Each horoscope sign has its downsides, and Cancer is definitely one of them. On the surface, he seemed like the perfect catch. But behind that soft shell is a complex creature with a dark side you never saw coming.
Before you dive any deeper, you need to go in with your eyes wide open. Otherwise, his claws may come out when you least expect it and shred your heart to pieces. Cancers can be manipulative, possessive, insecure, and passive-aggressive. Or completely the opposite!
Easily Manipulated
Some Cancer males struggle with insecurity and low self-esteem, which can drive them to act in unhealthy ways. They may try to gain a sense of power through manipulation, lying, and deceiving others. They may even become vengeful towards those who have wronged them in the past. However, this behavior often stems from their own inner wounds rather than true malicious intent.
While not all Cancer men exhibit these traits, those who do tend to have difficulty expressing their emotions in a healthy way. They may resort to passive aggression, guilt trips, and emotional blackmail rather than open communication. They can also be too trusting of others at times, making them easy targets for manipulation.
They Build Walls Around Them
The astrological crabs tend to keep a lot bottled up inside. They rarely share their problems or emotions in an open and vulnerable way, even with those closest to them. On the surface, Cancer men can seem gentle, caring, and emotionally intelligent. But underneath lies a tumultuous sea of thoughts and feelings that they rarely express openly.
They build walls around their hearts for protection, and once those walls are up, it can be hard for them to let people in. When problems arise, Cancer men tend to internalize them rather than sharing them with others. They bottle up their hurt, frustration, and anxiety, preferring to work things out alone in their minds.
This tendency to keep things to themselves can cause issues in relationships. Partners may feel shut out and wonder if the Cancer man even trusts them. But it’s not about trust – it’s about Cancer’s natural instinct for self-preservation and privacy. Opening up involves vulnerability, and vulnerability can feel scary for Cancers. However, unexpressed emotions often fester and grow, which can lead to moodiness, irritability, and more general unhappiness.
Secret, Dark Desires
Cancer men often have a dark and twisted fantasy life hidden beneath their charming exteriors. They are very imaginative and creative in their fantasy life, and dream up elaborate scenarios and storylines in their mind that let them act out their secret desires.
These fantasies are usually very taboo and socially unacceptable, which is why they remain hidden in the shadows of his mind. Here’s what many Cancer males typically like:
- Dominating or being dominated by a romantic partner
- Forbidden relationships
- Voyeurism or exhibitionism
- Nonconsensual scenarios
The dark nature of a Cancer man’s secret desires may be shocking once revealed. But it’s important not to judge him for his private thoughts, but if certain fantasies concern you, openly discuss them to set clear boundaries in your relationship. His fantasies may provide a window into unmet psychological needs that could benefit from reflection or professional support.
Struggles With Masculinity
Cancer men struggle with expressing their emotions in a masculine way. Despite their tough exterior, they are deeply sensitive and emotional beings. They care so much about their relationships and people they love. However, they have a hard time verbalizing their feelings, even to their closest friends and family.
Part of the reason for this is that Cancer men don’t feel comfortable showing their emotional side, as it doesn’t fit with traditional masculine stereotypes. They worry that if they express how they truly feel, they will be seen as weak or overly feminine. So, instead, they bottle up their emotions to protect their masculinity and ego.
Self-Destructive Behavior
Cancerians really are some of the most selfless people out there. They’d literally give you the last drops of water in a dry desert before keeping it for themselves. They’re always putting others first, sometimes even to their own detriment. I mean, they’ll sacrifice a lot for the people they care about, even their own well-being or health.
At the same time, though, they can also be really hard on themselves. They have a tendency to be extremely self-critical, which is why they end up being one of the most self-destructive signs. When those tough emotions start bubbling up, they may turn to things like drinking or drugs to escape it all.
Alcohol and substances do offer temporary relief from pain, anxiety, loneliness – but long term, they just end up doing more harm. Abusing that stuff takes its toll on their health, relationships, careers. It’s tough all around.
Manipulative Tendencies
While most Cancer men have loving and caring personalities, there is a dark side to some of them that involves manipulative tendencies. As a water sign, they are emotional and relational, so they understand how to push others’ emotional buttons to get their way. When hurt or threatened, a Cancer man’s defenses may come out in the form of manipulation.
Some common manipulative behaviors of Cancer men include guilt-tripping, playing the victim, and emotional blackmail. They can be masters at making others feel sorry for them to get what they want. They may also use emotional triggers and memories to elicit certain responses from loved ones. For example, they may bring up past hurts or disappointments to make a partner feel guilty for a particular action.
When they feel threatened, their protective shell comes out. This can cause them to manipulate information, withhold details, or twist facts to control a narrative. They may also use emotional tactics like silent treatment or threats of abandonment to manipulate partners into doing what they want.
Extra Vulnerable
The crabs of the horoscope tend to see the good in others and trust people at face value. Their emotional and nurturing side wants to believe that most people are honest. But unfortunately, there are many dishonest individuals who prey on trusting souls.
They can fall victim to financial scams and pyramid schemes because the sales pitch sounds believable and appeals to their desire to help. Fraudsters may claim they represent a charity in need or promote “once in a lifetime” investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. Because Cancer men rarely think in a skeptical manner, they may fail to see the red flags.
Cancer men also trust advertisements claiming products can solve a problem or improve their lives. Supplements, weight loss pills, and beauty products often make bold promises that lack proof. But the emotional pull of the ad’s message resonates with Cancer men, so they buy in. More often than not, these products do not deliver as promised, leaving them disappointed and out of money.