Here's how to navigate dating during this month's Mercury retrograde in Leo
This summer, Mercury will be retrograde from July 18th until August 11th, clearing its post-retrograde shadow on August 25th.
Are we in Mercury retrograde?
Mercury is our planet of expression and exchange, and during its thrice-yearly retrograde, the realms it rules are compromised.
While most of us are familiar with the hijinks doled out by this transit, including but not limited to misunderstandings, missed connecting flights and general mind fog, this transit can be hell on the heart meat.
Relationships are challenging at any point in time, but Mercury's deceleration makes even the simplest exchanges feel hazardous, which serves to explain why more than 1 in 3 people stop dating altogether during the perilous weeks that Mercury backstrokes.
What happens when Mercury is in retrograde
3 More than 1 in 3 people stop dating altogether during the perilous weeks that Mercury backstrokes.
InputUX – stock.adobe.com
Indeed, a survey from the dating app Hily found that 4 in 10 young American women and 1 in 5 men believe Mercury retrograde negatively affects their love life.
And for those brave enough to face the fray of online dating during this transit, the odds of being ghosted are high.
According to Hily, 74% of young American women and 77% of men experience an increase in ghosting on dating apps during Mercury retrograde.
But experts assure that the search for love should not cease when the stars are acting up or moving backward.
'Dating during Mercury retrograde isn't doom or gloom. It just means that you might need to put more time and effort into looking for someone on dating apps,' Hily astrologer Lisa Stardust told The Post.
Stardust suggests experimenting with app filters, using them to be hyperspecific one day and free for all the next. 'Don't put yourself in a corner, because you might not know who you're looking for.'
What happens when Mercury is in retrograde
3 For Leos, this retrograde will affect their first house of identity, and for Aquarians, their seventh house of partnerships.
«MysticaLink» – stock.adobe.com
When Mercury slows its roll, we too are encouraged to downshift — a practice that can be put to use in dating apps.
'Take time to build bonds. DM a few times to cultivate a connection and to create inside jokes. It'll help you suss out the winners from the bunch. Share old memories and childhood pics on your profile. Get nostalgic on the app to share various aspects of your authentic self with others.'
If you make it to the in-person date, there are a few ways to ensure a smooth sail.
'Give yourself a little extra time to get ready and make sure you double-check reservations, because they could get canceled or there could be travel delays along the way.'
They say all disappointments are a matter of mismanaged expectations. In kind, set yourself up for success through careful calibration.
'If you're out on the first date, you might opt to split the tab instead of expecting them to pay. Doing so will clear up confusion or miscommunications.'
Mercury retrograde 2025 signs affected
3 74% of young American women and 77% of men experience an increase in ghosting on dating apps during Mercury retrograde.
Ezio Gutzemberg – stock.adobe.com
As Mercury is retrograde in Leo, the sign of the unapologetic hambone, Stardust implores daters to lead with equality rather than scene-stealing.
'Allow the other person to talk about themselves — don't Bogart the discussion. Encourage them to open up to give you a chance to get to know them better.'
Two signs in particular will feel the effects of this retrograde most acutely.
For Leos, this retrograde will affect their first house of identity, and for Aquarians, their seventh house of partnerships.
'Leo is going to take their time in romancing a potential partner and opt to play the field on the dating app before committing. Aquarius is looking for groups to connect with, so they're opting for a date night that includes friends. Odds are, Aquarius will spend more time Dming on the app before scheduling an IRL date.'
Good luck out there, folks.
When is Mercury in retrograde 2025?
The next, and last Mercury retrograde of the year, begins on November 9th, 2025, at 2:01 am ET at 6° Sagittarius.
Mercury will be retrograde during the problematic, familial feast of Thanksgiving, meaning turkey legs may be hurled and heads could roll.
Mercury will remain retrograde until it turns direct in Scorpio on November 29th. The trickster planet will clear its post-retrograde shadow on December 16th.
Mercury retrograde dates
July 18, 2025 – August 11, 2025 in Leo
November 9, 2025 – November 29, 2025 in Sagittarius and Scorpio.
