Taurus’ 11 Negative Characteristics (According to Astrologists)

A complete guide to Taurus’s weaknesses & how to deal with them

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: September 6, 2024 Fact Checked

There’s a lot to admire about the loyal, dependable, and loving earth sign Taurus (April 20 - May 20). But, like all of the signs, Taurus has a few negative traits and weaknesses to overcome. For example, their commitment to stability can make them a bit stubborn and averse to change. If you’re curious about Taurus’s negative traits, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve interviewed expert astrologer Stina Garbis and compiled a complete guide on Taurus’ weaknesses and how to overcome them.

Things You Should Know

Taurus is steady and reliable, which can make them stubborn, set in their ways, and resistant to change.
Taurus seeks comfort and luxury in life. They can be a bit too indulgent with food and alcohol, and they have a tendency to become materialistic.

1

Stubborn

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This fixed earth sign is incredibly steady and reliable, which is a definite strength. On the flip side, they don't respond well to suggestions that they do things differently.^{[1]
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Stina Garbis, a psychic astrologist with over 30 years of experience, explains, “Taurus is the stubborn bull. It’s hard to get a fixed bull to move unless it really wants to move.”

If you’re dealing with a stubborn Taurus, affirm their feelings while also standing your ground. For example, you might say, “I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m just trying to share my perspective with you. I respect your point of view, and I would really love it if you could respect mine.”

If you’re a stubborn Taurus, work on opening your mind to others’ perspectives. If you’re tempted to dismiss someone’s input, pause and take a minute to really consider where they’re coming from. The people around you may have insights that will help you reach your fullest potential!

2

Resistant to change

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On the positive side, this makes them incredibly loyal and dependable. Unfortunately, this can also make them pretty averse to change. Big events like moving, switching jobs, or expanding their social circle tend to stress Taurus out.

If you’re trying to help a Taurus through a big life change, simply asking them how they’re doing and acknowledging their feelings can be super helpful.^{[2]
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Research source} If you’ve come up with any effective strategies to deal with change in your own life, like exercising, meditating, or talking to a counselor, feel free to share them!

If you’re a Taurus who struggles with change, try practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, and it includes practices like meditation. This can help you deal with the tough feelings that come along with big changes.^{[3]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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3

Distrustful

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As expert astrologer Stina Garbis explains, “Taurus tends to keep their social circle small, to family and a few friends, and it’s hard to break in.”

As a result, Taurus often misses out on potential connections, which is a shame because Taurus is an incredibly loyal and caring friend.

If you’re trying to date or befriend a Taurus, Garbis recommends being direct. “You can’t play hard to get with them because they don’t want to run. They don’t want to jump through hoops, or chase.” She suggests that you “find reasons to bring them things, or be helpful to them in some way.”

If you have a tendency to be distrustful, challenge yourself to make a new friend. Maybe a coworker has been trying to grab lunch, or a classmate has struck up a few convos with you. Give them a chance—it could be the start of an amazing connection!

4

Lazy

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Though they are naturally dependable and hardworking, they seek familiarity above all else.^{[4]
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Research source} This makes them unlikely to try new things or challenge themselves, which can leave them stuck in a rut.^{[5]
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For example, if Taurus feels comfortable at their job, they might not go after a promotion or apply to exciting new positions, even if they have the potential to excel at them.

If you’re trying to motivate a Taurus, try suggesting a goal to them.^{[6]
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Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source} For example, if they mention that they want to learn yoga but haven’t made any concrete plans to achieve this, encourage them to sign up for a class and stick with it for a month. This may be the push they need!

If you're a Taurus, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Try checking out a class to learn a new skill, or volunteering to take on a new project at work. This could be the spark that motivates you to expand and grow!

5

Reclusive

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They’re incredibly hard workers, so they love to kick up their feet and relax at home on the weekends.^{[7]
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Everyone needs time for a little self-care and relaxation. Taurus, however, tends to take this a bit too far. They end up missing out on fun outings and social connections.

If you’re trying to get a Taurus out of the house, start small. Long excursions to busy places like amusement parks, concerts, or nightclubs will likely overwhelm a Taurus. Try inviting them on a low-key outing, like seeing a movie, grabbing a bite to eat, or hanging out at a local park.

If you're a homebody, try scheduling a few social outings for the upcoming weekends. As a Taurus, you love routine and predictability, so planning ahead may be the key to getting you out there!^{[8]
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6

Materialistic

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As Stina Garbis explains, Taureans “enjoy luxury, the best of everything.” They excel at building beautiful living spaces, and they love “having luxurious houses filled with velvet, satin, and lots of pillows and fine art.”

