Love — it’s something almost all of us want, right? But what kind of love do you dream of? Is it a quick, fiery, passionate love to see you through the summer? Or is it a slow burn — a lasting connection that will last for years to come.

As fun as the first option sounds, most of us would probably choose the latter. But finding a partner who is well-suited to you — not just for now, but for the future — can be pretty tricky. You probably look out for red flags. Maybe, you look to your favourite celebrity couple for some inspiration. Or perhaps, you find yourself turning to different kind of star.

Astrology can be a great way to explore our personalities and understand how we might respond to the world around us — and it can also be a great way to explore our partner’s place in the world, too. Plenty of astrologers believe that star signs can indicate whether or not we’ll be a good match with someone. And, as it turns out, some star sign pairings are particularly well-suited to long-term relationships.

What makes a good star sign pairing?

According to astrology expert Inbaal Honigman, there are plenty of star signs that can be a good match — however, there are some that are extra magical.

“Polar opposites can be some of the most bang-on astrological pairings,” she explains. Polar opposite signs occur when you and your partner are born roughly six months apart. “Signs that are exactly six months apart tend to complete each other and form a wonderful couple,” she says. Think of it like opposites attract.

Virgo and Pisces, she says, are a particularly strong pairing. “Virgo is practical and organised, and the Pisces is chaotic and romantic,” she says. “They complete each other without conflicting. The Pisces is thrilled that the home is tidy, and the Virgo is thankful that their partner brings the love.”

Libra and Aries are another good example. “They get along beautifully,” she says. “Libra is calm and mindful, and Aries is active and comical, so they’ll keep each other entertained.”

Polarities:

• Aries-Libra
• Taurus-Scorpio
• Gemini-Sagittarius
• Cancer-Capricorn
• Leo-Aquarius
• Virgo-Pisces

Are some signs poorly suited?

While every couple is different, there are some sign pairings that work a little less well. For instance, two people of the same sign can sometimes butt heads.

“Even though a same-sign relationship offers the comfort and stability of being with someone who ‘gets’ you, it also emphasises your least favourite traits in yourself,” says Honigman. “Take Sagittarius for example, such a fun and frivolous sign, finally getting together with someone who’s as committed to being happy as you are, since you share all your traits with the same sign. But two Sagittarians will forget to take the dog for a walk and lock the front door, so together they might be a bit much.”