
Leos rule the heart in Astrology, and they are no strangers to love. They love big, they love bright, and they love with all they have within them.
Leo In Love & Relationships
A Leo's love can be akin to a romantic comedy. They take on this type of dramatic flair in life in general, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Leo is all about the theatrics, and a relationship with them is full of fireworks. Leo protects, nurtures, and enlivens their relationships, and a Leo in love is a sight to see.
When it comes to who Leo is most compatible with, it’s essential to know that Leo is looking for an equal, someone who can match their energy and their loyalty. Leo is a fixed fire sign and takes love very seriously. It might be the area of their life they take the most seriously. They will have their fun and dance the night away, but at the end of the day, a committed partnership is what this sign is looking for. If you can match Leo's drive and excitement for life with their ability to love fiercely, you might be the perfect person to rule alongside this royal.
Leo Compatibility: Best & Worst Love Matches in the Zodiac
Leos are known for their strong sense of self and are one of the more self-confident signs. They do not like to have their egos bruised and can entertain bouts of jealousy in love if they are not getting the attention they feel they deserve. A Leo gives their all, and if you aren’t giving the same, they will take this personally. If you are willing to pour your entire heart into the relationship and receive this same type of devotion in return, then a Leo is a good match for you.
Who Are Leos Most Compatible With?
Leo + Aries Love Compatibility
Leo and Aries make a great match. This is a happy duo and one that can stand the test of time. Both Leo and Aries are on the same wavelength, and they feel this right away from each other. They similarly approach life, and they are the type to make the best out of anything. This type of energy is precious to them to have in their lives, and they create a passionate relationship together. However, these are two people who love hard but fight even harder, so the love will be strong, but if disagreements arise, it could overpower it. This relationship will only work if egos are kept in check and there is unconditional love.
Leo + Taurus Love Compatibility
Leo and Taurus are a unique pairing because you can’t see it at first. Taurus wants to enjoy life at home, and Leo wants to be outside. This is a relationship that grows with time and one where it either works or it doesn’t. From outsiders, this couple seems like an odd pairing, and it’s the type of relationship where they will often tell others, “It works for them.” Where this relationship thrives is in the fact that they are both fixed signs, and once they are in it, they are in it. They are loyal to the relationship and also put each other on a pedestal. However, at the end of the day, their stubbornness may get in the way of what the relationship could be. They will not easily give up on each other, but there also may not be enough to keep them together.
Leo + Gemini Love Compatibility
Leo and Gemini make good friends and lovers. They value each other's perspectives, and at the end of the day, they have each other’s backs. What makes this relationship work is that they are both so different and don’t step on each other's toes or interfere with each other's personalities, which is important to both of them. They let each other be themselves, and there is an underlying energy of unconditional love here. This is a couple that stands out at an event or party due to their cool aesthetic, PDA, and friendly banter between everyone in the building.
Leo + Cancer Love Compatibility
Leo and Cancer are an underrated duo. Leo, ruled by the Sun, and Cancer, ruled by the Moon, have a deep respect for each other that is not talked about enough in Astrology. Although very different from each other, they each have their place, their purpose, and this feels good to them. However, this is a more moody relationship than most. Since these two are often on different wavelengths, wanting to do different things, there could be a lot of ups and downs here with emotional storms. Depending on the place these two are at in their lives, this could work if they are both willing to commit.
Leo + Leo Love Compatibility
A Leo and Leo combo is more common than you may think. It makes sense, though, a sign that is known for loving themselves and having strong self-confidence, falling in love with someone who is just like them. Leo loves a good mirror, and it’s not hard to fall for someone who reminds them of themselves. This will be a very dramatic relationship, however, and this isn’t for the weak. They will have a lot of fun together but will also push each other’s buttons and may try to take each other's crowns. Power struggles are likely with this pairing, and the only way this will work is if they act on their heart rather than their egos in the relationship.
Leo + Virgo Love Compatibility
Leo and Virgo are like two peas in a pod. This relationship may be better off as a friendship in the long run, but overall, with these two right next to each other on the Zodiac Wheel, they both have a lot to learn from each other. Virgo finds Leo intriguing and even somewhat mysterious. Leo appreciates the way Virgo looks at them, and they have this same type of attraction and interest toward Virgo as well. Virgo is an attentive lover, and this is especially beneficial to Leo, who loves attention. These two often find a perfect place for each other in their lives, but as far as romance and chemistry, that is something that may not come right away here and will be unique to each pairing.
Leo + Libra Love Compatibility
Leo and Libra are an iconic duo. The love they have for each other is undeniable, and this is a couple that has a lot of fun together. They share similar interests, they are both beautiful, and they both love a little drama in love. Fire and air signs are notorious for being compatible, and Libra is the best air sign match for Leo. This is a social couple who will love to spend time together and to be out on the town. This relationship could be borderline superficial, however, and as long as they are doing the work to build a strong foundation aside from aesthetics and vanity, then this is a pairing that can be an endgame for the both of them.
