Everything you need to know about dating a Cancer man

There are just a few basics that need to be explored when you first start dating someone. Where is he from? What does he do for a living? Oh, and most definitely, when’s his birthday? This isn’t just for remembering when to send that “happy b-day :)” text! Knowing a potential partner's zodiac sign can really help in understanding his behaviour. Astrology helps us break down personality traits, pet peeves, and, yes, even dating patterns. It can be fun and informative to look up his sign and see how yours works with his. (Yes, we’re talking compatibility!)

If you’re dating, Insta sleuthing (hi, guilty), or just fantasising over a Cancer man, there sure is a lot to know. These crabby crabs are sensitive, sweet, and maybe just a lil bit clingy…hope you like snuggles!

Luckily, astrology allows us to decipher personality traits, pet peeves, and so much more. And trust me when I say there is SO much more to a Cancer man than you initially realized. So if your guy was born between 21st June and 22nd July, look no further! Behold, the comprehensive guide to navigating him.


First, a birth chart calculator

Not sure if your partner/crush is really a Cancer? Put their bday into this birth chart calculator to make sure:

This birth chart calculator was created by www.astro-seek.com in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website www.naramon.com.

The Cancer basics

Birthday: 21st June to 22nd July

Modality: Cardinal sign

Element: Water sign

Ruler: The Moon

Represented by: The Crab

Keywords: Emotional, nurturing, protective, intuitive, sentimental, sweet, sensitive, romantic, needy, grumpy, homey, moody, shy

Best traits: Caring, sensitive, empathetic, sweet, nurturing, committed, romantic

Worst traits: Clingy, needy, passive-aggressive, stuck in their ways

Love anthem: 'Shallow' from A Star Is Born

Watch this romance movie together: 13 Going on 30 (2003), directed by Gary Winick

Famous Cancer men: Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Hanks, Jaden Smith, Post Malone, Nick Offerman, Milo Ventimiglia, Jacob Elordi, Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Tom Cruise, Elon Musk, Kevin Hart, Kevin Bacon, Luke Bryan, Vin Diesel, Harrison Ford, Forest Whitaker, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Patrick Stewart, Post Malone, Larry David, Nick Offerman

Best day to ask him out: Monday

A Cancer man's best traits

One thing you can say about Cancer: he's in touch with his feelings. Seriously, he's one of the most sensitive, caring people you'll ever meet. He's cuddly, romantic, wants to commit and probably even have a family. You do not need to worry about "playing it cool" with Cancer!

A Cancer man's worst traits

If you're not feeling Cancer's romantic nature, it's likely you'll find him kinda clingy. Like, he means well, but sometimes you just need your own space, you know? Also, Cancer tends to be a homebody...which can be great, but it also means that if you want to go to that bar crawl your friend is planning, he'd probably rather stay home. Finally, confrontation isn't his strong suit, which means he can be a bit passive-aggressive.

The best matches for a Cancer man

Cancer and Scorpio

When it comes to a perfect match for Cancer, Scorpio easily takes the cake. The two water signs share emotional compatibility and similar values about security, trust, and commitment.

Cancer and Pisces

Likewise, Cancer vibes with water sign Pisces — the fish and the crab both have ~oceans of emotions~. These two sensitive bbs will be all to happy to share a cuddle puddle.

Cancer and Taurus

Taurus is another great match for Cancer —both are slow-moving and loyal, and they love to get comfy and cozy. The Moon’s fave sign is Cancer, but its second fave is Taurus, so they share that ~lunar connection~ as well.

Cancer and Virgo

Earth sign Virgo also makes a great partner — hardworking Virgos will prioritise their relationship and fully show up, unlike certain fire signs (see! below!).

Cancer and Capricorn

Finally, Cancer has opposites-attract astrological chemistry with Capricorn, its literal opposite on the zodiac. Hot!

Cancer and Cancer

Of course, fellow Cancers are also a great match for Cancer. They just get each other, y’know? And you just know that joint b-day dinner party will have the most delicious food you’ve ever eaten, the most beautiful mood lighting you’ve ever seen, and the comfiest chairs you’ve ever sat in. Invite me, pls?

The worst matches for a Cancer man

Cancer and Gemini

Cancers will need to compromise when connecting with Gemini. Cancers tend to be introverted and they like stability, and Gemmys are super social and unpredictable. These contrasting traits could make a Gemini feel restless and a Cancer feel stressed.

Cancer and Aquarius

Similarly, Aquarians think with their head, not their heart — the opposite of emotional Cancer.

Cancer and Sagittarius

Impulsive Sagittarius can also seem flaky to homebody Cancer. Sag wants to go, go, go, and Cancer wants to cuddle on the couch.

