You know the couple: One likes to go out, the other likes to stay in. One screams at the TV when their team loses, and the other sits in the corner, reading a book. One can talk to anyone–and often strikes up conversations with strangers, while the other will shut their mouth and look at their phone.
Watching from the outside, you’ll probably scratch your head and wonder, huh? You two have nothing in common; why are you trying to make this work? It’s not that you hate each other. Hell, you two never fight, at least in public anyway. Yet your differences are enough to make most couples go crazy, and yet, despite the fact that one of you will travel solo to Iceland while the other starts a book club, you somehow make it work. But is it really working?
Because you two also don’t kiss. You never hold hands. When you’re in a room together, do you even talk? Sure, you speak–but do you listen? As friends, it’s pretty much the same, but let’s be real, differences are more obvious in romantic partnerships because this is someone you’re actually choosing to be with, whereas in friendships, sometimes you’re just pushed together because of work or school.
So what am I getting at? Well, this is the relationship you two share, Cancer and Aquarius–and I bet if you’re reading this, you Cancer, spotted yourself, and Aquarius–well, let’s be honest, you’re probably too busy trekking to the globe to be on this page. So let’s explore this relationship and break down the basics to reveal that tolerance doesn’t always equate to love.
Cancer
Cancer, you’re incredibly in tune with your emotions, and part of this is because you spend so much time with yourself, you know exactly what you like, what you don’t, and how each will affect you. Yet, despite your self-awareness, that doesn’t mean you’ll always make the decisions that are best for you, especially with love.
You lead fully with your heart and not your head, meaning logic takes a backseat when it comes to the butterflies fluttering in your stomach.
You’re a nurturer by nature, a caregiver who loves to love and seeks genuine connection in every relationship you develop, whether platonic or more. Loyalty is everything to you, and although you’re sympathetic, you can suffer from mood swings, your feelings switching at the drop of a hat–your symbol is still the crab, after all. You don’t mean to snap at people, but it can happen sometimes, especially if you’re not prioritizing your own mental health. You need to know when to disconnect from people and recharge in the shell of your happy place. When you do that, your relationships with yourself and your loved ones will thrive.
Aquarius
Aquarius, you’re ruled by Uranus, the only planet that spins on its side. And that’s a perfect description of you: unique, individualistic, and free. You’re an outlier, a free spirit who sees the world just a little differently than everyone else. Some Zodiac signs will take the well-traveled path, and others will take the deserted one, but you, Aquarius, are off climbing the trees. You do things differently, and you won’t stand for someone who tries to stop you. Authority is your kryptonite, and you’ll flee from anything that suffocates you–including friends, family, and partners. You’re an air sign, representing your lofty nature, your head always in the clouds.
Yet, your symbol is also the water-bearer–two ocean waves–which indicates your unique way of thinking.
There’s a flow to everything you do; when the tide comes in, you’re already prepared for it to go back out, and you’ll be out seeking the next exciting experience. You want your hands in the clay of life, and if you don’t like what you’re seeing, you’re more than happy to mold it yourself.
Cancer and Aquarius in Friendship
It’s unlikely you two will cross paths until forced into the same proximity. If Cancer is sitting in the back of the brewery playing chess, Aquarius is the bartender making the beer. Or perhaps you share the same class–but while Cancer is taking notes and listening intently, Aquarius is stumbling in late.
Maybe your partners are roommates. While Cancer goes to sleep early on a Friday, Aquarius suggests a last-minute house party for the game. You get my point. You two couldn’t be more different.
Do you dislike each other? Not at all. Neither of you is really judgemental, and you’re too busy focusing on your own interests to judge the decisions of the people around you. But you definitely won’t understand one another.
Still, if you’re put in the same situation, conversation won’t be stiff. You’ll have things to talk about, mainly because Cancer, as a Cardinal sign, is eager to learn and try new things, and you Aquarius, a fixed sign, set in your sporadic ways, will offer Cancer a new perspective but you won’t hang around long enough for them to get to know you. The world is too interesting for that.
Friend Date: Mani/Pedi or Streaking on the Beach at Midnight?
You probably already know how this is going to go. Now before you just assume that Aquarius is an extrovert, and Cancer an introvert, remember that people are not that black and white. In fact, Aquarius, while maybe more talkative and curious than Cancer, relies on solitude in order to reset themselves, which is very similar to Cancer’s ways.
And Cancer isn’t always going to stay at home. They don’t mind getting out and meeting new people–that’s the cardinal sign in them–but they know how to put a boundary on their socializing for their mental health. Aquarius, on the other hand, when you get overwhelmed by social stimulation, you’ll Irish goodbye right out of there, and your friends may not even hear from you for another few days. You may have similar interests in places you want to hang out, and things you want to see, but the way you go about them will be drastically different.
Friend-Fection: Keep It on the Dl or Text ‘Love Ya Biatch?’
