Cancer and Leo: Can They Make It Work?

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Let’s put it this way, friends. Sometimes, opposites do not attract. And you two, Cancer and Leo, couldn’t be more different.

Cancer is ruled by the moon, and Leo is ruled by the sun. Cancer, the introvert who avoids confrontation; Leo, the extrovert and center of attention.

But what if you’ve found yourself friends with this person? Or perhaps you’re already falling in love.

Both are likely, as while you two are drastically different, you’re both kind people who enjoy uplifting others. It’s likely you may already have this person in your life.

One of the great things about astrology is that the more you understand the traits that form someone’s personality, the more you can understand why they do the things they do.

I can sit here all day and say that you two will not get along, but people aren’t that black and white. Not only is astrology more than just your sun signs, experience also shapes people. Plus, just because an astrology blog says you two are meant to be together doesn’t mean you’re going to drop a friend or a lover immediately.

Hopefully, I can at least give you a deeper understanding of each of these signs so you can learn how to adapt to traits that may differ from yours. After all, you don’t need to change who you are to get along with someone if you can, at the least, understand why they act the way they do. So, let’s break it down!

Cancer Zodiac Symbol

Cancer

You’re the homebody of the Zodiac, Cancer, an introvert who needs time to themself to recharge and reset your emotional setpoint to find stability.

Like your symbol, the crab, you will revert to your shell if you feel overstimulated by people around you.

Still, as a cardinal sign, you enjoy taking the initiative and will probably come up with plans and ideas for ways to spend time with your friends.

Your heart guides your way in everything you do in life; your emotional sensitivity makes you empathetic and vulnerable, someone who craves genuine connection.

You’re ruled by the moon, the planet that controls emotions, intuition, and wisdom.

Like the changing tide, you can be moody, especially if you become overstimulated. This is why having your home as a nurturing, safe space is so important to your mental wellbeing.

Water signs, like you, are emotional and intuitive–so combine that with your ruling planet, and you can see just how connected to your emotions you may be. But water signs are also passive, receptive, and incredibly private.

You only open your heart up to very specific people you fully trust, but once you let that person into your life, you’re there for good because loyalty is everything to you.

Leo Zodiac Symbol

Leo

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s you, Leo, a fixed fire sign, ruled by the sun. So what does this mean?

The sun, your ruling planet, represents pride, drive, and ego, a combination you probably have to some degree.

Like your symbol, the lion, you’re brave and proud. You have an inner circle, a pride, if you will, a core inner circle to, one you’re incredibly loyal to.

When you invite people into your personal space, you will give your whole heart to those you love. You gain your energy from being around other people, and because you’re a fire sign, your energy is intense and passionate, your natural optimism lighting up every room you enter.

Yet, because you’re a fixed sign, you’re also incredibly stubborn, and once you find a routine you enjoy, it’s unlikely you’ll step outside of that pattern.

You’re an extrovert, craving attention wherever you go. You’re incredibly confident, which can come off as arrogant to some and admirable to others.

You’re showy and have a flair for the dramatic, craving giant gestures wherever you go.

Cancer and Leo in Friendship

As a fire sign, Leo, you’re carrying a torch wherever you go. You’re often the center of attention, and although you have a core inner circle, you’re incredibly extroverted and social, and you love meeting new people. You’ll make friends wherever you go, and you’re eager for new experiences and fun adventures, wanting to shine your light and uplift those around you.

Cancer, on the other hand, as a water sign, you’re more passive, tending to go with the flow over dominating a room. If Leo is front and center, you’re on the sidelines, letting them take the stage, and that’s just the way you like it. Still, you both share similar values of loyalty in your relationships and crave trust and connection from those you spend time with.

Friend Date - Calendar

Friend Date: Mani/Pedi or Streaking on the Beach at Midnight?

You may likely share some of the same friends. Perhaps you met through school or sports. Maybe you’re acquaintances or best friends who just accept that you’re incredibly different people. There’s a reason for that.

Although you two share similar values and are kind, loyal people, your approach to life is drastically different.

Cancer, you prefer intimate gatherings with close friends, and although you’re sociable, it’s nothing compared to Leo.

Leo, you’ll put yourself out there, making yourself known in whatever room you walk into. You’re loud and passionate, expressive in everything you do. You gain energy from the people around you, while you, Cancer, need to recharge alone, in the haven of your home.

While Leo, you’re more likely to want to go out on a Friday night because you’re a fixed sign; once you know what you like, you will stick with that routine.

Cancer, on the other hand, you’re more spontaneous and open to new experiences–but only when you’re in the right mindset to socialize.

For that reason, you two experience the world from different vantage points, and if you want your friendship to work, you need to understand that your differences will dictate how you spend your time.

Friend-Fection Icon

Friend-Fection: Keep It on the Dl or Text ‘Love Ya Biatch?’