Cancer and Leo

Likewise, Cancer can clash with extra-extroverted Leo — Cancer would rather Netflix and chill while Leo wants to hit up six different parties in one night. Exhausting!

But as with all signs, a little bit of conscious teamwork can create a healthy and loving partnership. If Cancer is cool with a chill night solo while Leo goes out with friends, this pairing can really work — and the same goes for all these other pairings. And remember, your Sun sign is only one part of your birth chart. If your Sun signs aren’t particularly compatible, your Moon, Mars, or Venus sign might be!

Sex with a Cancer Man

Let’s just say sex with a Cancer will always feel like an intimate affair. Their intuitive nature makes for a satisfying time between the sheets. They’re naturally romantic — think massages, prolonged eye contact, hour-long make-out sessions, and, sure, even rose petals. They’re so ~connected~ to you that they can basically read your mind. Cancers are the cuddliest people you’ll ever date. They’ll spoon you literally all night, so hope you don’t mind a little extra body heat in the summer.

Cancer men find enjoyment in fulfilling your every desire, thanks to their extreme sensuality and giving nature. Yep, they’re excellent at oral. There’s a reason their sign’s symbol looks like a 69! They also love to hear how great they are in bed, how hot they look, how sweet they are, etc. — basically don’t skimp on the compliments. Just know that if you want to mix things up in bed, you’ll have to explicitly tell him, since Cancers can be a bit shy if not encouraged.

A relationship with a Cancer man

Cancer wants to fast-forward through the "talking stage" and get straight to committed. They really thrive when they can be coupled up with a partner and know that their feelings are reciprocated. They're dependable, committed, and willing to put in the work. However, they're not always open to other POVs, and their homebody nature makes them reluctant to change.

A Cancer man in love

Cancer is one of the most romantic signs of the zodiac when they're in love. Cuddles, roses, poetry...you get the picture. Cancer will give you all the attention. Hopefully you feel the same way and the two of you can enjoy being loved-up together.

A date with a Cancer man

No need for skydiving here! As one of the most sensitive signs of the zodiac, a Cancer man wants to spend your date truly getting to know you. Expect to sip fancy cocktails while talking for hours at a bar with perfect mood lighting, or to gaze into each other’s eyes while going through those viral “36 Questions to Find Love.”

As the zodiac sign represented by the crab, Cancers naturally love the water. A beach date is pretty much their perfect date, and they wouldn't say no to a hot tub, either. Cozy Cancers are natural homebodies, so yeah, they’re always down to Netflix and chill.

A Cancer man at home

Um, where did your Cancer man buy his mattress? Some how this dude has the comfiest bed, the cosiest blankets, the most luxurious couch, and the fluffiest pillows you’ve ever encountered. While his home isn’t ostentatiously decorated like a Leo’s, he takes pride in having carefully chosen objects with a lot of sentimental value.

Expect to see plenty of framed photos of his family, items he’s been given or inherited from his grandparents, and souvenirs from travels. (Seriously, does everything in a Cancer man’s home have a nostalgic story behind it?) Even if he isn’t furnishing his studio in heirlooms, expect a Cancer man to pick a vintage piece over a trendy modern item any day.

A Cancer man at the office

Cancers are the reliable coworkers you turn to in a crisis. They might be a bit grouchy at times, but they’re always there for you when you need them. They’re also incredibly loyal, so if you help them out, they’ll always have your back. Although they can be shy and reserved, Cancers are also extremely intuitive and perceptive, which means they understand how people work. Oh, and they’re also creative, so yeah, they’ve got some excellent ideas. Who doesn’t want one of these watery geniuses as a coworker?

A Cancer man with friends

Expect a Cancer man to have a close circle of besties he’s known forever, not a huge social net of acquaintances. Quality over quantity, people! Cancers take their friendships seriously. They’re both loyal and nostalgic, so don’t be surprised if he’s still close with people he met in nursery school (go ahead, ask them to show you some pics). While a Cancer *can* go out in a large group, he really shines one-on-one or in small groups. If you really want to get to know how he acts with his BFFs, plan a dinner party or a game night and not a bar crawl.

A gift for a Cancer man

Don’t worry about saving up for the latest iPhone. A Cancer man wants a gift from the HEART. Write him a poem about how much you love him! Bake him his favourite cookies! Create a scavenger hunt that shows him how well you know every detail about his life!

Okay, it doesn’t have to be that mushy-gushy, but Cancers appreciate it when you put some thought into their gift. Think of this as an opportunity to show him that you really know him. It could be picking out his favourite bottle of wine, buying him that book he mentioned wanting to read, or planning a romantic weekend getaway for the two of you. There’s nothing a Cancer wants more than some QT with his cutie!!!

Follow Jake on Instagram.

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