Lately, I've been digging deeper into astrology and studying my sign. Throughout the journey, it's come to my attention that Taurus are probably one of the most complicated signs - that is, if you're not a Taurus.
To gain a little more perspective on how my sign is viewed by the others, I requested that the participants submit a question in response to the following:
If you could ask a Taurus one question, what would it be?
Not only did I learn a lot about myself as I answered them, but I learned about the participants based on their questions and their sign's characteristics as well. Overall, this was a fun experience for me!
To stay true to my sign, I organized the questions by sign (according to the starting date) and alphabetized the participants. Here are some burning questions people have about a Taurus, answered by yours truly — a Taurus!
Why do we only have to do things your way? - Izabella, Aquarius
I consider myself a dominant person and I just need to be in control of a situation. When I'm not, I'm significantly more stressed, and my anxiety skyrockets.
If I had to guess, that stems from my lack of trust in people — which is another common Taurus characteristic.
To add, I, we, like having plans, routines, and generally like to be organized, so if someone we're with happens to have an idea or plan that doesn't meet our standards, we have an urge to take over because whatever we can come up with is usually better — in my experience.
Not to mention, Taurus are natural-born leaders, courtesy of our ties to the bull, so it only makes sense that we want to take the reigns instead of being a follower.
Why do you guys always exaggerate the truth? - Mallory, Pisces
While I'll admit to exaggerating things here and there, and appreciating the truth, I can't speak for the combination of both. If I ever have, or another Taurus has, it was probably the result of wanting to impress someone or trying to make a situation sound better than it really is.
I'm definitely guilty of trying to throw glamor and prior achievements around like confetti.
But I'm not going to exaggerate something, especially the truth, if I know I can't back it up later on.
Granted, there are times when I over-exaggerate something to get my point across, especially if it's a topic up for debate and I know I'm right. Though, that's just a bull standing their ground.
So I wouldn't say we always exaggerate the truth, but maybe it varies person-to-person?
You guys are already so cool. Why do you always need so much approval from everyone? - Mallory, Pisces
I'm a very determined and hard-working person, like most Taureans, so when I feel that my work deserves to be appreciated or showcased, I'll definitely seek the approval of my peers.
No one wants their efforts to go unappreciated in any sense, especially if they're proud of the outcome.
On the flip side, on a personal level, I honestly couldn't care less about what people think of me. If you love me, cool, and if you don't, that's fine too. At the end of the day, I know who I am and the fact of the matter is, I only let people see what I want them to see — it's all about the first impression and your attitude toward me.
Ultimately, it's up to you if you get the horns or not.
Seeking approval from everyone about you, as a person, would be tiresome for anyone. People are going to think what they want but ultimately, you know the truth. Screw what everyone else has to say.
Do you ever get stereotyped when people ask if you're a Taurus? - Dayah, Aries
If someone is really into the zodiac signs and happens to be familiar with the common traits of each sign, they'd be able to guess I'm a Taurus simply because I'm as stubborn as they come. There's no reason to ask.
That stereotype lingers and I exude it almost every single day.
Stereotypes exist for a reason, and there's normally some truth to it no matter how much one tries to deny - it doesn't matter who you are or what your sign is.
What's the best thing about being a Taurus? - Dayah, Aries
While it can be stressful at times, it's nice to know that people trust me with, sometimes, very personal feelings — whether it be keeping a secret, partaking in an elaborate venting session with a friend, or asking for advice.
It warms my heart to know people trust me enough to open up like that.
To a degree, people depend on me and it's just nice to feel wanted and that my previous efforts toward the friendship/relationship were worth it.
I'm one day away from being a Taurus but I always identified more with that than my fiery Aries! Do you ever find your empathy to be a problem? - Gabby, Aries
There's a lot that goes into this one, whether it be personally or in general, so bear with me.
One of the biggest faults that a Taurus has is their loyalty; my loyalty. Rather, it's a catch-22 than a fault. If a friend or family member of mine is in need for whatever reason, I'm there whether it be physically or emotionally.
I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, and being a support system for so many people has gradually taken a toll on me over the years because I always try to match my mood with theirs.
It doesn't matter what I may be feeling or going through — my loyalty to others always trumps loyalty to myself.
Eventually, that becomes a massive problem for me and my mental health — which leads me to the next question and my next point.
I know Taureans feel emotions very strongly. Does it get taxing? - Gabby, Aries
Most of the time, I help others before I even think of helping myself, and unfortunately, I give more than I get. And yes, it definitely gets taxing, Still, I, we, don't want to show vulnerability or weakness.
I always feel the need to be the strong one in any scenario, especially emotionally, because I refuse to let anyone see the latter — stubborn, right?
