What’s Your Chinese Love Sign?. Neil Somerville

      Neither places much trust in the other. Both signs can be notoriously blunt in their views and their outspokenness may prove the deathknell for any friendship that might have existed between them.

      The Rat and the Rooster do not work well together. The Rooster plans his activities to the finest detail and is highly organized, while the Rat is supreme at taking advantage of a situation and places great reliance on his charm and resourcefulness. The Rat finds the Rooster too much of a restraining influence, while the Rooster dislikes the opportunistic ways of the Rat. They are not a successful combination.

      In Love and Marriage

      Initially there may be a strong attraction between them. Both like to lead an active social life, are keen partygoers and both have a deep love of conversation. In the early stages of their relationship they may have much fun together, each charmed by the qualities of the other. However, the longer-term prospects are difficult and each sign needs to make major adjustments if they want to remain together.

      Although they may share similar interests, their different personality traits may bring them into conflict. Both are forceful characters, with minds of their own, and each may try to dominate the relationship. The Rooster is precise, orderly and well organized; the Rat prefers to live day to day. There is likely to be much arguing and bickering and, with their forthright natures, each may be critical of the other.

       A turbulent match

      Rat and Dog

      General Relations

      The Rat and the Dog enjoy each other’s company and may become reasonably good friends. The Rat admires the loyal and trusting nature of the Dog, while the Dog enjoys the sociable and outgoing ways of the Rat. Together they may pass many a happy hour socializing and exchanging views.

      When the Rat and Dog work together they may not always be in full agreement but they may still benefit from each other’s individual strengths. The Dog is not as materialistic as the Rat and the Dog may feel uneasy with the Rat’s opportunistic ways. Similarly the thrifty Rat may despair of the Dog’s spendthrift tendency. However, if they can reconcile their differences, the Dog can gain from the Rat’s confident and enterprising nature, while the Dog can bring order, method and discipline to the Rat’s ways of working.

      In Love and Marriage

      The Rat and Dog both possess qualities that the other admires and in love and marriage they can form a satisfactory relationship. The Rat greatly admires the loyalty and dependability of the Dog. He is mindful of the Dog’s advice and the Dog is a useful curb on his impulsive nature. The resourceful Rat instils confidence in the Dog and does much to alleviate some of his anxieties.

      They are both romantic and passionate signs and attach much importance to their home. They each strive to make their home comfortable, and with their strong family ties, it is likely to be full of family heirlooms, mementos of childhood and other items of nostalgia.

      However, problems may arise. The Rat is thrifty and careful with his money, while the Dog, in the Rat’s eyes, is over-generous. The Rat can be restless and enjoys change and challenges, while the Dog appreciates consistency and careful planning.

      If they can reconcile their differences then the Rat and Dog can enjoy a content and fulfilling relationship.

       A good match

      Rat and Pig

      General Relations

      The Rat and Pig have many interests in common and often become close and loyal friends. They are both outgoing, like socializing and have a fondness for the good things in life. They enjoy each other’s company and often share similar viewpoints. General relations between these two signs are often excellent.

      As colleagues or business partners, they can enjoy much success. Both work hard and diligently and both have entrepreneurial flair. The Pig delights in the Rat’s skill in seeking out opportunities and developing ideas, while the Rat appreciates the Pig’s commercial acumen and ability to make money. Providing the Rat does not try to take advantage of the Pig’s trusting nature, they make a successful and formidable partnership.

      In Love and Marriage

      There is considerable attraction between the Rat and Pig and, in love and marriage, they can find happiness. Both are passionate and sensual signs and there is a strong physical attraction between them.

      The Rat and Pig are home-oriented signs and attach much importance to their home and family. They make caring and attentive parents and devote much time and energy into creating and maintaining their home; between them they make sure it is tastefully furnished. Their home may, however, quickly become full; with the Pig’s indulgence and the Rat’s acquisitive and hoarding nature, they could have more possessions than they know what to do with.

      Between them the Rat and Pig have considerable earning ability; most Rat and Pig couples are financially secure and are able to enjoy a good standard of living.

       An excellent match

The Ox

      Key characteristics:

      Resolute, strong willed, ambitious, careful, patient, stubborn.

      In love:

      Loyal, caring and dependable.

      Whether ploughing a field or pulling a cart, the ox is a strong and disciplined worker. The second of the Chinese signs is governed by equilibrium and tenacity and has a calm, quiet and orderly manner. While he may appear reserved, he is both resolute and tenacious.

      The Ox sets about life in a cautious and methodical way. He plans his activities carefully and does not like change or anything too gimmicky or innovative. The Ox is a down-to-earth sort of person and while he may sometimes lack tact, at least those who come in contact with him know exactly where he stands.

      The Ox is methodical, diligent and often a loner. He likes to conduct his activities in his own way and to his own exacting standards. The Ox also prefers to specialize and have set interests rather than engage in a wide variety of activities.

      The lady Ox is a practical person. She is keenly aware of her responsibilities and is supportive to her partner and her children. She also takes much delight in maintaining her home and others often marvel at her capabilities.

      The male Ox is quiet but confident in his manner. He may not be as outgoing as other signs, but he has a sharp mind and a steely resolve.

      However, the Ox does have his weaknesses. He can be stubborn and intransigent and does not adapt well to change. He can be prejudiced, inflexible and intolerant, he also has an awesome temper, although fortunately it is only used on rare occasions.

      Famous Oxen

      Napoleon Bonaparte, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Keira Knightley, Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep.

      Ox and Ox

      General Relations

      There is respect and admiration between two Oxen but not always close friendship. Oxen are resolute, ambitious and often loners and while one Ox may recognize the qualities and tenacity in another Ox, they often prefer to keep their distance. Each Ox cherishes his independence and each likes to have his own way.

      Both are hard and tenacious workers and if united by a common goal their perseverance and determination is invariably rewarded. In a working