Breaking up is a pretty universal experience, but just as there are countless ways to sing the blues, there are unlimited approaches to separation. Sometimes, one of the worst parts of a split is discovering that you and your former lover have completely dissimilar breakup styles.
If you’re all about establishing closure through discussion but your ex wants nothing more than to pretend they never met you, their icy attitude could feel like salt rubbed into a wound.
Thankfully, the teachings of astrology offer boundless insight into breakups. Your zodiac or sun sign, determined by your date of birth, defines your personality, basic preferences, and how you interact with the world.
Unsurprisingly, your sun sign can also help you identify and understand your go-to relationship exit strategy.
Aquarius (January 20th-February 18th)
Within a relationship, Aquarians are playful and inspiring, but they’re sure to exhibit their signature aloofness during breakups. Whether or not they ask for a split, they approach separation from a highly intellectual perspective, closely analyzing the relationship’s successes and failures. They may even find academic studies that support their theories. This clinical approach to heartache may seem detached, but it’s how these heady air signs cope. Even if they express their emotions in unusual ways, they do feel them, and they need support from their loved ones to heal.
Aquarius know their worth. You are strong and independent. Because of this, you may not feel as deeply hurt after a breakup as some of the other signs – but that doesn’t mean it won’t sting a little.
Pisces (February 19th-March 20th)
Pisces would rather not deal with difficult situations, and accordingly, their style of breaking up is often vague and inconclusive. Because these ethereal fish exist within the abstract realm, concrete boundaries are not their strong suit, and instead of establishing conclusive endings, they prefer to drift away from lovers and relationships, leaving more questions than answers in their wake. Since they often receive clarity through dreams, Pisces should get plenty of rest during breakups and trust their guts to tell them what decisions should be made.
As a Pisces, your sensitive and compassionate nature will reflect exactly how you’ll feel after a breakup. You’ll feel profoundly betrayed after a heartbreak, and you’ll surround yourself with plenty of loved ones to help you through it.
Aries (March 21st-April 19th)
A remorseful Aries will do anything to prove their love and devotion, including grandiose gestures such as planning elaborate reconciliation dinners or showing up outside their ex’s window with a boombox (John Cusack’s character in Say Anything was definitely an Aries). If you’re an Aries wooing an ex, make sure you’re not in the chase for the sake of an adrenaline rush: Do you really want to reunite, or are you just looking for another victory?
Your sign feels most comfortable when in a position of power. Considering this, you might take heartbreak harshly because everything feels like it’s spiraling out of control. However, you’ll find a way to push through anyway; you are naturally headstrong and confident. Sometimes you tend to bottle up your emotions, but you should always remember that it’s OK to talk it through with someone you trust.
Taurus (April 20th-May 20th)
Taureans embrace logic and practicality, which often makes it difficult for these celestial bulls to explore the nuances of separation: A Taurus breakup is very black-and-white, and the Taurus ex is cordial but stubborn. There is no room for compromise once a decision has been made. What’s more, hell hath no fury like a Taurus scorned. Loyalty is everything to a Taurus, so if Taurus’s lover proves to be unfaithful, the breakup won’t be fueled by obstinance alone — it will also be driven by rage. (Other signs be warned: When these celestial bulls see red, it’s best to get far, far out of their way.)
As a Taurus, you thrive when you have a sense of stability. Because of this, you aren’t too keen on sudden changes. After a breakup, it may take you some time to get used to being single again.
Gemini (May 21st-June 20th)
On the very rare occasion that these celestial twins initiate a breakup, they are also known to use clever mental and emotional tactics to make it seem as if the split is actually what their partner wants, a classic Gemini move. As the social butterflies of the zodiac, Gemini recover through storytelling, editing their breakup drama into sad and hilarious tales to share over drinks. While some might label this “kiss and tell” behavior, a Gemini calls it healing.
Geminis are notoriously proud people. After a breakup, this pride becomes a bit damaged. In order to build yourself back up again, you try not to think about the one who hurt you and instead concentrate on someone who’s worthy of your time.
Cancer (June 21st-July 22nd)
Cancers are symbolized by the crab, and accordingly, these water signs use their tough shells to protect their sensitive interiors. It takes time for these celestial crustaceans to build trust, so it’s not easy for Cancers to enter serious, committed relationships. When a Cancer finally feels safe in a partnership, they do not want it to end. Cancers are romantics at heart, and they will always fight for their relationships.
