, which gets more specific about personality type? As it turns out, your love language and your astrological compatibility are more intertwined than you might think.

The moon and Venus signs often take center stage when it comes to conversations about astrology and love, but here’s a little secret: they’re important, but they don’t really tell us anything that we don’t already know. Venus signs show us what we’re looking for in our other half (no offense Venus, but most of us already know that). The moon sign, on the other hand, points us toward our heart’s desires and feelings. Unfortunately, we can’t completely ignore our heads if we want a healthy, long-lasting relationship (if only). 

At the end of the day, you actually don’t need to dive too deep into your birth chart in order to understand what you need out of a relationship. In fact, when you know your sun sign and have a basic understanding of the love languages, you can head into any romantic relationship confidently and capably. Here, we’re breaking down the ins and outs of each zodiac love language based on your sun sign.

How Can Knowing Your Zodiac Love Language Help You?

Ever get into a heated fight with your partner only to see later that it was a misunderstanding? Honestly, who hasn’t? Knowing your zodiac love language can help you, or you and your partner if you’re currently in a relationship, get a deeper understanding of what you need. When you know what you need, you can communicate better and advocate for yourself in relationships.

The zodiac love languages are different from the standard love languages because they’re more tailored to personality type. While there are only five traditional love languages, the zodiac love languages are specific to each sun sign, of which there are twelve. This allows you to get a little more specific about the way that you both express and receive love, and, in turn, how other people perceive that love language. It’s the kind of thing that’s super helpful to keep in your back pocket for when you’re having a conflict with a partner, or when you’re just starting to get to know someone and want to see if you’re compatible.

What is Your Zodiac Love Language?

Aries: Passion

With a passion for, well passion, Aries feel most loved when their partner has a zest for life that matches their own and steps up in the face of challenges. Keeping the relationship interesting and engaging while also giving them the freedom to be themselves is key. I affectionately remember an on-and-off relationship I had with an Aries years ago. Why on and off, you ask? To keep the passion and drama alive—Aries is certainly not one to settle into a comfort zone.

Try this: If you’re an Aries, make sure you communicate with your partner when you’re feeling like things need to be spiced up. Passion is great, but if you’re hot-and-cold with no explanation, your partner may feel blindsided. If you want more spontaneity and tension, make that clear! If your partner is an Aries, be on the lookout for opportunities to randomly show them how into them you are. They’ll love the out-of-the-blue affection.

Taurus: Comfort

Taurus is all about comfort and stability when it comes to feeling loved. They need to find a home with their partner. Sensuality is important, too—whether it’s touch, music, or food, Taureans experience love through the senses. When they get too cozy in their comfort zone, Taureans really need a partner who is willing to show them new experiences that awaken their senses and breathe new life into their world while still feeling good and safe.

Try this: As a Taurus, you know you love the finer things in life, so don’t be afraid to show it. Let your partner know how much you love when they get you flowers, when they treat you to a nice dinner, or when the two of you romanticize a movie night. Chances are, your enthusiasm for those comfortable moments will give them the hint. If your partner is a Taurus, be sure to pamper them every once in a while, and let them know that you’ll always be there to comfort them.

Gemini: Change

Have you ever had a five-flavor berry? They taste bitter, sweet, salty, pungent, and sour all at once. Geminis are the same way in the sense that they like to pack as much variety into the span of their lives as possible. This can present a challenge for long-term relationships, but it doesn’t have to. A non-traditional relationship or a committed partner who’s just as in love with experiencing life can easily do the trick. Being open to constant change and exploration is a sure way to make them feel understood.

Try this: If you’re a Gemini in a relationship, embrace your own wild side. Continue to try new things with your partner every day, and make a conscious effort not to fall into a routine. Whether you’re switching it up in the bedroom, booking a trip to somewhere you’ve never been before, or never eating at the same restaurant twice, a little change will go a long way. If you’re in a relationship with a Gemini, be ready to go with the flow, and anticipate the unanticipated in the name of variety.

Cancer: Appreciation

Cancers will bend over backward to make sure their partner is happy. They can be the ideal traditional housewives/househusbands or selfless parents (to children or otherwise), but only if they feel appreciated and valued. Cancers have a tendency to put others before themselves to a fault, leading to burnout. Nothing appeals to a Cancer’s heart more than a committed partner who shows them loyalty and appreciation while taking over the demands of daily life and showing a sensitive side from time to time.

Try this: If you’re a Cancer, set and respect your own boundaries when it comes to caring for others. If you find yourself parenting your partner, recognize that, and allow them to show you the same care in return. Communicate how much you need to feel recognized for the hard work that you put into your relationship, and when you do receive that appreciation, accept it. Love a Cancer? Let them know how grateful you are for all of the care that they give you.

Leo: Admiration

Leo Suns love to be the center of attention (and are quite good at it too) and crave recognition for their talents and achievements. When it’s all said and done, Leos just want to be celebrated for the wonderful, talented, and vibrant beings that they are. Through my own dating life, I’ve learned how important clear communication and intentions are when it comes to dating a Leo. It’s often overlooked, but a loved Leo also sees the best in their partner and can be easily blindsided by unclear or malicious intentions.

Try this: If you’re a Leo, try not to get too caught up in showing your partner how amazing you are—they should already know, and you should feel like they already know! Communicate how much you want them to show you admiration early on, and hopefully, they will follow suit. If someone isn’t showing you the love you deserve, remember that there is someone out there who will shower you with the compliments you deserve. If you’re dating a Leo, be clear about how much you love them with plenty of good communication and words of affirmation.