Cancer, you’re an emotionally sensitive person, someone in tune with how you feel. You also hate confrontation. You probably won’t express your emotions out loud to your friends until you’re incredibly comfortable with them, and even then, it will be difficult for you. Aquarius, you’re the exact opposite. You don’t give a crap what anyone thinks about you–and therefore, it’s unlikely your feelings are even going to get hurt unless someone really screws you over.
And if that happens, you’re just about as blunt as they come. You’ll say it as you see it, a bluntness and directness that will surprise some signs like Cancer. But you just don’t have time for it, Aquarius. You have no problem dropping people from your life because you know that you’re only as much as those you surround yourself with, and yet even though you’re open and honest, you also don’t hold grudges. If someone apologizes and it’s genuine, you’ll let it go–because you know that at the end of the anger only hurts you.
Dating Advice: Send His Name or Send His Social?
Cancer, you fall head first for new partners, especially ones who have a calming energy and mirror your interests. You’ll confide in a few of your closest friends, but Aquarius will not be one of them. If Aquarius sees how fast you’ve fallen, they’ll most definitely roll their eyes. You, Aquarius, don’t own rose-colored glasses. Dating is amusing only if there’s a point.
And you know very well that love is something that is only built with time and behavior. Infatuation will only hold you back. For that reason, not only do you fall quickly, but you won’t tell anyone about who you’re dating, partially because you’re private and partially because you just don’t care enough to talk about it. When you do find someone you like, your friends will only find out when you bring them out to hang out, and even then, your detachment may appear harsh, especially to sensitive, sensual people like Cancer.
Cancer and Aquarius in Love
If you’ve somehow made it to this point, it’s likely you were never friends. Maybe you were set up on a blind date. Maybe there’s a physical attraction that draws you to one another. Whatever the reason, this will be an interesting relationship that will probably go on for way too long.
Your friends will see it, but they won’t tell you, Cancer, for fear of upsetting you–since you’re probably the one clinging onto this sinking life raft. You’re not completely innocent here, Aquarius. This situation is almost too good for you. You’ve found a partner who truly lets you be you. They have their own life and enjoy their solitude and freedom enough to give you yours.
The only problem? You have no feelings for them whatsoever. And if you do, it’s probably more of something that’s developed out of habit and convenience than genuine romantic feelings. Your friends will bring it up to you, Aquarius, but you just don’t care what your friends think enough to actually do something about it.
The First Date: Roses or KFC?
The first date between you will probably be rocky. Aquarius will be late. Cancer will be early. Cancer will have ordered drinks when Aquarius realizes they actually want to go to the bar next door. If you two can stay past this point, Cancer, you’ll probably become intrigued.
Aquarius is bold and loud, two things you’re not, and they also don’t give a crap what anyone thinks, something you do. Aquarius, you’ll appreciate Cancer’s calming energy, and it’s something you’ll gravitate towards. If a second date happens, it’s probably because you saw more of the good than… well, the real truth beneath this honeymoon stage. That will happen soon enough. Cancer, you crave stability, and Aquarius, you’re seeking anything but routine.
Love Language Do’s and Don’ts: A Dealbreaker?
Yeah, this isn’t going to go well. Aquarius, you don’t even know what love languages are. How are you supposed to decide how to express your affection when you don’t even know how you’ll feel about someone in a week? Plus, this sounds way too much like a routine for you. You need a partner who is accepting of your spontaneity, ever-changing self, and Cancer is just not that.
Cancer, you’re not a rigid person. If anything, you are more than capable of going with the flow. But you like to know what you’re getting into, especially if you’re letting someone into your home, your safe space. You don’t mind a partner who has changing interests in expressing affection, but you need someone who is sensitive to your needs like you are to them. And Aquarius, well, they’re just jibing on a different plane.
Sexy Time: Slow and Steady or Chompin’ at the Bit?
Cancers, you like predictably when it comes to sex, mainly in that you prefer to sleep with the same partner. Connecting emotionally and mentally with someone is not only as important as the physical aspect of a relationship but imperative for intimacy to thrive. You will try new things and take the lead, but only if you feel comfortable with who you’re with. And Aquarius will test these boundaries.
Cancer, you’re more concerned with how your partner is feeling, while Aquarius, you’re probably thinking about how you’re going to get off. It’s not that you’re insensitive; you just know what you like, and you definitely don’t need an emotional connection in order to enjoy intimacy. In your mind, Aquarius, people take sex way too seriously, and Cancer, for you, is one of them.
The Verdict?
Do I even have to say it? Okay, I will. You’re not enemies. You’re not best friends and lovers. You’re that weird place where you get along, but you also actually don’t.
Compatibility Scale:
- 1- Get AWAY from me
- 2- Who are you again?
- 3- I tolerate you
- 4- You’re pretty cool
- 5- Let’s gooooo!
Friendship Compatibility
Love Compatibility
What if I Love This Person?
Oh, sweetie, this ain’t love. Break it off now before you become complacent and settle. Get a dog instead. They’ll love you more than this.
