8 Bad Traits of the Gemini Zodiac Sign and How to Deal With Them

Gemini is one of the 12 zodiac signs that most often gets a bad rap. They’ve been called two-faced, fickle, indecisive and outright liars. Certainly these Gemini traits have caused trouble for members of this zodiac sign.

But is that all there is to the story? Not at all. Every zodiac sign has a range of good and bad characteristics. Think of each astrological sign as a spectrum.

Before we get to the not-so-awesome stuff, here are a few general Gemini traits and characteristics according to astrology. 

What are Gemini Traits?

1. They’re witty.

Ruled by the dual sign of the twins, Gemini energy circulates in a quick and frenetic way. Gemini rules communication and this sign inspires witty wordplays and dynamic dialogue. Gemini transits are great for brainstorming and socializing. 

2. They make fascinating conversation.

This sign also craves “twin flame” and kindred spirit energy, and is always up for an intellectual meeting of the minds. Under the influence of a Gemini planetary transit, we could find ourselves with the gift of gab, talking and conversing with others for hours hopping from pop culture trends to deep political topics. 

3. They talk with their hands—and they talk a lot!

Ruled by chatty Mercury, Geminis are gifted “superconnectors” who can communicate between people and play out varied theatrical roles. Mercury is usually depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged hat, which fits perfectly with this airy sign’s on-the-move vibe.

4. Geminis are walking databases.

Geminis are often into a million different hobbies and interests. They know a little bit about a lot of things—and when they’re into something, they want to learn everything about it! A common Gemini trait is to be the first to hear about (and try) almost anything. If you’re friends with one of these experimental souls, it’s like have a 24/7 search engine around.

Gemini Bad Traits: What to Watch Out For

To be fair, every zodiac sign has good and bad expressions. These Gemini traits and characteristics are the least appealing ones of this zodiac sign. Recognize any?

1. They can be two-faced.

Gemini is ruled by the fleet-footed messenger planet Mercury. Mercury would usually carry out requests and tasks at the command of other gods, even adopting multiple personas in order to fulfill his missions. In this same spirit, Geminis may talk out of both sides of their mouths, telling different stories or “truths” depending who they’re with!

How to deal with it:

Call them out! If a Gemini in your life is creating chaos and mixed messages, it’s best to confront them and insist that they get their stories straight. You don’t have to make a scene—just say, “Hey, Gem, I know you say you don’t want anyone to make a fuss over your birthday, but Mom told me that you’re hoping for a surprise party. Maybe you’re still undecided, but it would be helpful if we all really knew what you wanted. Can I do anything to help you make up your mind?”

Did you hear word on the street that a Gemini friend has been talking behind your back? They may never admit it, but you should still request that they keep your secrets confidential. Otherwise, you’ll stop sharing with them—and you should make that clear in no uncertain terms.

2. Geminis may spread gossip.

Beware of becoming a “gossip girl” when you’re around this zodiac sign. Gemini can crank up the rumor mill since they’re often the first ones to hear the latest dish.

How to deal with it:

Change the subject. Spilling the tea with a Gemini can get you burned! That’s doubly true if you share snarky comments over text or email. You never know when those words will come back to haunt you—or even end up being seen by the person you were trashing. While it can be thrilling to get the inside scoop from a Gemini (think of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen, who’s born under this sign), later on you could regret the secrets you revealed when seduced by the scintillating power of a Gemini!

3. They’re easily scattered.

The essence of Gemini energy is fascinating, original, resourceful, charming, wise, and adventurous. The negative manifestation can devolve into restless, distracted, two-faced, judgmental, depressed and overwhelmed energy. Before you know it, you feel as scattered as your Gemini—and trying to organize them will only make you feel more chaotic!

How to deal with it:

Remind them to focus. Geminis may never give up multitasking, but you can encourage them to pace themselves or to space out their projects on the calendar. Once they learn this habit, Geminis can become consummate project managers who not only come up with great ideas, but also execute them!

4. Their lives can be filled with unnecessary drama.

Gemini has a tendency to ride the roller coaster of life, spiraling skywards one minute and plunging into lows the next. Is everything really that “bananas” or are they just addicted to the rush of it all? After a while, you may sense that Geminis get a secret payoff from keeping some part of their lives in a state of high hysteria. There’s always a colorful story to tell and something dramatic to bond over. But hello—exhausting much?

How to deal with it:

Detach! While it can be tempting to try to save or fix Gemini, you’ll be wasting your time. Firm boundaries are a much better solution. You can say, “Hey Gem, I love you unconditionally and I support your right to live your life any way you choose. However, I feel you’re making a self-destructive choice, and I won’t be available to bail you out if it goes wrong. I’ll be rooting from you, but I simply can’t get involved.”

