5 Zodiac Signs That Are Too Hard On Themselves

Pisces

Pisces are natural givers; their generosity and boundless love do not go without notice to their loved ones. However, in order to keep balance in their life, they require a lot of alone time to restore their abundant hearts. Both of these qualities (their innate sense of empathy and necessity for alone time) are what drive a Pisces to be overly self-critical. Pisces individuals feel very deeply for others which often leads to them overthinking their actions when it comes to other people: Should I have helped more? Did I say the right thing? Am I overstepping? Do they take me for granted? Not to mention, spending too much time alone can lead a Pisces’ mind to spiral into the depths of overthinking way too easily.

While those closest to a Pisces always feel their love and kindness, it’s easy for a Pisces to fall into the trap of thinking they could do more and beating themselves up because of it. Be sure to tell a Pisces how much their generosity means to you as it can help them avoid this mental rabbit hole. And if you are a Pisces, know that you are already enough and that anything you offer is plenty. Affirm yourself when you are not feeling whole that what you give is received, appreciated, and nurturing.

Cancer

Known as one of the most emotional signs, Cancers have a profound way of understanding and caring for those around them. However, while they are intuitive and loving individuals, they occasionally find themselves wondering if they receive the same care in return from the people they love. Because of their desire to find balance between the love they give and the love they receive, Cancers often find themselves torn between needing to give more or needing to recede. They can be extremely hard on themselves on both fronts and may find themselves thinking: Am I prioritizing myself enough? Do they care about me the same way I do them? Should I be putting more effort into this relationship? Am I keeping my guard up too long?

In constant search of this equilibrium, it’s hard to find a Cancer that openly wears their heart on their sleeve. Instead, they often keep their walls high until they can trust you not to take advantage of them. If a Cancer you love seems in their head, it’s likely from this ongoing internal dialogue around their desire for harmony in their day-to-day.

Cancer, be sure to check in with yourself but avoid getting lost in your thoughts. Stay in tune with the present and what feels right in the moment.

Virgo

While Pisces and Cancer’s reasons for being hard on themselves are more nuanced, a Virgo’s is more straightforward. Virgo individuals are incredibly hardworking and strive for perfection in every aspect of their lives including career, relationships, health, etc. It’s admirable how determined Virgos are to succeed at the job they love or be the best partner possible to their sweetheart or maintain a fit physique despite juggling a busy day-to-day schedule. However, while this high bar they set for themselves is impressive and praiseworthy, it can lead to a lot of self-criticism if it is not met.

If you have a Virgo in your life, be sure to give them a lot of love when they feel disappointed in themself; and if you’re a Virgo yourself, be sure to give yourself grace. Especially because you know any mistake or letdown will only further your desire to get up again and fix it. Try not to let your desire for success rule you Virgo– there is power and joy in the journey.

Libra

Even more so than Cancers, Libras are oriented toward balance. They like everything in their life to be harmonious and peaceful. Because of their overwhelming desire to maintain a sense of calm in their day-to-day, Libras stray from conflict of any sort. Not to mention, they are endless deliberators; completely indecisive and open-minded, causing them to find validity in both sides of every scenario. While a Libra’s harmony is one of their most attractive qualities, it is also one that causes them self-doubt and criticism whenever a decision is finally made. They may find themselves questioning: Did I make the right decision? Should I have leaned more toward the other side? Did my advice actually improve the situation?

If you are a Libra, remember to stay grounded in your choices when they are finally made. Life is full of decisions and it’ll only waste your time to look back and think further on them after choices have been made and your path has been set.

Capricorn

Capricorns have a knack for being organized and refined. They know their boundaries and how to maintain them in order to remain composed in their day-to-day. While their type-A nature often helps them plan for disaster, chaos still acts as a Capricorn’s kryptonite. When their routine is meddled or their hard work is cast off, a Capricorn’s polished exterior may start to crumble because internally, they’re spiraling. When life hits hard, a Capricorn may find themselves thinking: where did I go wrong? How can I make this better? People think I can take it but I am overwhelmed. Their impulse to keep their life regimented hits overdrive when uncontrollable fates enter their door.

If you know and love a Capricorn, remind them that you can carry some of this weight when difficulties come their way— they are not alone. Capricorn, know that life is full of twists and turns that are sometimes pleasantly unexpected and sometimes a punch to the gut. There’s no way to tell what’s coming next; embrace that, breathe through the changes, and know that a solution will present itself with time. Patience.