Everything You Need to Know About the Taurus Personality

Soaking up the words of Joan Didion in the warmth of a crackling fireplace, savoring the first bite of crème brûlée, sinking into a bubble bath surrounded by crystals. For Taurus, life is about sensory pleasures. And sure, Taureans have a stubborn streak, but who can blame them? Their comfort zone (somewhere under a $500 cashmere blanket) is just so…comfortable. Want a peek inside the Taurus personality? Come on in, dinner’s ready.

Your sun sign: Taurus

Your element: Earth. These grounded signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) crave structure and stability. Concerned with the here and now, practical earth elements create plans and stick to them. For these guys, happiness is crossing off that last task on their (color-coded) to-do list.

Your mode: Fixed. Those born under the fixed mode value consistency and a clear purpose in life. Rely on them to follow through with brunch plans and complete that basement renovation. Cemented in their beliefs, they are strong-willed and often resistant to change.

Your ruling planet: Venus. The sensuous celestial body influences our love life, how we see beauty and how we fare in the financial realm. Style and aesthetics are central here, which explains this sign’s sartorial flair (especially when lush fabrics are involved). For Taureans, how the breezy linen pants feel is just as important as how they look.

Your symbol: The bull. Slow and steady, the bull will happily spend his days snacking on grass and roaming idyllic pastures, but when provoked (say, with a red cape), the animal launches horns-first into an attack. Similarly, gentle Taurus steers clear of conflict unless her routine or opinions are challenged. (In which case, run for the hills.)

Your “one-word” mantra: “Give”
Taureans can use their materialistic tendencies for good by giving back to others. (See every sign’s one-word mantra.)

Best traits: The phrase “stop and smell the roses” perfectly embodies our Taurus friends. In our constellation of urgent emails, texts and push notifications, Taurus reminds us to take it slow and enjoy the earthly delights around us. This calming presence makes them a pleasure to be around. Steadfast friends, partners and family members, Taureans stand beside their loved ones through thick and thin.

Worst traits: With Taurus’s immovable nature comes her inability to grow. The earth sign tends to stay in situations that no longer serve her, like a job she’s outgrown or a toxic friendship. This can also show up in the sign’s firmly planted belief systems, which can come across as close-mindedness. Taureans will need to learn to let go and embrace change to prevent getting stuck. (Or, you know, enlist a Sagittarius friend to encourage some risk-taking.)

Best careers: At work, Taurus is thorough and methodical, preferring to work on one task at a time rather than juggling several projects. These nature lovers thrive with hands-on tasks like farming, botany and agriculture, but their Venusian influence makes artistry (think illustration, interior design or fashion-related fields) an equally fulfilling profession. Whichever path they choose, their work ethic and perseverance (even when handling the most monotonous tasks) make Taureans stellar employees.

As a friend: Taureans are your loyal, lifelong friends. For Taurus, friendship is a precious jewel to protect and polish daily. They are selective of whom they chose to befriend, so if you’re earned the trust of a Taurus, you’re in luck. They’ll make sure to schedule weekly movie nights, shopping trips and dinners at that sushi spot they love. Count on your Taurus pal to give rational advice and damn good hugs. The greatest thing you can do in return is telling them how much their friendship means to you.

As a parent: Whether they’re tending to houseplants or children, Taureans make nurturing and reliable parents. Find them sitting front row at field hockey games, piano recitals and PTA meetings. And find their kids bundled in several layers carrying the world’s best-packed lunches. Taurean parents are particularly gifted at creating structure and routine for their little ones, so there’s no shortage of planned-out playtime. As kids get older, though, this structure can feel a bit oppressive. Why is curfew always at 9 p.m., with no exceptions? “Because I said so” is a favored response of the Taurus parent.

As a partner: Expect heartfelt texts, home-cooked linguine for two and lots of candlelight. The Venusian sign brings romance and reliability to their partner. And while Taureans may be hesitant at first, once they’ve decided (after careful earth-sign deliberation) to enter a relationship, they’re in it for the long haul. Commitment comes easily to Taurus, and they expect the same security from their significant other, so if the fixed sign senses any instability from their loved one, feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can creep in.

Secret traits no one realizes: While most of us consider water signs to be the most intuitive in the zodiac, Taurus is also deeply instinctual. The stoic bull can sense things others may breeze past. For authentic Taurus, this means she’s able to sniff out lies and deceptive behavior going on in front of her. Taurus “just knows” when a person or situation seems disingenuous, and finds it difficult to shake these gut feelings. So good luck throwing them a surprise party.

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