This Is How Aries Pairs With Each Zodiac Sign In Matters Of The Heart
Aries is a passionate lover. Aries loves the excitement, the chase, and the spark of a relationship and is often the initiator, being a cardinal sign and the first sign of the zodiac. They are not the type of people to shy away from anything, and they have no problem making the first move. An Aries loves their freedom and prefers to do things on their own terms, including love. They look for a partner who can match their energy and keep up with them in life, and not someone they feel is going to hold them back. Aries is a young soul and has a free spirit about them that often attracts others to them.
Aries In Love & Relationships
Aries in love is a unique experience, as Aries is more of an independent sign and isn’t focused as much on the relationship aspects of life. Aries value individuality and know and enjoy themselves well, so when they meet someone who they feel is more interesting than themselves or just as, they give it their all. This energy is felt by the people they are in relationships with, and they make their partners feel special.
Aries Compatibility: Best & Worst Love Matches in the Zodiac
Aries’ fire in the relationship, however, can go out if there isn’t enough spark and passion in the relationship, and being with an Aries long-term isn’t for the weak. Though, if you win their trust and treat every day like you just met for the first time, then your Aries will be there till the end for you.
Read below to see what each sign’s compatibility with Aries is like. Check sun, moon, and Venus signs.
Who Are Aries Most Compatible With?
Aries and Aries Love Compatibility
The love compatibility between an Aries and an Aries is a wild combination to see together. Dating your own sign and seeing couples in a relationship with their own sign is rare, however, fire signs in general typically do this better than most. An Aries and Aries combo is sexy, passionate, and loving. The good thing about this combo is that nobody knows Aries better than they know themselves, so when it comes to these two, it works because they just get each other. Aggression and conflict will have to be watched out for, however, as with Aries being ruled by Mars, if this sign is not feeling seen or heard then the relationship will be more chaotic than needed.
Aries and Taurus Love Compatibility
These two signs are more likely to butt heads than have a smooth-sailing relationship. Aries and Taurus are both very headstrong individuals, and they are both “my way or the highway” types of people. When two people are like this in a relationship, it can cause a lot of friction and ego clashes and this relationship often comes to a halt. In the beginning, the connection between an Aries and a Taurus feels exciting and like it could be something, though, as Taurus is attracted to the boldness and confidence that comes from Aries, and Aries likes the way Taurus makes them feel grounded and sane. However, at the end of the day, their stubbornness and unwillingness to compromise will either make or break this relationship.
Aries and Gemini Love Compatibility
The love compatibility between an Aries and a Gemini is fun, dynamic, and exciting. Both of these signs have an innate curiosity for life and love to do it together. These two complement each other well and are the type of couple to be best friends and lovers. They like to enjoy time together, be out and about, and tend to inspire each other in many ways. Not to mention, the chemistry is strong here between these two. They don’t have to force anything to make it work or to form a relationship together, and forming a connection is easy.
Gemini’s charm can easily sweep Aries off their feet, and Aries will have fun with Gemini. There will need to be some type of groundedness between the two for it to work long-term however, as they can get caught up in the moment and move without knowing where they are headed.
Aries and Cancer Love Compatibility
Aries and Cancer’s love compatibility is underrated. These two balance each other out well and although friction can arise in this pairing, this is ultimately a fun, dynamic, and in-tune duo. What works so well here is that these two signs are highly intuitive; Aries is very in-tune with themselves, and Cancer is very in-tune with others. If Aries had to date any water sign, it should be a Cancer. Cancer gives Aries the type of support they crave, but that they would never admit they need, and Aries gives Cancer the type of confidence that truly changes their lives. These two can form a powerful relationship that is layered and multifaceted, or they will be immediately turned off and will not pursue each other due to their immediate differences.
Aries and Leo Love Compatibility
Aries and Leo are a more obvious compatible couple, but at the end of the day when it comes to Aries in love it depends on where they are in their life and what they are looking for at that moment. These two, however, are very intrigued by each other and tend to form an immediate connection instantly. The passion is steamy here and the sexual chemistry between the two is off the charts. The only downside to a fire and fire sign duo though, is that it often starts very exciting and impulsive, and then turns into a complete mess afterward. This relationship can be the best of the best for Aries if both people are thinking long-term and aren’t just in it for the moment.
