Dating a Leo can be an exciting adventure – or you can end up exhausted by the Lion’s constant need for attention. Learn how to handle these surprisingly sensitive Kings and Queens of the Jungle – and you may just find a loyal and loving life partner. Hurt their pride, however, and you’ll uncover a roaring temper with the bite to match!

Here’s your guide to getting to know and love Leo.

The art of the compliment
Known for their need to be the center of attention (and, well, the universe), Leos have commanding – and demanding – personalities. That said, give your lion even a hint of adoration and you’ll have them purring in no time. That’s because a little goes a long way with these sweet-natured souls. Leo wants to be worshipped, sure – but the good thing about their borderline grandiosity is that even the tiniest gesture of affection is often enough to sufficiently stroke their egos. And make no mistake – a properly (ahem) stroked Lion is a very generous and giving mate. On all fronts.

On that note, it’s worth mentioning that while Leo may be a scene stealer, when properly attended to they are not spotlight hogs. Lions pride themselves on impeccable taste in possessions – and in people. Make them happy (or do something impressive in your own right), and a Leo will be the first person to tout your accomplishments and stand by your side while you accept the accolades. In other words, once you’ve learned to give compliments you’ll want to work on graciously accepting them, too. A happy relationship with a Leo is bound to see plenty of praise, going in both directions.

Do unto your Leo!
Inherently sweet-natured, Leos may be proud and stubborn – but what distinguishes them from other forceful fire signs is their tendency to roar only on the side of right. Of course they can be wrong – and, like most of us, often are. The point is, the Leo is a do-gooder at heart – so they admire those who make tough decisions in the name of overall justice and for the common good. They care about people, appreciate kindness and tend to operate with a “do unto others” attitude.

So, be nice to salespeople, tip well, open doors for others and it won’t go unnoticed by your Lion. That said, beware of Leo’s jealous streak. Let your Lion think – even for a second – that someone else (an ex-lover, for instance), holds a candle to them – and you’re in for an argument… and a grudge that won’t quickly be forgotten. For such strong forces of nature, Leos are surprisingly sensitive – hence, that desire for constant approval.

Pause to pamper
Finally, fiery Leo is one of the most driven signs of the zodiac, and they’re born to lead the charge. That said, they benefit from relaxation and love indulging themselves in luxury as often as is humanly possible. The trouble is that they rarely stop, unprompted, to reboot. That’s where you come in! Leo will unconsciously respond to a partner who can help them cool their jets. After all, being a leader – even a natural-born one like Leo – requires energy, and that needs to be restored on a regular basis. So take charge every once in a while, and pamper your prince or princess! No doubt they’ll love you for it, even if they’re not exactly sure why.

Whether you plan a spa day at home or a drawn-out, decadent dessert after dinner – or a summer Saturday cocktail by a sparkling pool – it doesn’t matter. The point is to indulge Leo’s love of pampering in a way that allows them to relinquish control for a bit – while still feeling important, of course. Best of all, with your Leo you get what you give. Translation: giving your lion an occasional trip to the lap of luxury means you’ll likely be granted your secret wishes, as well!