Cancer, confrontation, and disagreements are difficult for you. Because you’re in tune with your emotions and a sensitive person, you’ll need to talk about things eventually, but depending on who you’re with, it could be difficult, mainly because you’re a people pleaser and you don’t like hurting people’s feelings. Still, you need to be able to express yourself in order to build trust in friendships.

Leo, although you’re passionate and won’t hesitate in expressing your feelings, it’s easier for you to give criticism than take it. You can have a bit of an ego sometimes, and you will take feedback, even the most lighthearted kind, incredibly personal.

Cancer, being sensitive, will appear too needy for you, Leo. While your reaction, fire sign Leo, will rub Cancer as too intense. If you, Leo, don’t learn how not to take everything personally, it’s likely Cancer will avoid expressing themselves and gradually gain resentment.

For that reason, you Cancer, need to learn that confrontation, while overwhelming, is sometimes necessary to keep a friendship intact.

Dating Advice Icon

Dating Advice: Send His Name or Send His Social?

You’re both guilty of falling fast and hard with new partners, but for different reasons.

Leo, you’ll scroll dating apps for fun, and probably see dating as an enjoyable way to spend time. This is mainly because you crave attention and you enjoy meeting new people and sharing fun experiences.

Cancer, meanwhile, you’ll be more hesitant about dating, but when you do date, you’ll be searching for genuine connections.

When either of you build a connection with someone, you’ll funnel all your attention to it, losing yourself to the fantasy of new love.

Leo, you’ll tell everyone about your new love. Cancer, more private, will keep it to yourself until you are sure this is something worth talking about.

Cancer and Leo in Love

Cancer, you’re much more passive in comparison to forward Leo, and you may struggle with Leo’s desire to take the lead. You typically don’t mind going with the flow, Cancer, but Leo is very set in their ways–specifically their desire to constantly be surrounded by people. This can overwhelm you, Cancer.

Still, you both will probably give this a shot, because you’ll realize you have shared values like loyalty and trust. Leo, you’ll trust Cancer much faster than Cancer will trust you, mainly because you give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

Cancer, you may struggle with Leo’s constant desire to be surrounded by people, and although you’re not normally jealous, Cancer, your desire for one-on-one quality time with Leo will make Leo feel smothered. Unless you can come to a compromise on how you two spend time, it’s likely this won’t pan out.

First Date Icon

The First Date: Roses or KFC?

This will be an interesting one. Cancer, you’ll be intrigued by Leo’s passion and intensity, their ability to talk to anyone.

Leo, you’re naturally charming, and first dates are effortless for you. This will make you, Cancer, feel comfortable, if not a little shoved to the side when Leo takes the full spotlight on your dates.

Leo, will dominate the conversation, something that won’t bother you at first, Cancer, but could become a problem later on.

Cancer’s sensitivity will interest you, Leo, and while a second date is likely, eventually, you two may realize that you’re just too different to make this work.

Love Language Icon

Love Language Do’s and Don’ts: A Dealbreaker?

Cancer, you are soft-spoken compared to bold Leo, and your differing communication styles will create issues if you don’t learn how to find a balance.

Cancer, you will need to work on speaking up and not being afraid of Leo’s possibly intense reaction. While you, Leo, can work on listening before you become defensive and rush to the conclusion that you’re being attacked. Even if you master this, your love languages will be very different.

Cancer, you value quality time with your partner, while Leo, you’re more interested in grand gestures. In order to get along, Cancer, you’ll need to go out of your way to make Leo feel special and wanted, while you, Leo, will need to accept that Cancer isn’t as social as you are.

Cancer will need quiet nights at home, which may be difficult for your social butterfly self, Leo. Only through compromise will this work.

Sexy Time Icon

Sexy Time: Slow and Steady or Chompin’ at the Bit?

Cancer, you’re much more sensual when it comes to love and intimacy. You want genuine connection and need to feel a sense of trust between new partners in order to open yourself up to them. This is especially the case if you’re bringing someone new into your home, a space that you reserve as a safe haven for yourself.

Leo, you see physical touch as just another way to express your affection with your partner, and you’re probably quicker to jump into the bedroom than Cancer. If a potential partner isn’t making the move, you’ll take it personally, Leo.

In your mind, if you’re not taking that step, then where is this going? Intimacy is a natural part of relationships, so why not skip to the point?

Fortunately, Cancer is a cardinal sign, so if they trust you, they will make the move. But building that trust may take too long for you, Leo. You trust much faster than Cancer, and for you, Leo, Cancer just takes life a little too seriously.

The Verdict?

Like I said, take my opinion for what you will, but it’s likely that unless some serious compromises are made in both your friendship and relationship, your drastically opposing perspectives on life will make a long-term bond difficult.

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

3.0 Gold Stars

Love Compatibility

3.0 Gold Stars

What if I Love This Person?

I mean, good luck? Maybe ask yourself if you’re both romanticizing this before going ring shopping.