True or untrue, believable or doubtful—whatever your stance is on horoscopes, if you said you’d never had a sneak peak at your own, you’d probably be lying. For the star-curious out there, I’ve compiled all the need-to-knows for when your horoscope meets your dating life, because, well, why not? I’ve also thrown in your horoscope compatibility (in chart order, not compatibility order). Since it’s currently Aries season, the newborns of the astrological new year, I’ll start with you.

This is a hot-headed fire sign, the hell yes or hell nos. Delightfully impulsive bunch, aggressively so in some scenarios. If you’re crushing on an Aries, be prepared to engage in some competitive behaviour, and also as a word of caution: don’t fall head over heels too fast, they can drop you like a hot potato. The best way to gauge how an Aries feels about you is through their actions: if they are consistent with showing up for you, they’re probably into you. Shower them in sparkly gifts and compliments, but not too much (timing is everything) and they don’t like anything soppy. There’s a very fine balance when it comes to dating an Aries, because you’ve got to play as much of a game that keeps them interested but you also have to adore them.

Most compatible with: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

The grounded and trustworthy Taurus, who also seem to be hopeless romantics in all senses. They crave stability, and are great at both finding and keeping the peace. Tauruses are incredibly stubborn though, which is both a blessing and a curse—they will stick with you through thick and thin, always. You want a Taurus to be on your side, and they will probably end up being one of the best lovers of your life if they choose you to be in theirs. Consistency is key with a Taurus. Also, stay totally honest and open with this star sign—cut the bullshit or they’ll cut you.

Most compatible with: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn and Pisces.

If you’re clingy in any way shape or form, you can forget about dating a Gemini. This sign has a lot to say, and they are defaulted to sharing whatever it is that’s on their mind, in whatever moment. Just let them change their mind about whatever they were banging on about just five minutes before, okay? This sign craves variety, newness, diversity, and this will show through who they hang out with as well as their likely huge group of friends. They define the word ‘flirtatiousness’, but also need space to do their own thing. Geminis are air signs after all, so keep it breezy, and never foggy.

Most compatible with: Aries, Leo, Libra and Aquarius.

Prepare to go deep. Like, deep. Dating a Cancer is like playing in the shallow waters at the beach to then suddenly, out of nowhere, you plummet off an underwater cliff. That’s only if you’re lucky though, because if they aren’t that into you, you’ll be hanging around in shallow light waves for a very long time. They don’t open up very easily, it’s a painfully slow process when it comes to them showing you their heart. Trust, family, comfort and care is truly everything for them (especially the trust part), so if you’re patient, a Cancer really is worth the wait. When or if they ever do love you, you’ll understand a whole new meaning to the words ‘nurture’ and ‘grow’.

Most compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces.

The Lion, it’s in the name—the king of the jungle. They love passionately, and expect a fairy tale from it. Leos lead with their heart, which can cause some drama, but know that you’ll never have to second guess if this star sign is into you or not, phew, relief! They are ambitious, and have a strong yet understated desire to be the one in control. When a Leo likes you though, you can bet on feeling safe and protected, with a side of bold and brash fireworking love.

Most compatible with: Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius.

Practical, analytical, picky, judgemental are just a few words to describe a Virgo. This might seem intimidating, because they live in the details of life. If you blurted out something you thought insignificant years before, have no doubt that they’ll remember it—so if you’re willing to be under a microscope of opinion and adoration, Virgo’s the one for you. Give them plenty of detail to look at and consider, they’re smart, so you’re in for some interesting conversations. Also, some exciting in between-the-sheets fun, because that’s when their minds finally turn off, let’s just say… they indulge.

Most compatible with: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio and Capricorn.

Balance. Libras are purists with their balance, and frankly I put them on a pedestal for it. They ebb and flow like no other sign, they seem to also focus on the ‘big’ pictures in a way that everything is part of a whole. There will be no hierarchy or control, just oneness. You will work as a team when dating a Libra. But you have to give back to them the effort that they put into you too. Make sure they know how you feel, and they will do the same. Expect the full monty when it comes to ‘love’ in a traditional sense, as they won’t hold back on the romance. A word of advice: don’t act jealous or as an individualist, that’s not team play.

