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Cancer men, born between June 21 and July 22, are deeply caring and passionate romantic partners. But Cancer men also have a tendency to be shy, risk-averse, and possessive--much like their sign, the crab. Being prepared to confront their natural tendencies gently and up front is a great way to start a happy relationship with a Cancer man.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Attracting a Cancer Man

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  1. Cancer men love a more traditional relationship, where they’re the protective partner. To tap into those tendencies, play up your delicacy and innocence by speaking softly and playing with your hair. Glance up at him through your lashes and smile sweetly to show him you’re interested without overdoing it. [1]
  2. Cancer men love colors and scents that are fresh enough to eat! But make sure not to overdo it. You wouldn't want to smell strong enough to make him cough! Try to plan an outfit before going after your cancer man, choose dress or pretty blouse in a shade of indigo or orange. For a perfume, choose something floral and sweet.
    • Some great scents to try include flower-based aromas, like gardenia, lavender, or jasmine.
  3. When you want to get closer to a Cancer man, touch him lightly on the arm, shoulder, or back of the hand. Cancer men are very tactile, so this is a great way to appeal to his natural tendencies while showing that you’re interested in something more.
    • For example, if you’re greeting him, you could say, “It’s great to see you again,” and place a hand on his arm.
  4. Ask him out when he’s on his own, not in front of others. Cancer men are self-conscious and don’t usually like to make the first move, so it’s best if you let him know how you feel instead. Drop by his office when everyone else is at lunch or gently pull him aside at a party to talk to him alone. A Cancer man might panic or feel put on the spot if you ask him out in front of other people. [2]
    • If you don’t get the chance to talk one on one, get in touch with him by text or email.
  5. Although it’s always best for you to make the first move with a Cancer man, he may shy away if you come on too intensely. Get to know him first, then share your feelings. [3]
    • If you’re asking out a Cancer man you’ve just met, keep it casual by saying, “It was great to meet you last night. We have such a similar taste in books! Do you want to meet up for coffee sometime and give me some recommendations?”
    • If you’re want to go out with a Cancer man you’ve known for a while, say something like, “I haven’t seen you around the office for a while! Would you like to grab coffee sometime and catch up?”
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Going On Dates

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  1. Don’t jump in too fast with a Cancer man. Once you’ve shown him that you’re interested or secured a date, give him a little bit of space. [4] Let him get to know you slowly while sending out signals that you’e committed to allowing him in. [5]
    • For example, don’t set up dates two days in a row or immediately invite him over to your place. Avoid asking him personal questions right off the bat.
    • Let him open up to you in his own time. You’ll love how romantic and compassionate he’ll be!
  2. Plan a weekend trip to the coast, rent a kayak or try paddleboarding. Take a casual day-date to the beach during the summer. Cancer is a water sign and Cancer men love being near the sea. [6]
  3. [7] Although a Cancer man might be hesitant to invite you over when you’ve just started seeing each other, once he’s beginning to commit to you he’ll definitely want to show you his home. In fact, the perfect date for a Cancer man is a night spent at home together. Turn the lights down, curl up together under a blanket, and let him choose the movie. [8]
    • Cancer men love and are proud of their homes. Compliment him on his place and show him that you love spending time there with him.
    • A Cancer man will still love to go out and be social, but home is his place to recharge and relax. He’ll love that you want to spend time with him there.
  4. Cancer men are sensitive and don’t like to be in tense, fraught situations. Keep your temper under control when you’re together and avoid gossiping or critiquing others. [9]
    • For example, avoid snapping if a car cuts in front of you, or complaining about the service at a restaurant. Instead, take a deep breath and let it go. Your calm reaction to a small annoyance is a big plus to a Cancer man.
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Connecting Emotionally