Leo + Scorpio Love Compatibility
A Leo and Scorpio relationship is not for the faint of heart. Leo and Scorpio are more similar than most fire and water signs, as they both share a passion and zest for life, but this relationship is more so like a volcano exploding than anything. Exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, and terrifying all in one. The strength of this relationship is their sex life, as this is one for the books. Their downfall, however, is that both of these two have an instinctual need for power, and oftentimes this will be at the other’s expense. Leo may be the one who ends up more hurt than anything, and it may be too late before Scorpio realizes the effect they have upon them.
Leo + Sagittarius Love Compatibility
Leo and Sagittarius are an adventurous, more progressive couple. This is the type of relationship that is high energy and high reward for both of them. Leo does well with other fire signs as they feel like their energy is reciprocated and not shunned, which is important to them. Leo needs to shine, and Sagittarius does too, and they are willing to share the spotlight here, which they are not willing to do with everyone else. With Sagittarius ruled by Jupiter, the planet of blessings, and Leo, the Sun, the star of vitality, this is a happy couple. They don’t ask too much of each other, and their presence is enough to build a passionate love.
Leo + Capricorn Love Compatibility
Leo and Capricorn are a power couple that will either rule together or take each other down. This is a relationship where they are both striving for greatness and one where they will try to build a life together from the ground up. They both want the best of the best out of life and will see each other as someone to help them get there. Capricorn, being the devoted and loyal lover they are, is easily respected by Leo, who feels the same way about their relationships in life. However, where other signs don’t mind boosting the confidence of Leo and giving them that attention they crave, Capricorn is no brown-noser and will not feed the ego of Leo. Leo may find Capricorn too emotionally distant, and Capricorn may find Leo as just too much altogether.
Leo + Aquarius Love Compatibility
Leo and Aquarius are opposite signs in Astrology, otherwise known as sister signs. They are very different from the outside, but once they unpack, they both realize there are many layers to both of them, a lot of them similar to one another. Leo and Aquarius both value authenticity in life, and in a relationship, they will take on this type of energy and will see their pairing as a unique one. Challenges arise, however, when it comes to determining who is going to take the lead. Leo is a leader, and Aquarius is anything but a follower. They can often feel like they are stepping on each other's toes, not knowing where they stand with each other. If they are willing to find balance with one another, this will be a dedicated, lifelong partnership.
Leo + Pisces Love Compatibility
Leo and Pisces are an odd pairing and may just be Leos' least compatible match. The problem here is that Leo doesn’t understand Pisces. Pisces, on the other hand, can fall in love with just about anyone. Pisces is more willing to put aside differences to get to know their partner, whereas Leo is looking for that immediate spark they don’t typically get right away with Pisces. The positives to this pairing, though, are that they are both creative, fun, and warm souls who make life a little better. This is a dynamic duo, but at the end of the day, Leo may overpower Pisces, and this can lead to resentment and disparity.
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This Is How To Keep 'Holiday Season Stress' From Infecting Your Relationship
Hmph. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there is something really weird happening in the fall season air (because winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21) that cuddle season is in full swing while break-up season is as well. In fact, did you know that break-ups are so popular during the holiday season that December 11 is deemed Break-Up Day?
The reasons why relationships shift around this time vary; however, I did both roll my eyes and chuckle when I read that a very popular one is because it’s an easy way to get out of getting one’s significant other a Christmas present. SMDH.
Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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Whew. Did you know that somewhere around 122 million Americans travel during the holiday season? Listen, I went to see my godbabies this past September and got caught up in a crazy ass traffic jam at BNA (the Nashville airport) that damn near has me considering air travel ever again — especially during this time of the year.
Besides, it’s not like it’s a written rule that you have to travel over the holidays. In fact, if you want to play it chill this year, why not enjoy a staycation instead? Although it might seem like it’s a “poor man’s compromise,” as you’re about to see, it actually…isn’t.
1. Go All Out with the Christmas Décor
GiphyThere is someone I know who is so obsessed with Christmas, she’s damn near annoying-borderline-terrifying. I’m. Not. Kidding. Yet hey, if you’re going to do a holiday-themed staycation (emphasis on “holiday-themed”), that’s kind of how you’ve got to be. Some décor ideas include:
- A fresh Christmas tree (is the most ideal) that is ultimately decorated
- Wreaths on outside and inside doors
- Garland (with twinkle lights) in predictable and unpredictable places
- Poinsettias
- Mistletoes
- Snow globes
- A stocking (with some of your favorite things in it)
- Fake snow
- Stars
- Angels
- Candy canes
- A BLACK Santa (LOL)
I mean, since you are going to be spending a lot of time at home, it can feel like a mini-winter wonderland if you are intentional about doing more decorating to your living space than you ever have before!
2. Buy a Couple of Christmas-Themed PJs
GiphyWhile I was doing some research on a totally different topic, I happened upon an article that talked about the psychology behind why we should be intentional about what we wear to bed. When you stop to think about the fact that (hopefully) you are sleeping somewhere between 6-8 hours every night, it would make sense that things like the color and fabric of your sleepwear would have a real impact on you — even subconsciously.