Taurus's ruling planet is sensual and elegant Venus. Those ruled by Venus take extra pleasure in all the luxuries of the material world.^{[9]
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If you’re dealing with a materialistic Taurus, try to remind them of important things in life that have nothing to do with money. Invite them to admire nature with you on a hike or at the beach. If you’re exchanging gifts for a holiday or anniversary, suggest that you give each other something heartfelt and handmade, rather than buying presents.

If you’re a Taurus hoping to be less materialistic, try decluttering your home and donating the items you don’t need. This helps you become less attached to your possessions while also helping others!

7

Indulgent

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This makes them magnetic and attractive to many people, but it can also lead to over-indulgence.^{[10]
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Because Taureans live primarily through their senses, they have a hard time with moderation when it comes to things like high-end alcohol and delicious food.

If you feel like the Taurus in your life is overusing alcohol, don’t be afraid to suggest that they seek professional help. It can be overwhelming to support a loved one in this situation, so remember to be kind to yourself, and seek out support if you need it, too.^{[11]
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If you’re a Taurus who wants to cut back on alcohol or rich foods, consider doing a 2-week sober challenge, or starting a diet high in fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Try to avoid situations that will tempt you to over-indulge, like going out to bars and clubs. Eating healthy and drinking in moderation can help you feel your best!^{[12]
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National Institutes of Health
U.S. government agency for biomedical and public health research

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8

Controlling

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They like to be in control of their surroundings, and they hate unpredictability.^{[13]
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Because of this, Taurus might demand that the people around them behave in stable, predictable ways. This can come across as overbearing or authoritarian to loved ones.

If you’re dealing with a Taurus who is a bit of a control freak, try to be patient with them. People with control issues often don’t realize what they’re doing, and their behavior could stem from mental health issues like OCD or anxiety. Remain calm, and if you start getting frustrated, take a bit of space.^{[14]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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If you’re a Taurus who struggles to let go of control, try to focus on your own feelings and actions, rather than those of others. It’s normal to feel stressed when surrendering to uncertainty, but it can help you find serenity and peace.^{[15]
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Research source} Calming practices like deep breathing exercises or meditation can help you manage anxieties as you work on letting go.

9

Tempermental

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Taureans are abundantly patient, but when someone takes things too far and uses all this patience up, Taurus snaps. They go from a peaceful, grazing bull to an angry, charging one.^{[16]
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If you’re dealing with a hot-headed Taurus, stepping away from the argument might be best. Sometimes, a Taurus can’t see past their anger, and no amount of talking can calm them down. Simply let them know that you’re hanging up the phone or stepping outside until they cool off.

If you’re a Taurus who struggles with sudden flares in your temper, take a pause and breathe deeply before you speak or act under the influence of your anger.^{[17]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} This can prevent you from saying something in the heat of the moment that might damage your relationships.

10

Resentful

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This bull is fiercely loyal and careful about how they treat others, so they have a hard time understanding why someone would betray them.

This makes Taurus slow to accept apologies, no matter how sorry the offending person is. In fact, according to Stina Garbis, “The biggest lesson a Taurus needs to learn is how to forgive.”

If you’re trying to earn a Taurus’s forgiveness, Garbis says that you usually can’t talk your way back into their heart. “You would have to appeal to their physical senses, through food and physical touch,” she explains. For example, try bringing takeout from their favorite restaurant over to their house and asking to talk things over.

If you’re a Taurus who holds grudges, try practicing empathy. Try to see things from the other person’s point of view, even when you’re angry with them. Forgiveness can be tough, but it has important benefits, like healthier relationships, improved mental health, and less anxiety.^{[18]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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11

Possessive

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This extends to their physical possessions, as well as their friends and romantic partners.^{[19]
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This possessive streak isn’t malicious—it actually stems from Taurus’s attachment to security and comfort. The idea of losing a familiar person or possession causes Taurus major distress, so they hold on extra tightly.

If you’re dealing with a possessive Taurus, have a conversation with them about boundaries. Explain how their actions make you feel, and be clear about what behaviors are not acceptable.^{[20]
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HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source} For example, you could say that it’s unacceptable for them to look through your phone or accuse you of cheating with no basis.

If you’re a Taurus who struggles with possessiveness, work on letting go of attachments. Mindful practices such as meditation can remind you to live in the moment and relax your hold on the people and material possessions you’re clinging to.

Reader Poll: We asked 1411 wikiHow readers who've dated a Taurus, and 76% of them agreed that when a Taurus feels jealous, their most annoying behavior is giving you the cold shoulder and ignoring your texts. [Take Poll]