How Leo shows up
Leos tend to be openly affectionate and generous. They’ll throw you the birthday party, tell the whole table about your promotion and defend you to anyone. They like romance in the old-fashioned sense, with dressing up, plans and some occasion to it. Their warmth is real, and it’s often the first thing people mention about them.
What they need from you
Leo needs to feel appreciated, and specifically appreciated rather than generally. “You looked great” is good, and “The way you handled that meeting made me proud” is better. They need a partner who’s happy to be seen with them and who has some spark of their own. Most Leos would much rather be with someone who shines than someone who just watches.
Where it gets hard
Underneath the confidence, there’s often more self-doubt than people assume. Being ignored can hurt out of proportion, and pride can make it hard to apologize first. A Leo may turn a conversation back to themselves without meaning to, or need praise at the exact moment you’ve got none left to give.
If you’re the Leo, try giving the attention you’d like to get, and ask questions you don’t already know the answer to. If you love one, remember the compliment costs you little and means a lot, and it’s fine to say when you need the spotlight for a while.