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Business Insider
Growing up, I called myself Chinese. A high school project helped me understand the difference.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ginny Wu, 32, a Taiwanese-American UCLA graduate living in Taiwan. Her words have been edited for length and clarity. For my dad's generation, the American dream was about building a better future for their kids. My uncle was the first in his family to get a green card. He eventually sponsored his siblings, including my dad, to leave Taiwan and move to the US. I was born and raised in the States, and never expected that, decades later, I'd end up moving in the opposite direction — back to Taiwan, where their journey had begun. I grew up in a small town Both of my parents are from Taitung, a rural county in southeastern Taiwan. My paternal grandpa was the county magistrate there, and my grandma ran a rice mill business. My dad moved to America in the late 1970s. A job opportunity brought him to Santa Clara, before he moved to Anaheim and then Texas, where he co-ran a motel and even managed an emu ranch. He traveled back to Taiwan to get married, and in 1988, my mom joined him in the US. I was born and raised in Norco, a small, rural town in Southern California. My dad loved the countryside and bought a house there. The town wasn't very diverse, and I was often one of just a few Asian kids in my class. I feel fortunate that I never really experienced racism growing up. At home, we spoke Mandarin. I hated studying the language as a kid, but now I'm grateful — I use Mandarin every day. An assignment changed the way I view identity Growing up, I didn't think much about what being Asian actually meant. I'd say I was Chinese — partly because we spoke it at home, partly because that's what teachers checked on school forms. That changed in high school, when I started the International Baccalaureate program. I wrote my extended essay on how Japanese colonization shaped Taiwanese identity. None of my previous history classes had covered that Taiwan was occupied by Japan for 50 years — my parents never went through it in depth either But the topic hit home. It helped explain why my dad said Japanese phrases before meals, and why my parents used Japanese loanwords without realizing. Exploring the Japanese influences helped me make sense of it all. Exploring that influence deepened my understanding of Taiwan's story, and my own. That essay planted a seed. A few months after graduating from UCLA with a degree in economics, I was hired by Northrop Grumman, an aerospace and defense company. Over the next four years, I worked as a financial analyst in a professional development program rotation. In my last rotation, I pivoted to a different track, taking on a role as a business process analyst in aerospace systems. Despite having a stable job, I started to feel boxed in. I'd never lived anywhere else, and I wanted to see what life outside Southern California could be like. The first move That desire led me to join Anchor Taiwan, a one-month startup immersion program, in 2018. I took time off work to attend, and it changed everything. Experiencing Taiwan as an adult, without my parents and surrounded by peers, helped me imagine building a life here. By the end of the year, I'd quit my job, packed up, and moved to Taipei. I didn't have a job lined up at first. I enrolled in Mandarin classes while job hunting and eventually landed a role at Taiwan Startup Stadium. That was my entry point into the local tech world. When I told my parents I was moving, my mom wasn't thrilled. Having grown up during financially unstable times in Taiwan, she valued career stability and didn't love the idea of me quitting. But she also knew I hadn't felt fulfilled. While they weren't exactly enthusiastic, they were supportive. I was lucky to have extended family in Taiwan — I stayed at my aunt's place while getting settled. I also applied for full Taiwanese citizenship so I could vote and now have my Taiwan ID. Taipei reshaped me I used to be a homebody, like my parents, but the city has drawn out a more social, spontaneous side. My closest friends are mostly locals who speak incredible English, and I feel more connected to my extended family than ever. Work-wise, the transition's actually been smoother than I thought. I'm not at a traditional local company, though — I've heard those can be pretty hierarchical and intense. Taipei has pushed me out of my bubble in the best way. It's clean, convenient, and safe. I walk or bike alone at night without a second thought. I take the bus to work, meet friends for dinner or to go rock climbing, and sometimes jog around the track near my office. Of course, there are things I miss about the US. My parents — now in their 70s and 80s — are still there, and they've never visited me in Taiwan. But I used to get anxious about the smallest things, like mailing a package or ordering a meal. Now, I navigate life in a new language, in a system I didn't grow up in. I've built something from scratch, and that feels like home. I dream of launching a business here one day.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why They Came Into Your Life, Based on Birth Month
Why They Came Into Your Life, Based on Birth Month originally appeared on Parade. According to experts, there's a deeper, spiritual meaning to the people we encounter. While each zodiac sign holds profound meaning, each birth month can also foretell essential details, especially if you're unsure of your star sign and are looking for further insight. Read on to discover what each birth month is meant to teach you in connection, through positive or negative experiences. The Soul Lesson Each Birth Month Teaches You, According to Experts READ: People Born on These Dates Are Destined for Greatness January: To Teach You Resilience Individuals born in January are often regarded as possessing deep wisdom and being old souls. When they enter your life, the universe encourages you to transform obstacles into opportunities for empowerment, rather than making excuses. Their strong personalities convey the message that anyone can rise to any challenge, no matter how tough it may be. Whether they are steadfast Capricorns or innovative Aquarians, those born in January inspire others to discover their endurance and enhance their sense of self-efficacy no matter what life throws their way. February: To Awaken Your Authenticity February-born individuals are soulful, eager to help others discover their authentic selves and own them. Through applauding your quirks, supporting your dreams, and honoring your core truth, these individuals strive to make the world a more accepting, open-minded place to live unapologetically. Regardless of whether they are innovative Aquarians or sensitive Pisces, those born during February are sure to inspire, spread hope, and create a safe space for others to be true to their calling, even if it's the path less traveled. March: To Heal Your Wounds When someone born in March enters your life, their aura tends to bring comfort, healing, and gentle rain, cleansing away heartaches. Through exemplifying compassion for others and speaking with open-minded regard, they inspire others to cultivate self-empathy and nurturance. Whether they are spiritual Pisces or bold