How to Deal with a Moody Cancer Man

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Cancer guys have a lot of strengths—they're nurturing, intuitive, and selfless. However, you've probably noticed your Cancer man can become moody or unpredictable at the drop of a hat. If you're wondering how to deal with his moods, keep reading! We'll cover the best ways to interact with him and behaviors to avoid.

Ways to Deal with a Cancer Man

Be patient and listen to what he has to say.
Say sorry if you hurt his feelings.
Tell him how much you appreciate and care about him.
Make some extra time to spend with him.
Stay calm around him so he doesn't get upset.
Let him know your boundaries and what you won't tolerate.

1

Listen to him.

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Your Cancer needs to know that you understand what he's experiencing. It's easy to assume that your guy just needs space when he's moody, but he actually wants you to listen to what he has to say. Set aside distractions and give your man your full attention. Just listening can go a long way in making him feel supported. ^{[1]
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Research source}
- If he clams up, say something encouraging like, "I've noticed you've been really quiet today. How are you doing?"

2

Be patient.

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Cancers don't like feeling vulnerable, so give him room to open up. If he's clearly upset or bothered, don't overwhelm him with questions about what's going on. Make it clear that you're available to talk, but let him share at his own pace. He'll probably appreciate it if you let him talk without interrupting to defend yourself or explain something. ^{[2]
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Research source}
- If your Cancer man suspects that you'll begin fighting, he'll close up. It's better to let him finish sharing what's on his mind before you have a calm discussion with him.

3

Apologize if you hurt his feelings.

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Show your Cancer guy that you understand what upset him. Cancers are one of the most intuitive signs of the zodiac since they're ruled by the Moon, the planet of emotions, and they're a water sign. ^{[3]
X
Research source} He's not the type to sweep a problem under the rug and forget about it. He feels things very deeply and if you've hurt him in some way, it's critical that you recognize that and apologize .
- For instance, you could say, "I'm sorry I upset you by spending so much time with my friends. It's true that I haven't been around as much for you lately. I'll try to do better in the future," or, "I'm sorry if I was a bit brusque earlier. I was just trying to explain how I'm feeling."

4

Try to be calm around him.

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Cancers dislike friction or tension, so be as peaceful as you can. Since Cancers are so intuitive, anger and fighting can truly distress him. If you sense that he's moody, be calm in your interactions with him and those around you. When emotions are running high, you might take deep relaxing breaths, visualize something peaceful, or count to ten.
- Your Cancer man will notice if you're being aggressive or argumentative with someone and it will make him more upset.

5

Shower him with affection.

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Your guy needs a lot of reassurance to break out of his mood. Cancers place a lot of value on relationships, but they can be pretty insecure in them. Your man needs a lot of positive reinforcement—signs that you truly like him and want to be with him. If he's brooding or quiet, he may not be getting the tenderness he needs.
- Make a point of surprising him with his favorite foods, cuddling up with him in the evening, or texting him a sweet note during the day.

6

Tell him that you appreciate him.

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A Cancer man's mood can swing sharply if he doesn't feel valued. This is a guy who goes out of his way to consider everyone else's needs, so it's not surprising that he occasionally feels overlooked. Remind your guy how great he is. Compliments and praise boost his confidence and show him that you're paying attention. ^{[4]
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Research source}
- Say something thoughtful like, "I was impressed when you went over and started talking to that guy that was alone at the party. I think you really put him at ease. You're a considerate person."

7

Share your feelings with him.

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Cancers need open communication to feel secure. If your man is suddenly closed off or distant, it might be because he craves emotional connection. He might doubt your feelings, so have a genuine talk about how you're both doing. Sharing your emotions really strengthens your relationship with a Cancer man. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might say, "Hey, we haven't really made time for each other lately. Want to talk?" or, "It seems like we've both been busy. I'd love to hear how things are going with you."

8

Make time for him.

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A Cancer man might hide or become distant if he's feeling ignored. Take time out of your schedule to spend just with your guy. You might plan regular date nights or surprise him by dropping in and seeing him at work. Making a point of seeing him shows him that he's important to you.
- Spending time with each other is important regardless of where you're at in your relationship with the Cancer man.

9

Be reliable and steadfast.

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Let your Cancer guy know that you're always there for him. If he's being especially moody, you might feel like your man's trying to push you away. Cancers can be insecure to the point that they sabotage relationships, so make it clear to him that he can count on you.
- To be reliable, do things like answer your phone when he calls, reply to his texts, and show up when you make plans to meet.

10

Let him see your commitment.

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Cancers prioritize relationships, so let him see your loyalty. Your Cancer guy probably makes a big deal about remembering birthdays and anniversaries. Remember important dates for him, and make the effort to bond with people that are close to him.
- For instance, meet his family and try to be on good terms with them. Hang out with his friends and introduce your close friends to him. This shows him that he's an important person in your life.
- Reader Poll: We asked 198 wikiHow readers if they believed Cancers are generally family-oriented, and 92% of them said Yes. [Take Poll]

11

Establish boundaries.

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Make your needs clear and discuss behaviors you won't tolerate. Cancers have a lot of positive traits, but they can also be a little controlling. You might worry that you can't do your own thing or spend time away from your Cancer guy without risking a meltdown. Come up with your own boundaries or behaviors that you won't tolerate. Then, talk with him about your needs, so you feel respected.
- For instance, if he gets angry when you go to meet up with your sister, you might say, "I can see that you're upset, but I haven't seen my sister in a while. If that upsets you, we can talk about it when I get back."

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.

1

How to Meet and Date a Cancer Sign

2

Flirt With a Cancer

3

Cancer Compatibility: What Zodiac Sign Is Most Compatible with Cancer?

4

Deal with a Moody Cancer Man

5

Cancer Woman: Her Dominant Personality Traits & Characteristics

6

11 Ways to Make a Cancer Woman Jealous

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Question

How do you keep a Cancer man hooked?

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

Remind him of his mother and let him take care of you! Ask for his help — it doesn't matter if you are sick or just need help in general — as they love to emotionally support others.

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Question

Why do Cancers isolate themselves?

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

Just like anyone else, Cancers need their space. You shouldn't worry, though. Give him space when he needs it and know that he will come back around in a couple of days as a new man.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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How to Deal with a Moody Cancer Man

Ways to Deal with a Cancer Man

Steps

Listen to him.

Be patient.

Apologize if you hurt his feelings.

Try to be calm around him.

Shower him with affection.

Tell him that you appreciate him.

Share your feelings with him.

Make time for him.

Be reliable and steadfast.

Let him see your commitment.

Establish boundaries.

Learn How to Date a Cancer with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

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