With over half of Americans aged 18 and older married in 2016, there is no questioning the fact that marriage is still alive and well in the United States today. However, as the face of marriage is changing, and many still face the reality of divorce, we are often left wondering whether we’ve got what it takes to make this whole plan work.
There are many articles making their way around social media, each professing to carry the secret to a successful marriage. Some talk about the importance of communication, discussing all the ways that it can bring you closer together. Others bring together the tried and tested advice of hundreds of married couples across the country, sharing their own personal tricks and secrets to a happy, lasting marriage.
One has to wonder, however, are there some people that are just better suited to this type of long-term commitment. We each possess our own unique personality traits, complete with our own strengths and weaknesses. While some will find it easier to meet new people, others may find that dedication and long-term thinking come naturally. This doesn’t necessarily mean that anyone is destined to fail, simply that some aspects of a relationship may be more work for some of us than others.
What are your relationship strengths and weaknesses? How naturally successful will you be at marriage?
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Flirtatious and driven, if there is one strength that Aries possesses when it comes to relationships, it’s the ability to make the first move. While they have all intentions of staying committed, they will struggle with one major flaw – Aries is driven by excitement and adventure, and they find themselves getting bored quickly. While their relationships often start off heated and passionate, they often fade out quickly. If they are going to make a relationship or a marriage last, they will have to find a way to keep the spark and the excitement alive each and every day.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Grounded and stable, a Taurus in a committed relationship will go to great lengths to care for and protect those that they love. They aren’t afraid of hard work and will put the time and effort into building a loving home, a solid foundation and the ideal environment for a relationship to thrive. They are built for a long-term commitment with one major hiccup – Taurus has a SERIOUS stubborn streak that they are going to have to work past in order to avoid blowing up everything that matters.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
Fun-loving and high energy, Gemini is always on the go. They genuinely love life and make a point of embracing all that it has to offer at every turn. It’s not that they aren’t interested in finding love, but hey refuse to settle down until they find someone that can keep up with them, both in energy and intellectual conversation. They need someone that will command their attention, push them to step out of their comfort zone and introduce a little extra fun into their lives. However, they may want to town down the chatter just a little… not everyone wants you to talk their ear off.
Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
There is no denying the fact that Cancer is sensitive and compassionate, which will allow them to connect with anyone that they meet at an incredibly deep and meaningful level. This will give the illusion at first that every relationship is ‘the one’, however, in time, the struggles will present themselves. Cancer is needy, overly emotional and a master at holding grudges. They are going to have to learn to keep their own emotions in check before anything can last. Emotions can both strengthen and destroy a relationship, it all depends on the effort they are willing to put in.
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Confident and bold, Leo knows what they want out of life and they refuse to settle for anything less. This doesn’t mean that they can’t make a relationship work, but as a fixed sign they aren’t likely going to change too much. Therefore, they need to find someone whose personality will fit with their own. They long to be the dominant one in a relationship, seeking a partner that they can protect and provide for. With the right connection, they make for loving, dedicated and devoted partners for life.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
As they are complete perfectionists, Virgo will go to great lengths to make any relationship work which makes them incredibly dedicated partners. They need to feel needed in order to feel like they are in a happy, lasting relationship as it gives them purpose. They do have incredibly high standards when it comes to considering their potential partners, but there is a risk that these standards will be too high, impossibly high. They need to take a step back and reconsider the demands that they are placing on those around them. They may be keeping the ‘right person’ out over a simple technicality.
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
When a Libra gets into a relationship, their love for harmony and balance ensures that they will do whatever it takes to keep their partner happy and all they ask for is respect and understanding in return. They are highly expressive, openly sharing their thoughts and feelings with their partner which opens the door for healthy communication. If they are such great partners, why are so many Libras single? They have this idea of the ‘perfect partner’ and refuse to settle for anything less. However, as many of us have come to accept, perfection doesn’t exist.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
The highly mysterious mind of a Scorpio often struggles to get into a serious relationship due to the barriers that they have built around their heart. The truth is that they are afraid of being hurt, and so they keep the rest of the world at an arm’s length at all times. If someone does manage to break through the walls that they have built, they are opening the door to a committed and passionate lover. Scorpio will move heaven and earth to keep their partners happy, doing whatever it takes to make any relationship that they commit themselves to last.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
While some signs desire nothing more than to find the one and settle down, the opposite is true for a Sagittarius. The adventurers of the zodiac, the idea of being tied down actually triggers fear and anxiety in their mind. In order for a Sagittarius to make a relationship last, they need to find their partner in crime, someone that will explore the world with them. They crave excitement, new experiences and the opportunity to truly ‘live’ the life that they have been given. They are a little rough around the edges, but if the right person comes into their lives they will do what they can to polish themselves up when needed.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
The biggest struggle when it comes to Capricorn is the fact that they live their lives based on logic and facts, often denying the emotional side of their lives even exists. Unfortunately for them, emotions are essential for a lasting, successful relationship. If someone can get a Capricorn to open up, they are genuine and sincere. However, they often prioritize their career efforts over their relationship due to their intense need to thrive and succeed. This isn’t to say that they can’t make a relationship work long-term, but they will need to find a partner that can support their ambition.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Some signs will connect with their partners on an emotional level, while others will rely on physical expressions of love. Aquarius, however, needs to connect on someone on a deeply intellectual level in order for it to last, or they will simply become uninspired and move on. They pride themselves in their independence and their ability to stand out in a world that demands conformity, and so they need to find someone that can embrace every last quirk, flaw and eccentricity. They need someone that is going to run with them, taking life by the reigns and embracing all that it has to offer.
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
The dreamers of the zodiac, Pisces has been planning out the day when they find ‘the one’ since they were young children. They love fairy tales and truly believe that their ‘happily-ever-after’ is out there waiting for them somewhere. However, when the reality is before them it is a little more complicated. They are complex individuals and need to find someone that can connect with them on an intellectual, emotional and spiritual level. It’s a big demand, but not impossible. Unfortunately, they can sometimes become jaded to the idea of love after having their heart broken the first time. It’s important to keep their heart and mind open if they are ever going to find the love that they crave.