Most compatible with: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

The most misunderstood and intense of the bunch, a water sign with emotions that run deep. They feel everything, and in a contradictory way to describe them: a Scorpio is like one enormous grey area that likes things to be black or white. You’re either in or you’re out with a Scorpio, all or nothing and it’s now or never. Decide fast too, because you’ll only have a few chances for them to trust you—when or if they do though (providing you don’t break it), they will love you for a lifetime. Show them your intentions clearly. Notoriously, all things sex and touch is important to a Scorpio, and I can tell you, that’s a fact. There’s a no bullshit policy with this star sign, small talk is nails on a chalkboard to a Scorpio, they want realness. If you’re lucky enough to win your way into this one’s heart, you will experience what it feels like to be limitless, both mentally and physically.

Most compatible with: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn and Pisces.

Bold and unafraid to be truthful, in any given circumstance, this sign will most definitely keep you on your toes. It’s possibly best if you let the Sagitarius think that you’re not actually dating too, you might scare them off otherwise. This is a fiercely independent sign that basically wants a best friend and partner in crime, and it’s a lot of fun. Both adventurous and energetic, you’ll never get bored, unless of course you get bored of exploring. New places, things, foods and sounds beckon a Sagittarius like a magnet in full force. They want all that life has to offer, so expect to learn a lot of lessons on letting go if you embark on a romantic journey with one of these people. Keep them laughing, keep them keen but know that you might not be keeping them either way.

Most compatible with: Aries, Leo, Libra and Aquarius.

Plan ahead, eyes on the prize—no task is impossible for a Capricorn to accomplish. They are very clear about what they want, and will want to know what you want in return. This sign values consistency and proactiveness like no other, and they’re in it for the long haul. They’re a little bit tough in love though, and are resilient in the face of uncertainty. Once secured and decided on loving you, they will want to feel that they can depend on you, so make sure you’re here to support them. They also are not one to let go of one of your passing comments, so beware, but on the other hand, your birthday will never be missed. Over all, Capricorns are extremely kind and rational, you will wine and dine to your heart’s content and feel the generosity and expansive love that they have to give, in a steady and consistent way.

Most compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces.

Flamboyantly independent by nature, you’ll spot one from a mile away if you know what to look for. This sign is attracted to revolutionaries, so definitely dare to be different here. They are in a world of their own, and unconventional in their ways, but extremely loyal if they’re into you, and will usually dive in head and body all at the same time. Expect romantic and large gestures, impulsive loving, and no stones left unturned. Leave your comfort zone behind too, as well as any pre-existing expectations, because an Aquarius will blow them out the water. They’re a lot of fun to be around, and will want to study and understand you as if you’re a painting hanging on a wall. Give them space when they need it, which will be often, and they might let their phone run out of battery for days, but they’ll be back if they want to be. Loving an Aquarius might be confusing, but it’ll be wonderful too.

Most compatible with: Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius.

Last but not least, the dreamer. This sign is emotional but not necessarily on the surface, they feel deeply, and think even deeper. Romance to a Pisces is classic, it’s picture book style classic. They will make you feel like the most beautiful thing in the room, and give you undivided attention when it’s just you and them on a date. They are creative and in tune with the world around them, but also live in a magical and fantastical world almost in parallel, and may drift in a way that makes it clear that they are somewhere else mentally. Pisces will bring joy and lightness to any given situation, expect to continuously giggle in new and wacky places each time you meet. They like to mix things up and are highly active, in a chameleonic and happy-go-lucky way. It might take a while for them to truly open up and tell you the truth of what’s really on their mind, as they tend to beat around the bush a bit, but a Pisces love is one you may never forget.

Most compatible with: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio and Capricorn.

