How Each Of The Zodiac Signs Nag People
It's for your own good.
For a long time, there’s been the cliché of the nagging wife or the helicopter parent who spends half their time telling their child to do better. But sometimes nagging is the only thing you can do to feel heard.
In astrology, how the zodiac signs nag others all depends on their personality. Some signs may more open about how they nag, while others may be more secretive about it.
The loose definition of nagging means to find fault, or complain in an irritating, tiring, and consistent way. You prod, you pester, you hound, and you needle when you nag. Sometimes the intent of the nagging experience becomes lost, and it can feel as if the person nagging you is deliberately trying to knock you down and chip away at your self-esteem.
You must never let a nagger do that to you. Assume they have the best intentions, listen to their advice, and consider it, like gathering your tax receipts together before April 15 or washing that sink full of dirty dishes.
But if you think the nagger is trying to put you down to build themselves up, you may want to rethink that relationship. Nagging to be helpful is okay but nagging to be hurtful should not be tolerated.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries are very direct with their nagging. They just want everybody to get their s*** together and complete whatever thing they're procrastinating about. These individuals are able to get multiple things done at one time, so they really don't get putting tasks and assignments off.
If an Aries needs to kick some butt to get you to do what you're supposed to do, they're going to do it. No thanks are necessary.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus are very focused and stubborn with their nagging. However, just because they know what you should be doing, it doesn't mean they are always on top of their own tasks.
Taurus are great at delegating and keeping others on task. Don't think you can distract them or get them off your case. Once Taurus has decided you should do something, you may as well just do it because they're not going to back down.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
When Geminis nag, they do it in a passive-aggressive way. They say things like, "So, you decided not to fill out your college application. That's a brave choice," or, "I thought you were going to vacuum today, but I guess it's not that dusty."
Geminis don't like someone disliking them — even for a moment — so they nag passive-aggressively, but only for the good of everyone concerned.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Cancers combine guilt with their nagging and make it emotional. "That's okay. I'll just do your chores too. I'm sure you're busy," they say.
When someone uses guilt as a motivator it serves two purposes: it makes you do it, and it makes you feel like a jerk if you don't. If you ignore their nagging, Cancer will internalize those negative feelings only to unpack them at a later date. Just do what they want now and avoid a big emotional upheaval later.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leos are good naggers. They explain how if you do what you're supposed to, everyone benefits. It's as they've assembled evidence and built a case about why you should clean your room and how a clean room doesn't just help you but helps the planet.
If you don't get what they're trying to say, they'll hound you until you do.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are born-naggers — nagging is part of their personality and it's difficult for them to switch it off. They tend to be very critical of themselves and others, and they feel as if they know what's best for everyone.
Virgos nit-pick, criticize, and scrutinize. The good thing is that they're often correct and they do tend to have a great deal of sway where other people are concerned.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras are humorous nags. They think if they can soften their nudge in some humor, they get their message across without anyone getting mad at them. The trouble is that sometimes their nagging gets lost and they end up at where they began, having to start the process all over again.
It would probably be better for Libras if they were direct about what they wanted or what they were complaining about.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are working the angles when they nag. If they think you need to be praised to get you to do what they want, they'll compliment you; if it's tough love you need, Scorpios will do that.
They are good at getting people to do what they want, and they're smart enough to figure out what kind of stimulus you need to prod you into taking action.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius hate to nag, so when they find themselves where nagging is necessary, they're going to be blunt about it. They hate being in the position where they're nagging, and they'll resent the person for putting them in that position.
Being tactful isn't one of their strongest personality characteristics. Hopefully, they'll make their point, and everybody can move on.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns are result naggers. They explain how if you do this, then that will happen.
For instance, if you owe money to Capricorn, they won't forget about it and will bring it up years later. They'll set up a payment plan and if you miss a payment, they'll point out how that not only angers them but it makes it so they'll never lend you any money in the future.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians are subtle naggers. They don't want to make a big thing out of it, but they'd like you to do what you're supposed to do without them having to remind you.
If that doesn't happen, they're going to have to get creative, and will nag in such a subtle or imaginative way that you do what they want without even being aware that was their goal.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces are overly-sensitive nags. Nagging hurts their feelings. They shouldn't have to nag anyone if everybody just did the things they were supposed to do and acted as responsible and mature people.
However, sometimes nagging needs to happen, and unfortunately, as much as Pisces doesn't want to do it, they're forced to nudge someone to grow up and do their share of housework, or pay all those parking tickets before they get their car impounded.
Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and astrology lover. She has written over 500 articles on the zodiac signs and how the stars influence us. She's had articles in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, and is a contributing writer to Ravishly, I AM & CO, and YourTango. Check out her website, her Facebook writer's page, and her Instagram.