LIFE

Sure, they might be cuter than the puppy your fam got for Christmas, but are they *really* your perfect match? The secret to bae bliss is in the stars, bb.

Who you'll end up vibing with can sometimes feel like an elusive mystery: Sure, you have a very clear idea of what your ideal crush will be like...but then you fall for the last person you'd expect. Who knew?

Well, astrology did. When you have a solid understanding of your own sign (your strengths, your flaws, your core interests), you can gain clarity on why you're into certain types of people—even if they're your complete opposite.

So read on to find what really attracts your sign, as well as some of the most compatible matches out there for you. Consider your next crush written in the stars...

ARIES

Ruled by action-oriented Mars, you're incredibly driven—and enchanted by people who are equally ambitious and passionate. But the quality you love most? Patience. You're drawn to those who are talented *and* determined. Rams can get easily discouraged when things don't work out, so you're inspired by someone who chips away at a goal until it's finally a reality (even if they fail at first, which is one of your biggest fears). Paired together, you're capable of just about anything. 

Most compatible signs: Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Aquarius

TAURUS

You love your comforts and pride yourself on having the cutest room ever. That said, you'd like to leave it now and again, so your ideal crush is someone who inspires you to venture into the world (but, ya know, in reasonable ways). Think less "hike with no cell service" and more "catching the band that's been dominating your playlist." You need someone who thinks of fun, exciting things to do but also plans out everything (and is reliable!). Curiosity and spantaneity with a healthy dose of structure? Yes, pls!

Most compatible signs: Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer

GEMINI

You love chatting up complete strangers and making new friends just about everywhere you go. To stand out, your crush has to actually, well, stand out! Maybe they're an exchange student (faraway places makes you swoon), maybe they're the class clown (and funniest person you've ever met) or maybe they're just so good at keeping you engaged that you forget about everyone else around. Whatever it is, it makes you notice (and remember) them from all the people you interact with—no small feat!

Most compatible signs: Virgo, Capricon, Pisces

CANCER

You've been known to recede into your crab shell at times, so you find someone who speaks their mind to be especially magnetic. Sometimes sharing your feelings can seem like the most daunting thing in the world, so seeing someone do it as easily as breathing is super attractive to Cancers. You view bold baes as brave, confident and fully in charge of themselves, so it's hard not to fall in love, especially when they're someone who can help you learn to be your true self a little more often, too. 

Most compatible signs: Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus, Virgo

LEO

Leos are generous, loyal, bold and attention-grabbing. So the way to your heart is someone going out of their way to notice and appreciate you. You don't care for games—if someone likes you, you want it to be glaringly obvious by their words and actions. You expect nothing less than frequent cuddles, compliments and all-around appreciation. Luckily, for any of your suitors, wooing you is as straightforward as it gets. And lucky for you, you know and appreciate genuine affection when you see it. 

Most compatible signs: Aries, Gemini, Libra

VIRGO

Acts of service is the always caring Virgo's love language, meaning that the type of person who catches your eye is someone who, like you, is quick to notice other people's needs (especially yours) and tend to them. Whether it's something as big as surpising you with a birthday bash or as small as sending a short check-in text when they know you're feeling down, this person is always thinking of little ways to make your life easier and happier—just as you do for them. 

Most compatible signs: Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio

LIBRA

As a bona fide social butterfly, you're most attracted to someone who brings people together the way you do. The infactuation multiplies if they have fab friends (who you'll no doubt be spending a ton of time with). To you, their choice in besties says everything about them. Nothing seals the deal more than feeling included—and hearing from their own friends how loved they are. It's just the little extra reassurance you need that the person you like really *is* that great.

Most compatible signs: Gemini, Aquarius, Leo, Sagittarius

SCORPIO

You admire someone who seems straightforward and loyal, with nothing to prove. You have little patience for dishonesty, even if it comes in the form of white lies (which you can always detect). The person who draws you in is consistent and open, without a shady bone in their body. You're most interested in those who don't (unpleasantly) surprise you or always try to impress you. To you, the rarest and most fascinating person is someone who is exactly as they seem.

Most compatible signs: Cancer, Pisces, Virgo

SAGITTARIUS

Sags love adventure and new experiences—and they're defined by the freedom and independence they seek in their relationships. As a Sag, your crush is someone who has a lot going on in their life but still has space for you, too. Your dream partnership is feeling together but separate: Two unique people with different hobbies and interests who can show up for each other without being too smothering (nothing freaks you out more than losing all your individual qualities in the relationship).

Most compatible signs: Leo, Aries, Libra, Aquarius

CAPRICORN

One of the hardest working signs, Caps can be *so* set in their ways that they miss out on life (particularly if there are any risks involved). That's why your crush might very well be a person who doesn't feel convenient: They're someone who will distract you, cause you to daydream and help you realize there's more to life than being perfect. They'll encourage you to take a break and go for a long, rambling hike with them (but will be sure you're home on time to finish that essay because they know you too well).

Most compatible signs: Virgo, Taurus, Scorpio, Pisces

AQUARIUS

An always curious sign, you're most intrigued by a bae who loves to learn new things as much as you do. They're someone you can see yourself chatting with for hours, bouncing from topic to topic. You especially value people who don't act like they're intellectually or morally superior to others (in fact, some of your fave topics are self-improvement and activism). You're most connected to those you feel like you can grow with—and who challenge your views in a healthy way.

Most compatible signs: Libra, Aries, Sagittarius

PISCES

Creative and passionate with an emotional, watery energy (but also known to be a bit, ahem, moody), Pisces are attracted to people who can lighten them up and make them laugh. You can get so deeply committed to all your endeavors (and totally devastated when something doesn't work out), so your best match has an easy sense of humor and quick wit. They can show you how to brush off those disappointments and not take life—or yourself—so seriously. 

Most compatible signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Capricorn

Are you wondering what your sign *really* means? Check out these related posts: 

⭐️ Your 2022 horoscope (aka why this year is getting a crucial update)

⭐️ So you've heard about Big 3 astrology—but what about your Big 6?

⭐️ Here's the astrology app that's perfect for *you*

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/March 2022 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Edited for digital by Allie Lijewski.

by Lily Johnson | 2/1/2022