From The Straits Times    |

People have consulted the Chinese zodiac as a means of determining relationship compatibility for years. As a special Chinese New Year treat, we have trawled the web and compiled the list of traits that characterise each zodiac sign, as well as narrowed down which other “animal” would be the best romantic match for you.

Love forecast for the Dragon yearDragon
Considered the mightiest of the Chinese zodiac signs, the Dragon embodies character traits such as dominance and ambition. They are the life of the party; the movers and shakers who are never content to sit on the sidelines.

Most people are attracted to the Dragon’s colourful personality, but being idealists and perfectionists, they tend to demand a lot. Their partners have to be understanding and hardened to deal with their quick, sometimes vengeful tempers; but when a Dragon finds the right partner, they will usually commit to that person for life.

Most compatible with: Rat, Monkey or Rooster
Least compatible with: Ox and Dog
Famous Dragons: Al Pacino, Bruce Lee, Courtney Cox, John Lennon, Keanu Reeves, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock

Love forecast for the Dragon yearSnake
Snakes are romantic and charming deep-thinkers who tend to keep to themselves except for a select few special individuals. They enjoy surrounding themselves and their loved ones with the finest life has to offer.

Being excellent seducers, they never have trouble attracting others; but once they’ve chosen a partner, a Snake’s insecurities will begin to show. Snakes tend to be jealous and even possessive in a relationship, so never betray a Snake’s trust as they can be full of venom and have been known to carry grudges for life.

Most compatible with: Ox and Rooster
Least compatible with: Pig and Monkey
Famous Snakes: Bob Dylan, Condoleeza Rice, Martha Stewart, Pierce Brosnan, Robert Downey Jr, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shakira

Love forecast for the Dragon yearHorse
Horses are one of the hardest working people, and are known for traits such as strength, confidence and an outgoing nature. They will not stop a job once they have begun, and have a fiercely independent streak which can sometimes default into egocentricity. Horses are quick to lose their temper, but seldom bear a grudge.

Extremely animated, Horses thrive when they’re the center of attention. Being spontaneous, they have a tendency to fall fast and hard for others but will give themselves fully in each new relationship.

Most compatible with: Dog and Tiger
Least compatible with: Rat
Famous Horses: Sean Connery, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Adam Sandler, Lee Ang

Love forecast for the Dragon yearGoat
Goats are said to be charming, elegant and artistic; and enjoy the good life, lush with material comforts. They generally hate to lock horns with others and will put aside their own wants to achieve group harmony.

Goats love to love, are full of compassion and highly emotional. Their nurturing personality makes them excellent care-givers. Goats tend to be private creatures, so it can take effort to get to know one. As a result, most Goats have few close friends, but will work hard for those they love.

Most compatible with: Rabbit and Pig
Least compatible with: Rat and Ox
Famous Goats: Claire Danes, Heath Ledger, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Nicole Kidman, Rosario Dawson, Chow Yun Fat

Love forecast for the Dragon yearMonkey
With an intelligent and magnetic personality, Monkeys are generally very well-liked. Their enthusiastic and sociable nature makes them great conversationalists, and many have refined tastes in art and culture. They are usually careful with money, but can sometimes be a little too careful.

However, Monkeys can also be self-centered, arrogant, and distrustful. Their short attention span can also make it difficult for the Monkey to successfully complete a task or focus on a relationship, but Monkeys will end this type of behavior once they pair up with the perfect partner. In fact, more often than not, they’ll commit to that person in every way for life.

Most compatible with: Rat and Dragon
Least compatible with: Snake and Tiger
Famous Monkeys: Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Elizabeth Taylor, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kim Cattrall, Lucy Liu, Will Smith

Love forecast for the Dragon yearRooster
Roosters are hardworking and decisive. Self-assured and not afraid to speak their minds, they are honest to a fault and often seen as boastful. Roosters are often masters of debate and will stop at nothing to prove their righteousness. They can be very critical of others, but hate it when criticism is turned on them.

Despite all that, Roosters are also vivacious and popular, and can be the life of any party. Male Roosters are dashing, handsome fellows while their stylish female counterparts may attract their suitors through their no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to life.

Most compatible with: Ox and Snake
Least compatible with: Rabbit
Famous Roosters: Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Renee Zellweger, Christian Slater, Yoko Ono

Love forecast for the Dragon yearDog
As strong believers in justice, Dogs are fiercely loyal and will never let you down. They are honest and generous towards those they love, and can sacrifice their own needs for the sake of others. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful advice, always listening and lending a shoulder when necessary; but get in a Dog’s way and they will bark, though their tempers are normally short-lived.