Aries and Virgo Love Compatibility
A Virgo may be one of the least compatible signs for an Aries. These two surprisingly have a lot in common and see things similarly in life, however, it’s difficult for them to feel that because they go about things very differently. Aries and Virgo tend to get into conflicts with each other as they both are the type of people to think they are right and that they know best. This facet of Aries works for some people, but when they meet a Virgo, they truly meet their greatest challenger. Virgo will challenge Aries in many ways, and not in a way that Aries likes. This pairing works more when it's a Virgo woman and an Aries man, and also works well as a friendship, but overall, this is not Aries' best match.
Aries and Libra Love Compatibility
Aries and Libra are a sweet combo. In terms of their love compatibility, these two are the yin and yang for each other, and this couple is the definition of opposites attracting. Aries and Libra are what we call sister signs in Astrology, which means these two are on opposite sides of each other on the Zodiac Wheel, forming a unique connection. The thing about sister signs is that they represent the part of you that is more hidden or unrecognized yet. This energy can be inspiring and life-changing, but it can also be triggering for people as it’s a relationship meant to challenge you and help you grow. Signs that are opposite each other have a karmic tone to them, and this relationship will often feel like they have known each other for many lifetimes before. This compatibility is 50/50- it works, or it doesn’t.
Aries and Scorpio Love Compatibility
When it comes to their love compatibility, Aries and Scorpio tend to hit it off right away. These two are similar in many ways, thanks to their shared ruling planet, Mars. In traditional Astrology, Mars is the ruler of Scorpio, and in modern times, it’s the ruler of Aries. Mars represents passion, energy, activation, sex, desire, war, and direction in life. When these two come together, they enhance these qualities in each other. This is a very energy-packed relationship and it works when they are flowing in harmony with each other but when differences arise, things can get very shaky and combative. The strengths here are that they both will want to confront issues head-on and always know where each other stands. There is no beating around the bush between these two.
Aries and Sagittarius Love Compatibility
Sagittarius is one of Aries' soulmates in this lifetime. More aspects are keeping this relationship together than tearing them apart, and this is a relationship that Aries can be in long-term. Both of these signs love adventure and will begin a big one once they enter this relationship. There won’t be many dull moments in this pairing, and when they come together it is often serendipitous. This is a power couple in Astrology and a match that works without having to try too hard. The world is their oyster to this couple and they will live an exciting life together. With all fire/fire sign duos, ego clashes are the downfall, and if this can be worked through then these two are endgame.
Aries and Capricorn Love Compatibility
Capricorn is the best earth sign match for Aries. They are both cardinal signs and share a similar drive and inspiration for life. Both of these signs want the best of the best out of life, and by coming together they can create just that. They are very supportive of one another and uplift each other to be their best selves. The energy between the two of them can get competitive, however, if they aren’t working together, though Capricorn's determination and unwavering loyalty often wins Aries over in the long run. Emotionally, they may have a difficult time getting there and forming that deep emotional bond that makes relationships last, but if they see the other in each other’s future, they will try to make it work.
Aries and Aquarius Love Compatibility
Aries and Aquarius are an eccentric couple. These two have a lot of fun together and enjoy each other’s company first and foremost. The love compatibility between this zodiac pairing means synergy here is enticing, and they flow well together when it comes to the day-to-day. This is a couple that would spend a lot of time talking and exploring each other’s worlds. These two learn a lot from each other and try to see the best in each other. Aquarius’ aloof nature may pull the wrong chords in Aries after too long, however, and for the relationship to work they will both have to recognize each other's individuals selves and know that both perspectives and sense of authenticity can be without being less than or unworthy of the other. This is a couple that is destined to meet.