I have this philosophy that if I'm with a friend and they're upset and/or vulnerable, I need to be the strong one to pick them back up after they've fallen because having two people like that at one time just isn't a good thing.
Normally, one might see this as a 'vice versa' scenario, right? No.
The toxic part, as much as I hate to admit it, is that I only let people see the strong side - never the side that's shattering. I have this mindset that if I let other people see my weaknesses, they won't think I'm strong anymore and no one will need or want me to be there.
Because, if I can't carry my own weight, how can I possibly carry theirs?
Maybe that's just me, or maybe I put something into words that others like me couldn't and they're glad someone could finally express it. Still, the hard truth is that it's toxic, taxing, and terrible for our mental health.
So many of the Taureans I know are scared of change, even if it would be better for them in the long run (I live with two and work with one). Can you explain the feelings behind this? - Paige, Aries
The only way I can make sense of this is that Earth signs like to stay grounded. All 12 signs are divided into the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Because Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo are Earth signs, we have a lot in common and your question is one of them.
I have routines for everything I do because it helps me stay organized and less stressed, as most Taureans do.
So when/if something disrupts, or even attempts to disrupt, a routine that I like, it affects my entire day in the most negative way, and it's just a downward spiral from there.
I imagine that the Taureans you know have the same mindset to a degree. Change just disrupts the balance that we've found — a balance that eventually became our comfort zone.
Change, when it's required, is something I tolerate, especially when it's something I'm not in control of.
However, when change inevitably happens, I find myself making plans in my head, if not on paper, so I can adjust and organize accordingly.
It's kind of like having the "there's a place for everything, and everything stays in its place" philosophy in your home. Your guests or roommates might not know where something is but you sure do, and God forbid if someone moves something without you knowing it.
Why do you like routines so much? - Katrina, Gemini
I like routines because I like to know what's coming my way.
It helps me mentally and physically prepare for my day-to-day, and it's significantly less stressful than it would be without a routine or plan.
Routines just help me feel more secure and stable, but that's also a generalized Taurus trait that you can look up with basically any Google search — another being the fact that we like stability and will do almost anything to achieve it.
If a routine is interrupted, changed, or just doesn't go the way that I planned, it affects my mood and inevitably, my entire day.
I imagine I'm definitely not the only Taurus that feels that way either.
As a side note, this is why, personally, spontaneity isn't my thing. If something comes up last minute, whether it be for business or pleasure, mapping out some sort of plan in my head is a default setting. I can never genuinely 'fly by the seat of my pants', as they say.
Would you consider Cancer a soulmate sign like many do? - Anonymous, Cancer
In my experience, absolutely not. Though to be truthful, I'm basing that decision on the faults of one Cancer who was, by textbook definition, a literal narcissistic sociopath.
It's not fair for me to discriminate against all because of one bad apple y'all probably wouldn't claim anyway.
In general, Taurus and Cancer have a strong compatibility rating to a degree but oddly enough, I always find myself being pulled toward Virgos and Geminis. Virgos, I can understand but Geminis, I can't fully explain that one.
Are you aware that everyone has an opinion? - Kyle, Cancer
Yes, I'm aware that everyone has an opinion, as are all other Taureans out there. The issue, I've found, is that it's not whether or not people agree with what I have to say, but justifying an already flimsy opinion with absolutely no logic.
A simple philosophy I live by: An opinion is like an a**hole; everyone has one and nine times out of ten, it's always sh*tty to someone.
Life is a lot easier when you don't take things too seriously and you can find something to laugh about, especially when it comes to varying opinions that may or may not coincide with your own.
What is your least favorite trait of your sign? - Kyle, Cancer
I don't consider myself a materialistic person, which is one of the known Taurus traits. Likewise, other Taurus traits that go hand-in-hand with this are 'greedy' and 'money-hungry'.
I consider myself an ambitious person who wants to live a successful and comfortable life.
But, personally, I don't need to chase labels or have six figures in my bank account for me to achieve that.
It's true, Taureans recognize and appreciate the value of a dollar but where most think that's in regards to spending it, we (or I) recognize the value in regards to what I had to do to earn it.
When someone refers to Taurus as a materialistic, greedy, or money-hungry sign, it makes me cringe because I don't (or I'd like to think I don't) identify with other people's interpretations of what that means and I don't want to be tied to that.
Do you feel like you have Taurus traits? - Michael, Cancer
If I wasn't born during Taurus season, I would swear that someone made a mistake and consider myself an honorary Taurus anyway.
The more I study astrology: signs, traits, common behaviors, etc., the more I realize I couldn't be anything else.
I love my routines and being organized because I need ways to keep myself grounded whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally. My loyalty knows very few bounds, and friends and family consider me a very dependable person — when I say I'll do something or that I'll be somewhere, I'm there.