Cancers take heartbreak particularly hard. You are deeply emotional, caring and sensitive. When someone hurts you, you take it personally. You might draw back into your shell for awhile in order to let yourself heal – and that’s OK. Take as much time as you need, but never forget that you have people who care about you and will help you through this.
Leo (July 23rd-August 22nd)
Symbolized by the lion, Leos are known for their vivacious personalities and radiant extravagance. These fire signs are enchanted by romance — after all, Leo governs the heart — and Leo partnerships are often fueled by infatuation. Simply put, Leos love to be in love. But when the flame begins to dim and a Leo senses that a relationship is spiraling, they try to protect their pride by doing the dumping. They can usually bounce back fairly quickly from breakups they initiate.
As a Leo, you exude confidence. When someone hurts you, they hurt your ego as well. However, since you are prideful by nature, you’ll simply pick yourself up and keep on going until you find someone who’ll treat you like the queen you are.
Virgo (August 23rd-September 22nd)
Since they prefer to avoid conflict, these earth signs frequently attempt to leave without a difficult discussion. When a conversation is unavoidable, Virgos are extremely apologetic and quick to alleviate the tension by assuming total and complete responsibility, proclaiming some variation of “It’s not you, it’s me.” When a breakup takes a Virgo by surprise, on the other hand, these earth signs find it hard to let go. You can always spot a dumped Virgo by their carefully constructed arguments detailing why and how their former relationships were scientifically perfect. Virgos should remember that their romantic decisions should be informed by a partnership’s reality, not its potential.
Since you’re highly analytical, you might’ve already had an idea that something was up – and of course, you already have a plan in place to distract yourself from the pain if anything ever was. You take satisfaction in always being prepared. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re automatically fine (even with distractions).
Libra (September 23rd-October 22nd)
Libras are all about pairs. After all, Libra is represented by the scales, a symbol of harmony, and governed by Venus, the planet of love. Since Libras are happiest when they’re coupled up, it’s no surprise that these air signs move seamlessly between relationships. In Libra’s perfect world, breakups wouldn’t exist: Partnerships would be fluid states that can start and stop without any formalities. The truth is, Libras like to keep the door open. They acknowledge that different relationships satisfy distinct needs, and until a Libra knows exactly what they want long-term, they believe it’s best to maintain their options. Why create rigid boundaries?
A breakup can unhinge your sense of balance. You also might carry a bit of a grudge afterward. Just know that they aren’t worth your energy, Libra.
Scorpio (October 23rd-November 21st)
Though mysterious Scorpios maintain their calm and collected exteriors, they often manifest their intense emotions in secret, compulsive behavior (for instance, a Scorpio may block their ex on social media, only to create an anonymous account to follow this ex’s activity without detection). The best way for a Scorpio to mend a broken heart is to dive into the depths of their soul, confront their fears, and allow themselves to fully process their darker emotions.
As a Scorpio, you have issues with trusting people already. A heartbreak will only heighten your feelings of uncertainty and mistrust. It might take you a while to put yourself back out there.
Sagittarius (November 22nd-December 21st)
When a Sagittarius is unexpectedly dumped, though, they sing a very different tune, making it their mission to reclaim their love. It may seem romantic, but in reality, these valiant efforts often have more to do with impulse than adoration: Sagittarians will stop at nothing to satisfy their passions, so whether their journey leads them down the Amazon River or to their ex’s door with boxes of roses, archers will only be satisfied once the goal is achieved. If you’re a Sagittarian yearning for an ex, think carefully about whether you’re ready to stick around if they let you back in.
You are one of the most independent signs of the zodiac. A breakup is sure to sting, but it won’t last. You know deep down that the only person you need to make happy is you. After giving yourself a little time, you’re ready to dive head first into your next romantic adventure.
Capricorn (December 22nd-January 19th)
Capricorns are known to be stoic and unemotional. While these sea goats are certainly warmer than their reputations suggest, when it comes to breaking up, Capricorns excel at cutting the cord. Within a relationship, these earth signs are reliable, loyal, sensual partners. They’re interested in building long-lasting partnerships to help them weather life’s inevitable ups and downs (Capricorns are governed by taskmaster Saturn, and they’re no stranger to hardship).
As a Capricorn, you are incredibly disciplined and hardworking. Because of this, you’ll view a breakup as a chance to better yourself and your future relationships.