Well, when it comes to Christmas décor, specifically, not only does it take you back to nostalgic memories, it can also boost your moods. So, aside from being on-10 with your Christmas décor, also invest in some Christmas-themed PJs. Since you’re going to be doing a lot of lounging around (RIGHT?), do it in something that makes you think about all of your favorite things about this time of year.
3. Cop Some Christmas-Scented Candles
GiphyThere really is no telling how many articles that I’ve written where I am singing the praises of scented soy candles. Candles are soothing, comforting and a very easy way to reduce stress. Also, since it gets darker quicker and for a longer period of time around this time of the year, candles provide a relaxing vibe to your home. Since it is Christmastime, go with scents that are reminiscent of the season:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Cranberry
- Apple
- Pine
- Frankincense and Myrrh
- Peppermint
- Cashmere
- Ginger(bread)
- Orange
- Sugar Cookies
- Sandalwood
- Cloves
- Cedarwood
- (Hot) Chocolate
Personally, one of my favorite candle companies is Goose Creek. Their signature collections will have your entire house smelling like a high-end bakery. No exaggeration.
4. Play Some Winter-Themed ASMR Sounds
GiphyI’m from Nebraska and my mother was a New Yorker. So, if there is one thing that I like, it’s seasons and that includes snow during wintertime. Unfortunately, Nashville is cray-cray when it comes to that. If, where you live, the weather is all over the place too (which is why I think it’s insane that some people still give pushback to global warming) and you would like for it to at least seem like you are in your own winter wonderland — invest in some fake snow to strategically place around your home.
Oh, and don’t forget to turn on some winter-themed ASMR sounds too. YouTube has videos that run for hours on end that feature blizzards and howling winds that really can make you feel like you are in the midst of an ice storm.
5. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
GiphyOne thing to remember about a staycation is it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone or that the only people who can participate are the ones who live with you. Since a staycation is simply about staying close to home instead of traveling afar — absolutely consider having some of your favorite people over for a holiday-themed movie marathon. Shoot, Black America Web even did you a solid by publishing “25 Best Black Christmas Movies Of All Time;” plus, Tubi has a Black holiday hits section of indie films too.
Oh, and make sure to get creative with the Christmas-themed snacks. Some ideas? Some Kentucky-fried turkey tenders with cranberry hot sauce (recipe here), some Holiday Hot Spinach Dip (recipe here), some Grinch Kabobs (recipe here), some roasted pecans (recipe here) and some Pomegranate Guacamole (recipe here).
6. Spend a Night (or Two) at a Hotel or Vacation House
GiphyJust like you don’t have to be alone during a staycation, you also don’t have to be cooped up in your house the entire time. Get a change of scenery in your own city by spending the night in a hotel that you’ve always wanted to try out or renting a vacation house for you and some of your folks to hang out in during the time between Christmas and New Year’s Day. I have a “love little sister” who does this randomly when she needs a break from her work as a therapist. She says that it’s damn near like taking a trip (and she has PLENTY of passport stamps; trust me).
7. Have Brunch or Dinner at a Christmas-Themed Restaurant
GiphyIf nothing puts a bigger smile on your face than the thought of DoorDashing meals and barely even touching your stove during your staycation — hey, I am right there with you. Do consider going out to brunch or dinner during your chill time, though. It’s another way to bond with people and create some current holiday memories. And if you’ve got a bae and you opt for dinner, it can be a wonderful type of Christmas-themed date.
8. Go to a Holiday-Themed Concert
GiphyBeing that I got my start as an entertainment writer, hear me when I say that I’m not someone who just has to go to a live concert every chance that I get. Oh, but baby, when I saw that El DeBarge was doing a City Winery tour and he was going to be here right before Christmas — I booked myself a ticket quick, fast and in a super-duper hurry! Shoot, I didn’t even want to go with someone because I plan to give him and that falsetto voice of his my complete and undivided attention. LOL.
I don’t know what it is about the holiday season that makes live music that much more enjoyable — but if there is a concert that features one of your favorite artists happening right through here, consider that to be a cool way to “tour your city” while cultivating a really awesome memory at the same time.
9. Also, Go Ice Skating
GiphyOne of my fondest memories of time with my father is going ice skating. We actually would do it in the summer (because that is when I would visit him) and, every year, he would get me a new ice skating outfit. Even now, when I watch someone ice skate (even in movies; like in the classic movie Garden State), I will have warm fuzzies.
Anyway, if you’ve never been before, go. If it’s been forever since you have, also go. There is something that is very sweet and so signature Christmas about it. Plus, it’s a top-tier form of exercise.
10. Take a Christmas Lights Tour
GiphyAnother one of my favorite Christmas memories is driving through neighborhoods and looking at the Christmas lights. And just like a Christmas concert can be a form of hometown touring, so can doing this if you decide to choose a couple of areas where you’ve never really been or rarely frequent.
Now are you excited about the thought of experiencing a holiday-themed staycation?
I thought you would be. ENJOY!
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