Taureans are also recognized for being intelligent to coincide with the bull, so don't mind me while I disregard another Taurus trait (being humble) and toot my own horn. Also, ask anyone and they'll tell you that I'm hard-working — though I want to credit that to my parents who taught me that a strong work ethic goes a long way.
Procrastination is definitely a factor sometimes, and God knows I'm guilty of it, but when the time comes, I'm a pressure player, and my hard work is always reflected in the final product.
Likewise, as much as I'd rather not admit the cliche' toxic traits, I can't because I'd be denying part of myself that's 100 percent true.
There's no doubting I'm stubborn and if I tried to deny it, I'd burst into laughter before finishing the sentence.
I'm easy-going until someone says or does the wrong thing and to be blunt, all hell breaks loose and I'm rarely ashamed of it. Everyone should know better than to take a bull by the horns.
Taureans are also seen as greedy and money-hungry and though that's harsh, I have to agree to an extent.
However, I don't feel like acknowledging the value of money, yearning for a comfortable life, and doing anything to make that dream a reality is necessarily a bad thing.
My tenacity is also unmatched but I personally believe that was a trait passed down from my parents more than anything — but as Capricorns, a fellow Earth sign, it makes sense.
Taurus are known for being stubborn. Do you think that is true, or that a lot of people are stubborn regardless of zodiac? - Kayla, Leo
If I ever tried to utter the words, "I'm not stubborn", I would start laughing before I finished the sentence because no one in their right mind would actually believe that coming from my mouth.
Personally, I believe the stereotype is 100 percent true. In general, it's 100 percent true.
However, everyone is stubborn to a certain degree. It just depends on the person and situation. Even still, there's a reason that stubbornness is the first trait people think of when 'Taurus' pops in their mind.
How do you guys stay so strong willed? - Kayla, Leo
It's the glorious combination of our stubbornness, tenacity, and determination, with a dash of dependability.
The people that know me know that, most of the time, I don't take no for an answer without a fight — especially when it comes to achieving success.
If anything or anyone stands in my way, I'll gladly charge head-first into a situation or task until I get a result that I want, regardless of whether or not I have to step on some toes along the way.
Personally, I stay strong-willed, or at least attempt to do so, because I know others are depending on me to be.
The last thing I want to do is let them down. And from what I've seen, a lot of Taureans share the same mindset to some degree - whether they want to admit it or not.
How are you so determined and ambitious without getting tired? - Maddie, Virgo
To be short and sweet as a college student, I consume a lot of caffeinated drinks.
To be serious and a little thorough, I have certain expectations for myself and the only way that I can achieve them according to my high standards is to continuously push myself.
Likewise, I have many people depending on me for a multitude of things and the last thing I want is to let them down.
In all honesty, the more I progress through college and get closer to starting my career, the more the saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead" becomes a reality. There's so much to do in such limited allotted times that I have to keep going even when I know I should sit back and relax for a bit — or dare I say, take a nap.
Why does your sign look like Plankton from Spongebob Squarepants? - Anonymous Redditor, Libra
For those that are curious solely based on the question, I added the photo above as a point of reference.
In all honesty, I can't even begin to tell you how long I laughed at this. It's something I hadn't noticed before and I'm glad someone brought it up.
Thank you to the Redditor that contributed this — y'all never disappoint.
I don't have a solid answer but if I had to guess, Plankton is determined to steal the Krabby Patty Secret Formula (even though we all know it's crab).
Because determination is one of the well-known traits of Taurus, I'll make the assumption Plankton was meant to be a Taurus — even though his birthday is November 30, 1942, making him a Sagittarius.
It's OK though, Plankton can be an honorary Taurus in my book.
Why are half of y'all the most blunt and rude people but the other half are pushovers who don't share their feelings? - Anonymous Redditor, Scorpio
Every zodiac sign is split between two months, so the way that I can make sense of this is by comparing the April Taurus and the May Taurus.
Someone, though I'm not entirely sure who said that an April Taurus wants to be seen whereas a May Taurus wants to be heard.
Being a May Taurus, I can confirm I always want to be heard and never stop talking to reflect that.
Taureans that are born in April want to pull people's attention in a loud way that isn't necessarily expressed with words. In my opinion, based on observing people I know, the Taureans that are born in May embody what a Taurus should, and is known to, be and the Taureans born in April more closely embody Aries.
To answer in a more straightforward way, Taureans are blunt because they appreciate the cold, hard truth, no matter whose feelings get hurt. Personally, I like to see the reality of a situation rather than seeing a pretty, sugar-coated version.
On the other hand, Taureans aren't pushovers by any means.
