Have you ever had a guy just reach out and link his arm through yours, or throw his arm across your shoulders, making you feel totally safe, secure and loved? Maybe he squeezes a little too hard, pulls you a little too close. But you don’t mind. You feel like daddy’s little girl, feminine in a primal way, maybe even swept off your feet.
Prepare the release forms and have your lawyer draw up papers. The possessive Cancer man wants ownership, and he’s come to claim you. You will get a share of revenue and royalties, while he retains creative control, managerial rights and at least 51% of the partnership. You agree to walk by his side or two steps behind him; in return, he will valiantly shield you from paparazzi, street urchins, and other interested men.
The Cancer man knows exactly how to a take a woman into his Crabby grip and keep her there forever. We may be setting feminism back a few centuries by saying this, but damn, it feels good to have a man take care of you like he does. Of course, there’s thin line between security and smothering. When he sidles up from behind and puts his arms around your waist, you’ll either hope he never lets go, or make a mental note to call him if a choking victim needs the Heimlich maneuver.
Nothing fulfills a Cancer man more than a happy family, with himself at the helm. He rules the zodiac’s fourth house of home and family. Lifelong security is his mission. On a horoscope wheel, the fourth house is located at the very bottom, representing the foundation of the chart. Indeed, the Cancer man builds his love life from the ground up, planting deep roots and nurturing them into a mighty, multi-generational family tree.
The Cancer man wants to build a legacy, and that starts with a wife and children. He’s a proud papa who can’t wait to raise kids and pass on his family ties. Fatherhood gives him a sense of duty and purpose. Cancer is a clique-y sign, and he treats his family like
The Cancer man is dazzled by powerful women, and he may go through several marriages with beautiful, vibrant mates before he perfects his recipe for lifelong bliss. What’s the dealbreaker? He needs to be needed. That’s a tall order for a guy who’s attracted to intelligent, independent women who already have their own full lives when he meets them.
He wants to have his cake and eat it, too. If that means baking it himself, hand him an apron and a Mixmaster. The Cancer man’s ideal match is a woman who can make him laugh and think, who’s outwardly simple with layers of depth, and—most important—who’s always by his side when he needs her. He wants a willing companion who also has her own life, but not so much that it competes with his. A co-pilot won’t work, but a sexy, solid first mate will do just fine.
The Cancer man needs to create dependents—and that goes for you, too. Are you willing to be fussed over, nagged and mothered? You’ll have to be to keep him.
Take the example of our Virgo friend Nancy, a wealthy executive and world traveler. On her third date, she invited her Cancer beau Edward to her tasteful, art-filled New York City apartment. Rather than marvel at her rare book collection and African pottery, Edward noticed two things: that Nancy’s living room air conditioner didn’t work, and she didn’t have an anti-slip pad under her tiny kitchen rug.
Nancy was irritated, but she also wanted Edward to be comfortable in her home. Before his next visit, she replaced the A/C unit, but their passion cooled along with her living room.
“What was the big f—ing deal?” she throws her hands up, exasperated. “I just wanted to have a glass of wine and talk about life, get to know each other better. It was like he couldn’t get over the damn rug. Who cares?”
Well, Nancy, you missed his Cancerian cues. Edward was testing to see whether Nancy needed him. Instead of fixing the air conditioner herself, she was supposed to ask him to help her replace it. According to the Cancer relationship rules, he’s not only your boyfriend, he’s also your handyman and caretaker. To Nancy, a little domestic discomfort was no big deal. She imagined their fourth date being dinner at Le Cirque, not appliance shopping at Circuit City.
And this is why it’s so important to understand your man’s sign. For some women, pretending to need a guy when you don’t simply isn’t worth the compromise. It feels like dumbing yourself down or, as our wise Aquarius friend Neda puts it, “dimming your lights so he can shine.” You’ll always feel a little bit…suburban with a Cancer man.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to subdue your inner diva a little in exchange for his nurturing and guidance, to offer your appreciation and be wowed by him, he’ll work his ass off to keep the stars in your eyes.
Excerpted from The AstroTwins’ Love Zodiac. Copyright 2008, Tali and Ophira Edut. All rights reserved.