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  1. Once your Cancer man has started to return your interest, you can begin to open up to him in return. Start by including him in your hobbies and interests, then begin sharing things about your past or family. [10] A Cancer man will quickly become tuned into your emotions and personality and will show you his interest by giving you lots of affection. [11]
    • Once you show your own vulnerabilities, a Cancer man will feel safe to begin doing so in return.
  2. Once a Cancer man commits to you, he won’t hesitate to show you how much he cares. Always show your appreciation for his small displays of affection, from cooking you a meal to volunteering to do the dishes. Showing your gratitude will tell him that you understand how he conveys his affection for you and are truly grateful for it.
  3. Your Cancer man loves to feel needed, so you’ll need to be willing to be fussed over a bit. He’ll want to nurture you and offer guidance, which is sometimes too much for more independent people. If it’s too hard for you to rely that much on someone or to get that much attention, talk to him about it. [12]
    • Say, for example, “I love you so much, but I need a little space to make my own decisions.”
  4. Family is one of the most important things in a Cancer man’s life. After you’ve been seeing each other for a while, he will begin bringing up his family and start asking about yours. Be open and honest about your family; no matter what your situation is, he’ll appreciate your honesty and be eager to help if he can. [13]
    • If you aren’t close to your family, be honest about it. Say, for example, “My family and I don’t get along very well. It’s a big regret of mine. I’d love to be closer to my parents and siblings.” Show him that you’re still open to being a part other families, like his.
    • If you are close to your family, emphasize it. Tell funny stories about your parents and siblings and talk about how you love to get together with them.
  5. Cancer men really dislike being criticized, no matter how good your intentions are, and they also have a tendency to hold a grudge. If you’re approaching a Cancer man about something you think he could do better, try to appeal to his powerful sense of protectiveness and good work ethic.
    • You could say, for example, “I’m so glad you worked on the air conditioning the other day! But now the air coming out is always freezing and it won’t turn off, so I’m freezing! Would you mind helping again?”
    • Cancer men will often retreat into their “shells” when they feel threatened, and won’t open up to you at all. Speak softly and keep a hand on his arm to reassure him that everything is fine.
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Building a Strong Relationship

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  1. When a Cancer man forms a bond, it’s almost always a long-term one. He’ll be a dedicated and possessive partner, and he’ll always make you feel like the center of his world. Make sure this is something you want and are prepared for when he starts talking long-term. [14]
  2. Cancer men tend not to be very experimental in bed and will likely prefer to keep your intimacy simple. He’ll see sex as an expression of love rather than something carnal. Cancer men are also known for being very sensual, using all of the senses to show their love. [15]
  3. Your Cancer man will want to make a home he can be proud of, and he’ll crave your support in that. Encourage his home improvement projects and show your appreciation for the work he likes to do around the house. Spend lots of time with him at home and show that you love quietly bonding with him that way. [16]
  4. Make a good impression on his family. When you meet a Cancer man’s family, smile and be friendly and involved in the conversation. Pay special attention to his mom and any other female members of his family--their opinions will matter most to them. Make a point to sit down with his mom and just chat for a while to show him that you’d like to get to know her. [17]
  5. A Cancer man loves to be the leader of a happy, secure family. If your relationship becomes very long-term or if you end up getting married, expect that he’ll want to have at least 1 or 2 children. [18]
    • It won’t be a deal breaker if you feel differently, or if you or he can’t have children. You can discuss ways to channel this tendency by getting pets, spending lots of time with young relatives, or even adopting.
  6. If your relationship is having problems, a Cancer man won’t address him. He’ll put up with a lot in order to avoid trouble, so if you feel strongly that the relationship needs to change or take a break, it’ll be up to you to say so. [19]
    • Sit down with him and calmly tell him how you feel. Chances are he’s picked up on some of the same feelings and signals but hasn’t wanted to bring them up and risk hurting you.

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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  • Question
    Do Cancerians like to be chased?
    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.
    Psychic Astrologer
    Expert Answer
    Not really. On the contrary: 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 do so.
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      Tips

      • Cancer men are particularly compatible with Pisces and Taurus.
      • If you’re a Libra, Capricorn, Aries, Sagittarius or Aquarius, you might find it hard to be with a Cancer man. If you feel a connection, though, go for it! Remember that true love can conquer anything.
      • Cancer has a limited capacity for childishness. Don't expect them to be flirtatious or giddy.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to start dating a Cancer man is to make the first move. Approach him when you’re both on your own, smile, and touch him gently if it feels natural. Suggest a relaxed first date, and be ready for him to show his romantic side once he commits to you. Embrace his family life and show your admiration for his home. Remember that Cancer men can be possessive and love to feel needed, so depend on him for a few key things and remind him that you need your space from time to time. For tips on navigating rough patches and making a long-term commitment to a Cancer man, read on!

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