When people think of you, a slightly geeky image comes to mind. You've always been the slightly awkward kid with book smarts instead of street smarts. Growing up was sometimes lonely because your mind was ahead of your body (in many instances teachers became better friends than peers). Out in the “real” world it wasn't much easier. At least you never had to talk to your books! The good news was just around the corner, however — adulthood. This was the time when you came into your own professionally and personally, and all those bits of collected knowledge finally came in handy.

At work, life's lessons have created a tough but fair associate. Everyone around you knows you're fully capable, and they're very respectful of, and motivated by, that aptitude. Combine that with our Cancer's no-nonsense, down-to-earth communication skills (inspired by a birth number of 2) and you've got a person who's ideally suited to group leadership positions, negotiating, or instruction.

As a friend, you really understand what it's like to be on the outside looking in. As a result, you often surround yourself with brilliantly awkward individuals who haven't completely turned into butterflies yet. In truth, this is very nourishing for everyone involved. Love is a slightly trickier affair, in that there's still some lingering teenage angst that plays in the background of our Cancer's mind. It takes some TLC from a mentally and spiritually stimulating individual to overcome that barrier.

Gift idea: a solid wood bookshelf.