Aries and Pisces Love Compatibility
This is more of an odd pairing for Aries as they are coming from completely opposite ends of life. Aries being the first sign in the zodiac and Pisces being the last explains this type of emotional distance between the two. Aries and Pisces almost live in different worlds, so coming together they can learn a lot from each other. Pisces feels and Aries acts. They are moving at different speeds at all times, but there is something about Aries’ passion and drive that spikes Pisces' curiosity. Pisces' emotional nature will either be a turn-off or an endearing trait, depending on the Aries. Ultimately, this is not one of Aries' best matches, but they both tend to have good intentions for the relationship at the end of the day.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
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Navigating Dating When Emotionally Unavailable & Detached: My Journey Back To Feeling
The last time I came with a dating story, I told you I got my little feelings hurt in 2021. I called myself trying to be out in these streets entertaining a man in a different area code, city, and state — only for homeboy to play in my damn face. So, I went and gave y’all "8 Rules To Casual Dating Every Woman Should Know This Summer." You’re welcome. Fast forward to 2024, and I am now coming to you from a more mature and intentional place. We’re not in summer yet, but I truly believe what blooms in spring, thrives in summer.
2023 was my year, and it was my turn. I had just completed an 8-month holistic detox. The glow-up was real and well-deserved. The way I have poured into myself is unmatched. Let me tell you, self-love is a love you have never known. After a five-year healing journey, I finally felt like myself again, and I was ready to play. My heart was open, my mind was clear, and my body hella transformed. I had told all my friends that I was ready to explore dating again, and at the height of summer, I did exactly just that.
This time I decided I wanted to take my time. I wanted to date the “right way” or the “healthy way.” You know, keep your options open, ask the right questions, believe actions and not words, observe patterns and pay attention to red, yellow, and green flags. I was never the dating app type of girl. I sincerely miss everything about human connection and dating from 2000 to 2012. Can we please bring all of that back into 2024? I prefer to feel a man’s energy and presence in real-time. Nonetheless, I still chose to dabble with a few dating apps. I was all the way outside and dating for practice.
Unfortunately, with today’s dating culture, social climate, and how some of these men move and/or behave, these dates were a dead end. Not one guy made it to my roster. What these men were was benched this season – not one of them could be my first-round select draft pick. It didn't seem like anyone I met was interested in a serious relationship. And it’s completely fine. Miss me with the ghosting, lack of effort, inconsistency, and poor communication. I continued to just do me because what is for me will not miss me.
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The universe must have heard me talking because I had specifically told my closest girlfriends that I wanted to meet someone who lived in the vicinity, no more than twenty minutes away, and no more long distance. And I did meet him (it’s crazy how I manifest exactly what I want). As we started to get to know each other, I liked his energy and effort. I liked the direction it seemed to be going to the point my girlfriends had to tell me not to run from him. Because every part of me wanted to run from something that seemed normal.
I liked what he was coming with until I became uncomfortable with my own feelings, and I didn’t know how to communicate them to him.
With that said, I knew if I truly wanted to experience the truest of loves, a reciprocal, requited love, and be in a healthy relationship this story had to come to a pause. What I didn’t know was that he was going to show me things I didn’t know I needed to work on. I didn’t know he inadvertently was going to help me continue to heal parts of me that were hidden.
As someone who has learned to self-heal, I am no longer the type that runs from herself. I am here for the growth.
The truth is I am emotionally detached from myself, and I am not actively dating at the moment. I am the one that has to work on herself. My reiki healer called it, too – she told me this year would not be a year for a relationship, but a year of continuous growth. And now I see why. After all the healing work I have done thus far – I am an unemotional mess. How?
At my big age of 39, I struggle to communicate my wants and needs.
I still struggle to communicate and process uncomfortable feelings. I would rather give myself anxiety, act nonchalantly, emotionally react, and choose non-communication when I am bothered with someone than address the issue (I will later explain why). I have been ignoring my feelings for so long it has become a habit, a defense mechanism, and more so a trauma response.
If you are someone like me who grew up in a household that didn’t discuss feelings, your emotional needs were unmet, and you don’t feel safe to share your feelings – emotional detachment is quite common.
Oftentimes, we always talk about men being emotionally unavailable, but what if it’s a woman who is emotionally unavailable or emotionally detached? How does she navigate herself, dating, or being in a relationship? As I navigate my emotions this season, let’s explore what it means to be emotionally detached, the signs of detachment, and how to reconnect with yourself emotionally.
Emotional Unavailability vs. Emotional Detachment
When we look at the terminology emotional unavailability and emotional detachment, one might argue that the two terms are interchangeable and have the same meaning. One could also argue that both terms mean that some people are not in tune with their emotions or lack the emotional capacity to be responsive to someone else’s emotions. Fair enough. However, there is a big difference. The definition of emotional unavailability is described as people who have difficulty with sharing their emotions and being receptive to the emotions of those around them.