Although Dogs are trustworthy, they have trouble trusting others. It can take a long time before a Dog feels at ease with another person. When it comes to romance, Dogs often have a tough time because of their insecure and frequently anxious nature. Romantic partners of Dogs must be prepared to deal with their emotionally cold and critical traits

Most compatible with: Horse and Tiger
Least compatible with: Dragon and Rooster
Famous Dogs: Andrea Bocelli, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon, Madonna, Prince William, Queen Latifah

Love forecast for the Dragon yearPig
Pigs are sensitive, caring, honest and indulgent. Ever popular, they make good friends by avoiding arguments and seldom losing their temper. They detest conflicts and like to see the best side of everything, and everyone. Pigs are known to be naive, and believe that everyone is, or should be, as pure as they are; and this allows them to be duped easily.

Supportive and giving, Pigs make great partners. They are affectionate, sexual and prefer staying home to going out. Once they find the right partner, they typically commit for the long-term.

Most compatible with: Goat, Rooster
Least compatible with: Snake, Pig
Famous Pigs: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elton John, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Ricky Martin, Luke Wilson, Winona Ryder

Love forecast for the Dragon yearRat
Rats are ingenious, charming and generous to those they love – although they do have a tendency to be quick-tempered and critical. A highly respected animal in Chinese culture – unlike its western image – the rat was given first place in the zodiac and declared to represent new beginnings and keen intelligence. Those born under this sign are alert and persevering.

People born under the sign of Rat are hardworking and often financially well off, but are also easily angered and love to gossip. In relationships, Rats aren’t good at breaking things off and this presents problems going forward with new relationships. Anyone hoping to partner with a Rat must be able to keep up with the Rat’s active nature.

Most compatible with: Dragon and Monkey
Least compatible with: Horse
Famous Rats: Antonio Banderas, Ben Affleck, Cameron Diaz, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jude Law, Marlon Brando, Sean Penn

Love forecast for the Dragon yearOx
Oxen may inspire confidence in everyone they come into contact with, but can also be very demanding. They are generally known for their gentle, patient and hardworking nature although some tend to be eccentric, bigoted, and anger easily.

Romantic partners of the Ox have to put up with their fierce tempers although they speak very little, so keep in mind that they won’t be wasting their time flirting. They are remarkably stubborn, and hate to fail or be opposed, so relationships with Oxen don’t always work out. When Oxen realize that partnerships involve two people and two points of view, satisfying matches are possible.

Most compatible with: Rat and Rooster
Least compatible with: Tiger and Horse
Famous Oxen: George Clooney, Jack Nicholson, Kate Beckinsale, Keira Knightley, Meg Ryan, Meryl Streep, Jim Carrey

Love forecast for the Dragon yearTiger
Tigers are bold and adventurous, with initiative and charm. They are risk takers, often acting before they think about the consequences. Tigers are also known for their strength and courage. Those born under this sign are brave and aggressive. People born under the sign of Tiger can be sensitive and capable of great sympathy, but are also extremely short-tempered.

Creative in their passion, Tigers will never bore their partners. They are expressive, polite and trustworthy, but watch out because Tigers tend to dominate their relationships. This tendency is instinctive and romantic partners need to be equally active to keep up with the Tiger’s sense of adventure.

Most compatible with: Dog and Horse
Least compatible with: Monkey and Ox
Famous Tigers: Demi Moore, Joaquin Phoenix, Marilyn Monroe, Penelope Cruz, Tom Cruise

Love forecast for the Dragon yearRabbit
Quick and ambitious, Rabbits seldom finish what they start. The Rabbit epitomises gentleness, refinement and elegance, while tending to avoid conflict. As a result, he is rarely angry, hostile or aggressive. Rabbits are social animals and frequently find themselves in the center of attention, but they can also be superficial, flighty, calculating, aloof and thin-skinned.

Rabbits can also be very seductive and frequently have large families, which could be due to their very sexual nature. They also tend to give more of themselves than they should, and this can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. Rabbits need partners who won’t take advantage of their giving nature.

Most compatible with: Pig and Dog
Least compatible with: Rooster and Rat
Famous Rabbits: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Drew Barrymore, Enrique Iglesias, Eva Longoria, Kate Winslet