Lockdown as we know it is over, and after each of us had all the time in the world to reevaluate our mere existence, it seems like we are now ready to turn over a new leaf. One reflection in particular that all of us took part in during quarantine, in some way or another, was one that focused on our relationships in general, but as we crawl back into the world, we’ve noticed an impressive rise in romantic breakups, the breakup phase of lockdown perhaps—which makes us question if lust is the new love. To find out why so many couples are breaking up during and after lockdown, I spoke to a few people and found common (and a little less common) reasons.

To visualise the three types of relationships I’ll mainly be talking about, I give you, exhibit a) The vase. The strong and sturdy relationship that once held pretty flowers—but knocked off their perches, were smashed into smithereens. Metaphorically. Think of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with gold lacquer. Or in other words, the ones still fixing their otherwise broken relationships.

Then we have exhibit b) The lightbulb. The clear cut moments of truth. The ones that dumped, or did the dumping. The ones that suddenly realised by seeing clearly, they were better off without each other. I feel for them all, but let’s be honest here, if you can’t make it work during an end of the world type scenario, then they probably weren’t the one for you.

Finally, exhibit c) The bathmat. The one we don’t enjoy investing much in, but buy anyway. The soft, comforting luxury of a relationship that rose and fell in lockdown.

So, who dared to enter the no exit zone of their confined spaces for what felt like never-ending months? Who probably saw sides to their partners they wished they could unsee? There was no place to hide, with no pubs to go to, no brunches with friends, no hungover lunches at family gatherings—just two people stuck together, indefinitely.

Bowel movements became part of the entire household’s agenda. And for those of you out there that like a Hollywood wax to feel sexy, I have extra sentiments for you. Life got real traumatic, the at-home wax almost turned into a trip to A&E, and the over-priced epilator you ordered after scrolling through Amazon recommendations is now gathering cobwebs.

Let’s talk to exhibit a) The Vase, who had a slightly irrational, but somewhat humorous reason to break up—in hindsight. This no longer couple admitted that they simply wanted different things for comfort when things got tough, but it took time in the bedroom to realise that this was the case. Let’s just say, the positioning was just not quite right.

One half of my anonymous interviewees confessed their side of the problem. “I just didn’t want to do anal. Ok?” which is fair enough, but is it enough to break up over? They added that “Just because we were experimenting, spicing things up not to get bored, does not mean that I have to sit on the ultimatum of our relationship based on the fact that I won’t voluntarily leak shit onto the sheets… Glad he asked now and not 5 years down the line locked into a house because of a newborn child.”

What really stands out here is “locked into a house,” with a side of frustration over a bed of newly discovered differences. The vase is a stark example, however it is one that stems from bottled up energy, and that can be related to many of our situationships.

The tensions that rose within relationships of all kinds this year aren’t necessarily surprising, a global-pandemic is enough to send all of our stress levels through the roof.

Now, the all-familiar exhibit b) The light bulb. This no longer couple broke up because one of them suddenly had the urge to ‘live their life’ and ‘figure out what they wanted’ when lockdown was lifted. The grass is always greener on the other side, right? A heartbreaking illusion, or a matter of fact.

Last but by no means least, exhibit c) Our dear bathmat. A relationship that rose and fell during lockdown, the good old FaceTime dater. To give you an idea of what we’re dealing with here, there is no space—no space at all, on a FaceTime call for an awkward silence with someone you barely know. Blame the bad signal all you want.

And the excitement of those ‘what’s your favourite’ something or other texts? It quickly wears off. Then, when you finally meet as lockdown lifts, you’ve exhausted all your chat, both forcing fireworks because you’ve spent so much time on the damn idea of this person that you can’t just back out for boredom now.

In truth though, you can just back out. Of anything. Lockdown has made a lot of people realise that you don’t need to be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s made a lot of us more patient in day to day tasks but short-fused when it comes to our affection and time, because we value it more than we did before. I guess we have to ask ourselves, is this person better than all that came before? Now, If this was the end of the world, why stay with a pressure to love over a freedom to love? Beats me.