5. Geminis like to snoop.

Geminis can’t bear NOT to know everything. But too much information can burn you in the end. After a breakup, Geminis could be Googling an ex’s new partner, reading their email, or “data mining” for info on their post-breakup life? If it’s over, you’re better off getting a life of your own, and staying out of your ex’s business. You both have a right to move on, so exercise yours! 

How to deal with it:

Catch them in the act. If you think your Gemini’s violating your privacy, you might want to (really) set up a hidden camera or some other way of tracking their illicit activity. Since they’ll deny any accusation, a picture or screenshot will say a thousand words—and at the very least, it will stop them cold.

6. They can be “too much of a good thing.”

Hyperactive Geminis are impatient, impulsive and need constant stimulation. They thrive in a versatile career and a busy environment. True Renaissance people, Geminis rarely slow down. For the folks around them, Gemini energy can be exhausting. Many a Gemini seems to NOT come equipped with an “off” button!

How to deal with it:

Give them plenty of space. Just because the circus is open 24/7 doesn’t mean you have to attend every show. Don’t try to micromanage this sign or force them into a routine. Just make sure that their manic schedules don’t cramp YOUR style or interfere with you “doing you.”

7. Geminis can be indecisive.

Because Geminis are so multi-faceted, they may hesitate to commit to one path, fearing they’ll be trapped. As a result, they end up in an endless string of unfulfilling gigs because you don’t want to “settle.” Geminis need to focus on finishing what they start instead of distracting themselves by beginning a ton of new projects.

How to deal with it:

Set a deadline. Let them deliberate…as long as their endless weighing of pros and cons doesn’t hold you up. It’s okay to have a hard stop so you’re not stuck waiting for Geminis to make up their minds. Inform your Gemini that you’ll be moving forward with or without them if they don’t give you a firm answer by a certain time and date.

8. Geminis are secret control freaks.

This zodiac sign’s ruler Mercury is the planet of the mind—and the Gemini brain never stops thinking! A lesser-known Gemini trait is that they have a lot of nervous, even neurotic, energy. Geminis may want things “just so” and could feel really thrown off-balance if they don’t follow certain routines like eating according to strict dietary habits, washing their hands multiple times a day or sleeping in total darkness. Yes, that’s one of their many contradictions, since another Gemini characteristic is to be totally spontaneous and unstructured! The paradoxical Gemini is a free-spirited control freak, Type A about certain things and a total rebel about others.

How to deal with it:

Give them a project to manage! If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. This sign can breed consummate party and event planners. If you hand a Gemini the reins in an area where they like to have control, you could end up having an incredible experience, with every detail done to impeccable and creative standards.

Gemini Traits in Astrology

Why is Gemini the sign of the twins?

Geminis are born between the dates of May 21–June 20 (give or take a day depending on the year). They’re symbolized by Twins, linking to the Greek and Roman myth of Castor and Pollux who were twin half-brothers who had the same mother.

According to myth Castor was a mortal fathered by Spartan king Tyndareus while Pollux was the immortal son of Zeus. According to legend, Pollux asked Zeus to grant immortality to Castor so they could be together forever. To grant this wish, Zeus transformed the twins into the Gemini constellation.

Gemini is one of the 3 Air Signs

Gemini is one of the three zodiac signs grouped under the air element. The other two air signs are Libra and Aquarius. Since Gemini is the first air element of the zodiac, it’s like the first gust of wind to circulate the communicative winds of change. Gemini people exhibit great creative synergy, instantly connecting people to each other. Under the influence of a Gemini planetary cycle, we’ll all be inclined to spend time with friends and focus on changing the world one idea at a time.

Gemini is one of the 3 Mutable Signs

The zodiac signs are grouped into three “qualities” or “modalities”: cardinal, mutable and fixed signs. Gemini is one of the four mutable signs. These signs end every season—and have learned the hard lessons taught by spring, summer, fall and winter.

The mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces—know that all good things come to an end, and their role is to prepare everyone for the changing of seasons. 

Mutable signs are the adapters of the zodiac, a little bit older and wiser. More flexible and comfortable with change than other signs, they can “chameleon” themselves to fit into a variety of situations.

Mutables are also the editors of the zodiac—the ones who complete the package with a winning touch. A plan can be sparked by a cardinal sign, built by a fixed sign, then perfected with the critical eye of a mutable sign.

Gemini Traits and Characteristics, Summed Up

In the end, it’s always your choice whether to have a Gemini in your life or not. With any person, you take the good with the bad. Is it worth it to put up with the shenanigans in order to enjoy the best of your Gemini? Only you can decide that.

If you do end up inviting a Gemini into your life, you’ll never be bored. Life is an endless adventure and while it might be exhausting, it will always be entertaining.

By understanding astrology and the traits of the Gemini zodiac sign, you can choose words and actions that bring out the Gemini’s best. And you’ll also see warning signs of any bad Gemini traits early, so you can either diffuse them or walk away and avoid the bad parts that go along with this sign. Knowledge is power!

Photo by Tiffany Combs on Unsplash

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.