Speaking for myself, but also may be seen as a generality, I don't share certain details with people that I don't trust — because most things aren't anyone's business. If I trust you,
I'll open up because I know you'll respect the fact that what is shared between us stays between us — like Vegas, but with intel.
So, to provide a little insight to the person who submitted this question: based on the way I see it, the Taurus who inspired you to ask this question doesn't trust you enough, or at all, to share their feelings.
It doesn't mean they're a pushover who doesn't express themselves; it just means they're being careful — especially around you.
Do y'all really eat 24/7? - Anonymous Redditor, Scorpio
Do we need to breathe to survive?
I'm kidding. I won't lie, we're suckers for the 6th Deadly Sin — gluttony for those that might've cocked an eyebrow. However, we like to pick our moments — or at least I do.
What's the biggest INCORRECT stereotype about your sign? - Justin, Sagittarius
One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone has the audacity to call me selfish. It's probably one of the quickest ways to infuriate me and I swear, I turn into the cartoon where their face turns red and steam comes out of their ears.
My bad attitude surfaces in record time if someone dares to say that I'm selfish.
Taurus loyalty is unmatched and we tend to put others before ourselves, even when it isn't in our best interest. But sure, call us selfish and see what happens.
How do you deal with confrontation? Passive-aggressive, straight forward, or a little bit of both? - Shelby, Sagittarius
Personally, I deal with confrontation head-on. If someone wants to take the bull by the horns, per se, I'm game. If someone can dish it out, they better be able to take it — and if they can't, they never should've opened their mouth to begin with.
If there's ever a time when I'm passive-aggressive, which is rare, it's only because I'm not in the mood to really retaliate just yet.
I'll take notes and observe from the sidelines until I'm presented with the just the right moment.
Taurus are normally seen as stubborn but they're ironically ruled by Venus, which signifies love. How does this play out in a successful relationship? - J, Capricorn
There's a lot that goes into this, both from a personal and generalized standpoint, so bear with me.
From an astrological standpoint, Venus loves when it crosses paths with Taurus because it feels more at home.
From what I've read as I dig deeper into my sign, Taurus is a highly sensual Earth sign and when Venus happens to be in retrograde with Taurus, it encourages a heightened need for self-indulgence, self-love, and sensuality.
This is the prime time for basically any Taurus to listen to their bodies and indulge themselves in any way they can, especially in regards to romance.
If you ever notice a behavioral change with a Taurus, whether it's subtle or otherwise, this is probably why (whether they realize it or not).
In hindsight, I can see where this might've happened with myself a time or two...or 20, but who's counting?
In any type of relationship, whether it be romantic or friendly, I and my fellow Taureans thrive on open and honest communication, stability, and loyalty. For us, that's just Relationship 101.
Because any good relationship is build on trust, and it's nearly impossible for any Taurus to trust someone without any rhyme or reason, there needs to be that solid communication in order for any type of relationship to be successful.
Likewise, a Taurus appreciates meaningful gestures in a relationship, especially the sensual and romantic ones, and at the right times — courtesy of Venus.
In regards to loyalty, we want someone who understands and respects our loyalty with loved ones — and we expect that the same loyalty is reciprocated.
Taurus are known to be hard-headed and set in their ways with virtually anything, and relationships are no exception. In reality, we don't ask for much but a lot of times, it's misconstrued as something more complicated than it is.
It seems to me, wanting a significant other to reciprocate your efforts in a relationship isn't too big of an ask.
In fact, it should be a given that reciprocating open and honest communication, stability, and loyalty is expected regardless of what your zodiac sign happens to be, as these are the foundation of any successful relationship.
At the end of the day, Taureans know what they want in a relationship (and in life); I know what I want in a relationship. It should be no surprise that Taureans are set in their ways, especially when it comes to their love lives. If that's stubborn in any sense of the word, so be it.
Why do y'all hurt people's feelings and cut people off for saying their opinion? - Nicole, Capricorn
When I hurt people's feelings, it's normally because they asked for my input.
I was brutally honest, and they didn't like what I had to say.
Friends, family, and acquaintances of mine know that I'm blunt and brutally honest, which is why I ask "are you sure?" when they ask for my opinion — a habit passed down from my mom.
If someone happens to say yes to that question, I won't hold back. I can't help that their feelings get hurt when they literally asked for it.
It sounds more like their problem than mine, if I'm being honest.
Likewise, to a previously answered question, if I cut people off based on an opinion, it's because it was a flimsy opinion to begin with that they tried to justify with no logic, or flat out stupidity.
I'm in favor of hearing other people's opinions, especially when I ask for them, but if your opinion reveals the true colors that I don't want on my color wheel, I'll have to ask you to exit stage left.