By Michelle Darrisaw·Updated October 23, 2020
It’s true: We all speak the universal language of love. It’s just that we do so in many different ways. In fact, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages book series, we typically express our love in these five specific ways:
- Words of Affirmation – You love speaking affectionately to your boo, praising your partner or telling bae just how much you appreciate them.
- Acts of Service – You’re all about action. For you, loving someone is about what you do rather than what you to say.
- Gift Giving – You’re the type who shows your love by spending coins on special gifts, but you also like being on the receiving end of the gift giving, too.
- Quality Time – You’re capable of letting go of distractions and giving someone your undivided attention, and you feel most loved when bae does the same for you.
- Physical Touch – Whether it’s engaging in sex or holding a person’s hand, you love being touched and touching your partner.
Although there’s no method to the madness or actual science behind Dr. Chapman’s theory, you can probably relate on some level to one (or all) of these forms of affection. So we decided to take it a step further by looking to the stars, aka your horoscope, to determine how you show your love. Because the horoscope can reveal so much about our personalities, why not use astrology as a resource to learn if you and bae are speaking the same language (of love, that is)? Here are all the different ways the 12 zodiac signs respond to love and affection, and how they express their love to their partners.
1. Gemini
Primary Love Languages: Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service
There’s a reason why people love being around Geminis. Their dualistic, charming personality and chatty nature makes it easy for Geminis to work a room and talk to anyone. The way to a Gemini’s heart is through intellectual conversation and adventure, or else you run the risk of boring them. And once a Gemini loses interest, their flirtatious side will drive them into the arms of someone else. They thrive off being told how you really feel, specifically the way you show it through action.
2. Cancer
Primary Love Languages: Words of Affirmation and Quality Time
Cancers are nurturing, sensitive and will love you unconditionally, even if it’s to their detriment. They feel safest and most secure at home, so spending quality time with their partner is ideal for the Crab sign. But because they are loyal and overprotective, their love and affection can come across as clingy. However, kind and sincere words of adulation will truly win them over.
3. Leo
Primary Love Languages: Gift Giving and Acts of Service
Ah, the brave and generous Leo. The creative Lion of the zodiac thrives off exuberance and taking risks. In relationships, they love grandiose gestures and flattering compliments, but they’re not easily fooled by empty words and praise. On the flip side, a Leo is at their best when he or she can help people in need. Of all the signs, they’re the first to offer money or perform a kind deed for those in trouble. When dating a Leo, expect to be spoiled, but just know that they expect the same kind of attention (and gifts!) in return.
4. Virgo
Primary Love Languages: Acts of Service and Quality Time
Incredibly organized, responsible and conscientious, a Virgo tends to obsess over the tiniest of details. But that overly-obsessive attention to detail is what makes them great partners in love and life. They possess an innate desire to be of service to others. But don’t expect them to respond favorably when you attempt to return the favor, or when you try to win them over with money, gifts or mushy affection. Here’s the thing: Virgos don’t go above and beyond for their partners to get something in return—it’s just who they are inherently. Sure, Virgos can be mysterious, quiet and difficult to get to know because they’re so guarded. However, once they know they can trust you and you meet their high standards, they’ll open up to you immediately.
5. Libra
Primary Love Languages: Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service
The diplomatic Libra is all about balance, as evidenced by their sign’s depiction of the scales. People generally flock to Libras because they’re naturally charming, reflective and sociable. In fact, a Libra is at their highest potential when they’re in a relationship or on a team. Among all the zodiac signs, Libras are the most kind-hearted and romantic, which explains why they’re prone to do anything to please their partner. However, when out of balance, a Libra can be quite temperamental. Libras typically respond best to admiration and flattering words about their qualities and traits, but they’re also expert listeners, too.
6. Scorpio
Primary Love Languages: Physical Touch and Acts of Service
Passionate, intense and extremely emotional, Scorpios are the most extreme bunch in the zodiac. Because Scorpios are so good at plotting and hiding how they truly feel, it can be difficult to really get to know them. But despite their flaws, Scorpios still possess an electricity and magnetic aura that’s hard to resist. For the average Scorpio, it’s more about quality than quantity, so showering them with lavish gifts won’t impress them. However, intimacy, sex and physical affection will.
7. Sagittarius
Primary Love Languages: Gift Giving and Physical Touch
Sagittarians are optimistic, well-traveled, ambitious and free-spirited, which explains why they hate being tied down. If you’re in love with a Sagittarius, you’ll have to get use to their bluntness, flighty nature and no-strings-attached attitude. But once you accept that a Sagittarius will be difficult to pin down, at least in the beginning stages of the relationship, you’ll never have to endure a dull day by their side. When they finally do decide to commit, however, they’ll treat you to adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—not necessarily material things. A Sagittarius also thrives off spontaneity, especially during sex. Keep in mind, though, that although Sagittarians have the gift of gab, they’re often not comfortable talking about their own feelings.
8. Capricorn
Primary Love Languages: Acts of Service and Quality Time
Capricorns are very grounded and work really hard to reach their goals and full potential. As you might imagine, pursuing love or a romantic relationship isn’t a Capricorn’s number one priority. More quiet and reserved, Capricorns tend to lead with action, not words. But because of this instinctual nature to be alone and keep their feelings to themselves, a Capricorn needs to be lifted up in words of encouragement. But more than anything, they need someone who will be just as devoted and loyal to them as they are to their partners.
9. Aquarius
Primary Love Languages: Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service
For lack of better words, the Water Bearer is the most unusual zodiac sign. Aquarians function like rebels without a cause, but their stubborness and unwillingness to conform is also what makes them special and far ahead of their time. Though an Aquarius can be unpredictable and distant, they’re also kind and empathetic, leading with their humanitarian heart. They love talking to people and unearthing what makes them tick. On the other hand, they usually could care less about what others think of them and are slow to reveal their true feelings. To win over an Aquarius, you have to give them their space and freedom. Being in love, for an Aquarian, means fostering deep connections and stimulating conversations.
10. Pisces
Primary Love Languages: Acts of Service and Quality Time
Pisceans are imaginative, friendly and intuitive, making them the most compassionate of the zodiac bunch. This can also be their downfall, too. Because they so effortlessly absorb the emotions of those surrounding them and can easily adapt to their circ*mstances, Pisces-born individuals have a tendency to be taken advantage of in relationships. They often see things as they would like them to be, rather than for how they really are. Ever the hopeless romantic, Pisceans do not like being alone. If you want to get on their good side, devote yourself to them and pull out all the stops when it comes to romance.
11. Aries
Primary Love Languages: Words of Affirmation and Quality Time
Fiercely independent and a go-getter, an Aries loves being showered with attention and compliments. The Ram isn’t afraid to go after what it wants, in all matters of the heart and mind. This sign loves being on both the giving and receiving end of praise. Though they love to talk about themselves and have bae whisper sweet-nothings in their ear, they also make great listeners, too.
12. Taurus
Primary Love Languages: Gift Giving and Physical Touch
It’s no secret that the dependable and strong-willed Taurus has a love for the finer things in life, whether that’s luxurious gifts or physical pleasure. The Bull is very sensual and devoted to its partner and secure in its relationships. Tauruses tend to seek out people who, like them, have exquisite taste and style, and love material things. Which explains why they prefer to do the gift giving than receive anything less than superb from others. They’d much rather you give them all of you, both mentally and physically, instead.