According to Verywell Mind, signs of emotional unavailability can look like being distant or cold, lack of closeness, and emotional intimacy in relationships, inability to understand and relate to others’ feelings, defensiveness when asked to change or let others in, tendency to shut down or avoid topics that require emotional openness, or withdrawal from people or situations that provoke emotional reactions.
Whereas emotional detachment is defined as the inability to or willingness to connect with others on an emotional level. Furthermore, Psychology Today states emotional detachment can also mean that people do not engage with their feelings. Exhibit A – me. Emotional detachment has various causes – past neglect, childhood or adult trauma, PTSD, depression, personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or, in some cases, medication (i.e. antidepressants). It is important to note emotional detachment is a complex issue. For someone like me, it’s a coping mechanism.
It is easier for me to ignore uncomfortable feelings to protect myself from stress or getting hurt. Hence, my nonchalant demeanor. It is also true for some people it is a reaction to trauma, abuse, and unprocessed emotions. Exhibit B – me. As it is difficult for me to open up about my feelings at the moment. On the contrary – emotional detachment can be helpful in navigating some situations like listening to people’s opinions and gossip.
Unfortunately, emotional detachment is not a behavior that can be turned on and off at will. Please note that emotional detachment is NOT a mental health diagnosis but can be a symptom of a mental health condition such as an attachment disorder. And if you know anything about attachment theory, it is related to the relationship we develop in our childhood with our primary caregivers.
Signs You're Emotionally Detached
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According to Psychology Today and Verywell Mind, general signs of emotional detachment can look like difficulty showing empathy to others, sharing emotions, committing to a relationship, feeling numb, poor listening skills, lack of self-esteem, preferring to be alone, struggling to feel positive emotions, inability to identify emotions, lack of physical, verbal, or sexual contact and losing touch with people or maintaining connections.
In a romantic relationship, emotional detachment shows up as you or your partner not being available for connection, poor communication, or reduced affection.
For me, my experience with emotional detachment is collective. I am an empath to my core. I don’t have a problem relating to other’s feelings or circumstances. I don’t have commitment issues, nor do I have an issue connecting with others or maintaining those connections. I struggle with sharing emotions, at least the negative ones.
Due to the emotional abuse from my childhood and a toxic relationship, I learned sharing emotions just wasn't the safe thing to do. As a survivor of trauma, I learned to suppress feeling negative emotions in general as a form of protection.
How To Reconnect To Your Emotions When You're Emotionally Unavailable
Serious Kid Cudi GIF by Apple MusicGiphyExploring my emotional side in-depth started late last year simply by noticing my reaction to something that he did. I didn’t know how to properly communicate to him how I was feeling or what he did bothered me in the moment. So, I swallowed my feelings and said absolutely nothing. I intentionally chose to avoid the issue. I chose to rationalize the situation instead of acknowledging that my feelings at the time were valid. I chose to act like everything was all good because it was all good.
“It wasn’t that deep to begin with” is what I told myself. And this is where the problem lies.
The saying is true, “What happens in your childhood shows up in your adult relationships.” I came to realize that because I was not able to express my feelings as a child, I struggled to process them. I either hold back my feelings, take a long time to say how I feel, or don’t say anything at all. This is because I fear people will walk away from me like my mother did if I share what I truly feel. I fear my feelings won’t be validated, or they will be rejected.
With that said, I was completely unaware that I was emotionally detached from myself until recently. So, here we are with this article. It all started by reading Instagram’s @theholisticpsychologist, Dr. Nicole LePera’s newest book How to Be the Love You Seek: Break Cycles, Find Peace, and Heal Your Relationships, which was released on November 28, 2023. As I read through the first chapter, I became triggered.
How Dr. LePera describes her childhood with her parents and experiences with her romantic partners somewhat mirrored my experiences with my own parents and relationships. As Dr. LaPera stated in her book, I have no issue showing up for others or meeting their needs and wants. But when it comes to expressing my own needs and wants – I cannot or I don’t. This is mainly due to my hyper-independence.