Virgo: Purpose

Virgos have a certain innocence about them, but above all, this sign exhibits a strong sense of practicality. They’re sensitive and search for meaning in order to justify their relationships. They need to feel both like they have a purpose in their relationships and that their relationships serve a greater purpose–either out in the world or in the smaller realm of their lives. I first hooked my Virgo life partner by stating that I was looking for someone to build a life with. A clear plan and a purpose for the relationship? Consider it done.

Try this: As a Virgo, if you’re seriously dating, be honest and open about your planning nature. Make it clear to your partner that you want to know what the next step is, and ensure that you’re always on the same page. When you’re showing so much intentionality in your dating, you deserve for that same intentionality to be reflected back to you. If you’re dating a Virgo, be prepared to be honest about what you’re looking for, and to frequently plan for the future with your partner.

Libra: Equality

Libras constantly strive for balance, and a partner that both stands their ground and leaves room for their own views and opinions is key. Out of all the signs in the zodiac, Libra has a knack for long-term relationships and loyalty. Some would say this is because decision-making isn’t their forte, but the truth is that they intuitively understand their partner’s (or partners’) perspective. Show that you’re open to different ideas and willing to put an effort into your appearance (we are talking about Libras after all) and this Venus-ruled sign will be all over it.

Try this: As a Libra, you can ensure that you and your partner are set up for success by making it clear how important equality is to you in your relationship. Express the fact that you want your romance to be a constant volley back and forth, and that you want to be able to appreciate the best in one another at all times. If you’re trying to win over a Libra, show your own willingness to explore all perspectives and see all sides of any situation. Your own ability to balance two sides of a conflict and see both sides of a disagreement will be super attractive to a Libra.

Scorpio: Intimacy

Scorpios crave intimacy—which can sometimes get them into trouble if they’re mingling with people who aren’t willing to take responsibility for their own healing. Scorpios don’t care about your boundaries—they want in. They want to know all of the messy, uncomfortable, secret details that lie in that head of yours, whether it’s the intimate details of your past relationships or how you really feel about your mom. Because of the intimacy they require, trust is also incredibly important so that they feel safe and understood.

Try this: If you’re a Scorpio, be honest about the fact that you like to get deep quickly when you first start seeing someone. If they’re uncomfortable with your own tendency to be super emotionally intimate, then they’ll say so early on. However, if you’re already in a relationship, you can always get to know even more about your partner by constantly digging deeper into each other’s personality styles, from their Myers-Briggs to their full birth chart. If you’re dating a Scorpio, be ready to bare your soul from time to time, and make sure you’re creating a safe space in your relationship for honesty.

Sagittarius: Freedom

Sagittarius Suns are certainly not known for their desire to stay at home or mingle with clingy partners. Because of their love for adventure and exploration, they need the freedom to go off on their own and get lost in the world from time to time. A partner that gives Sagittarius the space to fully be themselves and dive into their many intellectual interests is key. Not only that, but they need a partner who is fun and can keep them engaged through either social or intellectual stimulation.

Try this: If you’re a Sagittarius in the dating pool, be sure to communicate to your partner how important it is for you to experience freedom in your relationship. This means letting them know how much you want to do spontaneous things together, and how much you want to be free to have adventures on your own. Your partner needs to know how much you don’t want to be boxed in by your relationship. If you’re dating a Sagittarius, remember to keep things creative in terms of dates and activities—and if your partner says they want to randomly jet off to a foreign country, don’t be too surprised.

Capricorn: Support

As one of the most ambitious and dedicated signs in the zodiac, Capricorns need their partner to be a strong support system so they can achieve their goals. They thrive when their partner is happy taking care of the home or daily tasks while they focus on diving deep into their work or leading a movement. Because of their focused nature, they can be a bit moody from time to time without considering their partner’s feelings, so a partner with tough skin who understands where they’re coming from is key.

Try this: As a Capricorn, it’s important to be clear with your partner about how important your passions are to you in life. The more they understand how much you care about your work, creativity, or projects, the more likely they are to provide you with the outside support that you’re looking for. If you’re dating a Capricorn, make sure you’re managing your own insecurity when they dive deep into something they really love. Know that they can love you and their passion at the same time—and be ready to express awe at all they’re capable of accomplishing.

Aquarius: Friendship

The ideal love life of an Aquarius involves a partner who’s just as social as they are and
thrives on late-night soirées and a vibrant social life. Since it’s important for these airy socialites to maintain their independence and have a strong social circle, a partner who is also a friend is crucial. Aquarians thrive best in relationships where two whole people with independent lives come together as lovers and friends to better each others’ experience in this world.

Try this: If you are an Aquarius, actively seek out a friends-to-lovers arc. You know it’s important to you to be friends with the person you’re dating, so be intentional about performing acts of platonic love in addition to expressing your feelings romantically. Ensure that your partner is easily intertwined in your social life, and that they get along with your circle. If you are dating an Aquarius, continue to show them that you are independent and capable on your own throughout your relationship. Be conscious about the fact that you truly want to be their life partner, not just their lover.

Pisces: Empathy

As a sensitive and open sign, Pisces needs a partner who is comfortable sitting with them in their sometimes inexplicable emotions while also acting as a support system. Nothing quite opens a Pisces heart like someone who empowers their sensitivity, values their emotions, shows them kindness, and understands the struggle of feeling things so deeply. A partner with a protective spirit helps Pisces feel comfortable and free to express themselves fully.

Try this: As a Pisces, be clear with the person you’re dating that you need emotional support in moments when you’re feeling overwhelmed. When your partner knows that your external feelings aren’t just random but are in fact a part of your way of processing, they’ll be able to be there for you more frequently and intentionally. If you’re dating a Pisces, be ready to sit with them through their big feelings and help them cope with those emotions. Provide a safe space for them to emote and be their truest selves.