Cancers are deep-feeling empaths who lead with their emotions and cherish the comforts of home as a cardinal water sign. However, their softhearted compassion may make all those around them feel as if they’re treading on eggshells. 

Cancers are those born between June 21 and July 22, and they are empathic, loving, and good at creating interpersonal bonds with others. However, these cosmic crabs are also known for being gloomy and oversensitive, so if you accidentally damage their emotions, beware of those pointed forceps!

But we’re not here to criticize Cancers, whose growth margins are no worse or better than those of any other sign. Furthermore, our astrological birth charts include all 12 zodiac archetypes, implying that Cancer’s energy is present in all of our charts, strengths and flaws included.

Cancers have many excellent characteristics to be proud of, but studying Cancer attributes, including Cancer’s zodiac sign’s significant flaws, helps us to see the whole spectrum of this water sign’s archetype.

Whether you’re a Cancer or not, knowing the Cancer zodiac sign’s main flaws can help you come to know the Cancer-ruled aspects of your own chart in a more personal and practical way.

Their Moods Change Frequently

Cancer’s moods fluctuate as frequently as the moon’s form in the sky (they are, after all, the singular sign ruled by the moon in astrology). They may be laughing at a joke one minute and crying the next at the sound of a sorrowful song. This can make it difficult for others close to them to maintain up, especially if they are not as emotionally tuned in as Cancers.

They expect too much from themselves

Cancers, like a water sign, are intimately in touch with people’s emotions and wish to use their intuitive abilities to help others. However, their tendency of filling other people’s cups while never refreshing their own can empty and fatigue Cancers.

They’re Highly Sensitive 

Cancers are extremely sensitive, so they frequently take things personally or misinterpret other people’s words or behaviors. Even the smallest alterations in someone’s energy can cause Cancer to get concerned, so they must be upfront about their emotions rather than internalizing them and creating assumptions.

They Can Be Cruel

There’s a reason the crab is the emblem of Cancer! These sensitive people have a propensity to get impatient and touchy, which can lead them to withdraw into the isolation of their shells and turn their back on the outside world.

They can be closed off 

Being forthright about one’s feelings might be difficult for a Cancer, despite their high levels of emotional intelligence. Cancers, the crab of the zodiac, have the propensity to retreat into their shells and push others away when they feel exposed, vulnerable, or overwhelmed.

They are overprotective

Cancers, being the sign ruled by the moon (the planet linked with maternal instincts and emotional sensitivity), have a strong need to protect themselves and others they care about from harm. This motivation, though, might cause them to be overprotective. They may find themselves coddling and babying others (or oneself) when it is not required.

They are frequently stuck in the past

Cancers are affiliated with the zodiac’s nostalgic fourth house, which is related to our childhoods, recollections, and emotional origins. This impact explains why Cancers may get lost in the past so readily. Many Cancers find themselves emotionally entrenched in prior relationships or stewing over old squabbles.

They are rather passive-aggressive.

Softhearted Cancers have sensitive sentiments that can be easily injured, yet they detest conflict. As a result, instead of expressing their concerns or grievances with people directly, they frequently end up becoming passive-aggressive. 

They Are Rapidly Defensive

Cancers have gentle hearts and sensitive souls, and if they feel threatened or unduly vulnerable, their assertive cardinal sign temperament will leap to their defense. However, constantly acting as if they are under assault might make others feel as if they must walk on eggshells around them, so Cancers must think through their sentiments before rousing the forces.

They are Needy

Cancers are caring by nature, and they instinctively know how to comfort, protect, and secure people. Sadly, not everyone understands how to appreciate this type of love — and Cancers may become needy and even obsessive if they are not met at their level of loyalty. This can lead to a more manipulative and controlling attachment style in partnerships.