At an early age, I learned to show up for myself because the people I trusted to show up for me failed. Given my home environment, I had internalized it is not safe to talk about feelings. I never knew my emotional responses and behavior were abnormal. But because I am willing to continue to do my inner work, I know that I can reconnect to my emotions, and undo four decades of repressed emotions.
If you are someone like me who struggles with emotional connection with yourself and others, here is how you go about it:
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1. Know Your Attachment Style
For me, the first step was to understand my attachment style. I asked my therapist if she could help me identify my attachment style to understand my triggers. She recommended The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen, LMFT. My therapist administered the associated online quiz – Attachment Quiz. If you haven’t figured out my attachment style yet by reading this article, I have an anxious attachment style.
This means I don’t do well with inconsistent behavior, especially from men (but I’m the type that holds men to standards too). People with an anxious attachment style have a need to feel close to their partner. It may come across as “clingy” or “needy.” However, this same need is often driven by fear of abandonment, mistrust, and low self-esteem. I would say knowing your attachment style is helpful because you can work towards having a secure attachment style (with practice) in your relationships – familial, business, work, platonic, or romantic.
2. Become Self-Aware
Most people who are not in the practice of self-care or self-healing are unaware of their triggers, patterns, and behaviors. We are so caught up in the daily minutiae of life that we forget to pay attention to the most important part of our days — ourselves. As Dr. LePera says, make it a conscious habit to pause throughout your day to check in with yourself. Ask yourself:
- How does my body feel?
- What am I doing right now?
- Am I present?
- Am I distracted and lost with other thoughts?
- What do I think or feel when I recall a specific experience with someone?
- What do I think or worry about?
- What would happen if I shared my authentic thoughts, perspective, feelings right now?”
This is what Dr. LePera refers to as exploring your embodied self or fulfilling your authentic needs in chapter two of her book. Consistent mindfulness and self-awareness are key to self-discovery and in any healing journey. Learning to focus on the present moment also includes paying attention to our emotional response to an event or how we think about emotions in general.
3. Practice Vulnerability
The idea of vulnerability is a tough one for me and so many other women for countless reasons. Whether it be toxic family, friendships, relationships, or trauma – trusting others with your thoughts and feelings is not easy. As much as I am open and transparent, I am not as vulnerable. And I believe there is so much power in the duality to be both. To trust someone, let alone a man with your authentic self is a delicate matter.
But it is emotional vulnerability that allows us humans to build authentic connections, create stronger relationships, and break down emotional walls. Emotional vulnerability is not something to be rushed – it takes time and practice from you and the people you choose to have in your life. Medical News Today suggests that we can learn to be vulnerable by opening up more to our closest friends, building our ability to become more trusting, and developing skills to regulate our emotions.
4. Seek Therapy
I have been in therapy for six years and counting. I would consider therapy one of my safe spaces. I am one of those individuals who recommend therapy to everyone as it has given me the tools and resources I need to navigate my life challenges. By choosing to get help, I was able to put my PTSD and depression in remission for four years now. I have also learned how to manage my anxiety.
I am fully aware that in this season of my life requires me to do the work to unlock new levels of self. And any time where I have consciously chosen growth – the universe or life has not failed me. I was able to heal my body, my heart, and my spirit. Now, it’s time to heal my inner child, this hurt little girl who lives in me.
I will say choosing a therapist is similar to dating; you might go through a few potentials until you find a therapist you connect with. Actually, one of my lifelong friends said to me the other day, “Your relationship with your therapist is one of the most important relationships in your life.” I needed her to say that, and I needed to hear it because it’s true. You are essentially trusting a licensed stranger to help you navigate your life on so many levels.
Be picky and ask the questions. Cut the cord at the first red flag given. Again, let me reiterate that emotional detachment is not a mental health diagnosis. It can be treated with the help of a therapist. Emotional detachment only becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with your daily life. Pay attention to changes in your daily behavior and make decisions to cope accordingly.
I am genuinely excited about reconnecting with my emotions. I want to feel all the feels – good, bad, and indifferent. I want to cry all the tears – especially the sad ones. I want to process and release negative emotions. I want to say how I feel in the moment with no fear.
If you are that girl who struggles with emotional connection or thinks you're emotionally detached, I hope that you become willing to face your inner child and show up for her. Don’t run – she has been waiting for you.
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