11 Ways a Cancer Man Tests You (and How to React)

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Sensitive and undeniably loyal, a Cancer man can sweep you off your feet in a heartbeat. If he likes you, chances are he’ll start testing you to see if you’re truly the one. Cancers can be quite mysterious and hard to read at times, so we’ve put together a list of signs to help you out. Keep reading to find out how a Cancer man can test you in a relationship and why.

1

He watches how you treat other people.

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  1. Cancers are water signs, meaning that they’re super sensitive and rather emotional. Because of this, he’ll want to know if you’re capable of treating him with the empathy he needs. He’ll pay attention to how you react when someone’s emotional and if you support your friends. He needs reassurance and tenderness in a relationship, and the best way to find that out is to see how you act when you think no one is watching. [1]
    • Be your authentic self when you’re around him to show him who you are inside and out.
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2

He asks about your family.

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  1. Asking about your upbringing and family dynamics helps him learn more about you and your values. The 4th House , otherwise known as the House of Home and Family, rules his zodiac sign. With this, he is very connected to his own family, and wants to know if you share the same devotions and loyalties.
    • Let him know if talking about your family is triggering. He’s looking for honesty and vulnerability, and the last thing he wants is to make you uncomfortable.
3

He tells his friends and family about you.

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  1. With the 4th House ruling his zodiac sign, it’s no surprise that he cherishes his relationships. The opinions of his friends and family matter most to him, so he’ll tell them all about you if he's serious about you. He’ll most likely want you to meet them, and how you get along with his homies could be a deal maker or breaker.
    • Ask him questions when he mentions his loved ones. Showing an interest in his life can help you past his test.
    • It can be nerve-wracking meeting the friends and family of the man you care about for the first time, but you got this! Take a deep breath and remember to be yourself.
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4

He asks about your passions and aspirations.

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  1. By asking about your biggest hopes and dreams, he’s testing how open you can be with him. He wants to know what makes you tick, so tell him about your life goals and ambitions, no matter how strange or obscure.
    • Ask him about his desires and aspirations in return. Showing an interest in his personal life tells him that you care just as deeply about him as he does about you.
5

He showers you with presents.

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  1. A Cancer man will stop at nothing to show you how much he cares about you. He’ll surprise you with gifts, whether it’s a sparkling piece of jewelry that highlights your eyes or the dish detergent you keep forgetting to buy. He notices the little things, and appreciating his efforts can go a long way. [2]
    • Thank him for the gift if it’s something you truly appreciate.
    • Put his gifts to good use! This will show him that he’s doing something right.
    • Consider giving him a surprise gift in return. Cancer men are very sentimental, so give him a gift from the heart like something handmade or that reminds you of them.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 314 wikiHow readers what small gift they, as Cancers, would be happiest to receive from someone they’re seeing, and 47% of them said a sweet note. [Take Poll] Consider giving a sentimental note to your Cancer man—he’ll probably really appreciate it!
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6

He opens up emotionally.

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  1. Although sensitive, he won’t share his deepest thoughts to just anyone. His ruling planet is the Moon, which makes him extremely protective about how he expresses himself. Opening up emotionally is a giant step for him, and how you react can be a telling sign of if he wants to continue with the relationship.
    • Be supportive when he does come to you. He craves validation and a listening ear. [3]
    • Being vulnerable isn’t easy for him, so be authentic and supportive.
    • Share your feelings with him in return. This is a great way to show that you trust him too.
7

He leaves his phone unlocked around you.

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  1. It’s no coincidence if he leaves his phone unlocked next to you while he’s in the other room. This little test will prove if you believe him to be as loyal as he says he is. Rather than flicking through his messages and emails, leave the phone untouched or call out that he left his phone behind.
    • Follow suit and leave your phone unlocked in his presence. This shows that you trust him too.
    • If you both trust each other wholeheartedly, you won’t need to scroll without permission.
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8

He starts serious conversations.

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  1. He may open up a political or confrontational conversation to gather how you react to a surprise debate. He wants to feel secure and comfortable when he’s with someone, and that includes being able to share and respect each other’s beliefs. He already bottles up his emotions and thoughts from the world, and the last thing he wants to do is hide them from you.
    • If he opens up a conversation or asks a serious question, he wants to talk about it. Cancers are empathetic, so he won’t introduce a topic he isn’t comfortable exploring.
    • Try not to alter your natural reactions and opinions. He’s doing this to get to know you better, so be authentically you.
9

He invites you to hang out with him.

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  1. He’s 100% devoted to the relationship. To him, spending quality time with each other is extremely important. He might start asking you out every other night or spontaneously texting you about a new restaurant in town. Take this as an opportunity to show him you want to spend more time with him. [4]
    • Go the extra mile and invite him out first. This is a great way to tell him you’re just as committed to the relationship as he is.
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10

He asks you about your future.

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  1. To make sure you’re his perfect match, he may test you by asking you detailed questions about the future. Do you want kids? What does your dream job look like? Where do you want to live? These are all things he could bring up at any moment to get your honest reaction.
    • Be truthful with him about what you want and where you see yourself in ten years.
    • Who knows? You may discover that you want the same things!
11

He starts pushing you away.

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  1. The last thing he wants is to lose you, but he has to know if you feel as strongly for him as he does for you. He may start backing off a bit. Maybe he texts you less or asks you out on fewer dates. Take the initiative and shower him with affection to say, “I don’t want to lose you.”
    • Capture his attention with a romantic gesture. Take him on a special trip full of nostalgia or surprise him with a homemade cake. [5]
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Join the Discussion...

What to expect dating a Cancer zodiac man
WikiMongooseSlinger484
WikiMongooseSlinger484
Just started dating a Cancer man and I've had a couple of people tell me to "be careful" with this sign lol...... I think it's going well so far but I'm curious what to expect? I tbh don't really know all that much about Cancers so what are the pros and cons of dating a Cancer dude?
Stina Garbis
Psychic Astrologer
To make a relationship with a Cancer guy work, do your best to remind him of his mother...but also, let him take care of you. Cancer men love to be able to take care of people. So ask him for his help if you're sick or have a problem, because they love to emotionally support others. Cook together and eat meals with them. Bring them appetizing desserts and sweets to enjoy together.

Allow him to smother you a little bit. He is going to want to be close and to be helpful and you should give him opportunities to be close to you. Beware of changing moods, give him space when he needs it, and know that he will come back around in a couple of days.
Julia Topaz
Astrologer
First, the pros. Cancer men tend to be more traditional in the sense that they typically want a family, they want children, and they really care about their family and commitment.
If you want a man who's steady, a good bet, and not out and about up to something, then a Cancer is great. As for the cons, I would just say that they're usually very much "in their feelings". The problem with that is, as a society, men often haven't been trained to be comfortable with being "in their feelings". That can often manifest in them being very emotional, but they don't necessarily know how to deal with that. And so that aspect can be a bit challenging.
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Learn How to Date a Cancer with this Expert Series

Cancers are a complex mix of loyalty, romance, and dynamism. It can take patience to attract a Cancer, but it's absolutely worth it. This expert series will help you date the Cancer of your dreams.
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How to Meet and Date a Cancer Sign
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Flirting with a Cancer: How to Attract & Win Over Your Cancer Crush
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Cancer Compatibility: What Zodiac Sign Is Most Compatible with Cancer?
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Deal with a Moody Cancer Man
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Cancer Woman: Her Dominant Personality Traits & Characteristics
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11 Ways to Make a Cancer Woman Jealous

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  • Question
    How do you know if a Cancer man is into you?
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer
    Reverend Stina Garbis is a Psychic Astrologer and the Owner of Psychic Stina. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in providing personal and professional advice through astrology and tarot card readings. Reverend Stina has experience working with high-profile celebrities, sports figures, politicians, and CEOs. She has been featured in many publications, including Bustle, Vice, The New York Post, and Readers’ Digest and she also has a 200k+ following on TikTok. Stina holds an Ordained Minister License from The International Metaphysical Ministry University Seminary.
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer
    Expert Answer
    He'll want to be really close and helpful to you, as well as provide a lot of emotional support.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://cafeastrology.com/articles/cancermanlove.html
      2. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a25588060/cancer-man-personality-traits/
      3. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/kzv4vw/zodiac-horoscope-astrology-dating-cancer
      4. ↑ Stina Garbis. Psychic Astrologer. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.costarastrology.com/zodiac-signs/cancer-sign

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