Aries, their heart-of-gold remains the same. They hold space for difficult times and emotions, making them a friend who's not only there for your highlight reel, but also when you need to find hope in humanity again. OTHER: People Born on These Dates Are Protected by Divine Forces April: To Ignite Your Courage Individuals born in April are natural leaders who confidently follow their own path. With their fiery passion, they often express their emotions openly and dramatically. They enter your life with the intent to reignite inspiration, excitement, and joy. Those born in this month are either adventurous Aries or sensual Taureans, recognized for their willingness to push boundaries, take calculated risks, and pursue their deepest desires. In doing so, they inspire those around them to embrace their own ambitions and courage. May: To Ground Your Spirit May-born individuals are often steady Taureans or chatty Geminis, ensuring they are intentional with their social life and connections. When they enter your life, you're ready to learn how to be more mindful with your long-term decisions, slow down, build roots, and find lighthearted joy in simple, connective moments. Through a versatile aura, they know how to match your energy to make you feel seen, applauded, and excited in their presence. Gathering many friends from all walks of life, those born during this birth month ground your spirit and reach you to provide the same security for yourself. June: To Inspire Your Expression Those born in June inspire others to reconnect with their inner child, finding resonance with their core emotional experience. Whether they are a dualistic Gemini or sentimental Cancer, they enter your life to remind you of the importance of speaking your truth and making the time to find it through play, creativity, and lighthearted pleasure. They light up the darkness, illuminating where healing is required. RELATED: Each Birth Month as a Dog Breed, Per Experts July: To Open Your Heart People born in July are emotionally attuned and often possess an intuitive understanding of others' needs. When they enter your life, they have a unique ability to open your heart in meaningful ways. Through self-reflection, vulnerability, and engaging with raw emotions, you can rediscover your core truth and release anything that no longer serves your well-being. Whether they are nurturing Cancers or bold Leos, those born in this month are dedicated to making you feel seen, safe, and cherished through intentional connections and community. August: To Remind You of Your Power Those born during August are radiant Leos or meticulous Virgos, both mindful of the way they lead or serve others. When they enter someone's life, the universe wants to teach one how to advocate for themselves and seek higher self-worth. These individuals are as bright as the sun, inspiring through sheer presence alone to take up more space in your own right. Through encouraging your talents, skills, or strengths as a person, August-borns are cheerleaders sent from the cosmos, reminding you of your value. FURTHER: Your Divine Calling, Based on Birth Date September: To Help You Grow People born in September are often quiet, intentional, and introspective. While they may not be directly influencing others, their aura is profound in its own right. Whether they are detail-oriented Virgos or connective Libras, these individuals are wise due to self-improvement, good judgment of character, and objective discernment. They influence others to transform their lives, questioning what is truly their problem versus what they should release. October: To Bring Balance Whether they are relationship-oriented Libras or perceptive Scorpios, October-borns are the personification of deep-rooted harmony. While they may reveal shadow sides, secrets, and unconscious patterns within yourself, when they enter your life, they help you learn how to develop intentional harmony. Seeing all perspectives, they restore peace, encourage compromise, and remind you that you can find the emotional liberation you seek through intentional vulnerability, with yourself and others. November: To Transform You Those born in November enter your life when you're ready to illuminate your higher potential, truth, and shake things up. Their soul brings deep passion, navigating change with a brave face. Others learn how to release what bogs them down in their presence, no longer accepting subpar conditions, treatment, or experiences that don't represent what they truly desire. Whether they are perceptive Scorpios or explorative Sagittarians, they seek profound expansion. December: To Expand Your Vision December birthdays offer a big-picture perspective, always thinking with the end in mind. Therefore, when they enter your life, it's no surprise that they help others dream bigger. Through faith and hard work, they teach that all is possible. Looking at your potential through an expansive, matter-of-fact lens, these individuals inspire others to use rational logic and sustained hope to bring their wildest dreams to life. Why They Came Into Your Life, Based on Birth Month first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
The Hill
17 hours ago
- The Hill
In a first, an Ohio high school will receive a retired F-16 Thunderbird from the Air Force
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — A high school in Ohio will become the first in the country to receive a decommissioned Air Force Thunderbird Jet. The event marks the first time the U.S. Air Force has ever provided an authentic aircraft to be permanently displayed outside a school. People in Florida stop dinner, grab tools to rescue 4 involved in plane crash The Union Local Afterburners, the local committee which petitioned to obtain the jet, said they worked to bring the aircraft to Union Local High School in Belmont as a reminder of 'American military service, aviation history, and community spirit,' according to a press release issued by the school district. It's also a fitting symbol for the school's mascot: Union Local High School is, quite literally, the 'Home of the Jets.' The committee said it had been trying to get the jet since 2018, when they had initially submitted their request. The Air Force approved the request in 2021, 'setting the stage for years of preparation and fundraising,' according to the release. 'The United States Air Force has never given a Thunderbird out to the public,' Dirk Davis, the president of the Union Local Afterburners, was quoted as saying in the release. 'This has always gone to the military bases and the went to state museums. Union local was lucky enough. We applied and we got it. Like winning the lottery.' The retired F-16 will now be transported to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, where its engine and seats will be removed in preparation for safe, long-term display at the school. Construction of an 18-foot pedestal to support the jet has already been completed. The aircraft is expected to arrive and be installed on campus in the spring of 2026. 'This is more than just a plane, it's a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and pride for the students and the entire community,' Union Local Afterburners committee member Pete Busack said. The entire project was funded solely through donations collected by the Afterburners organization, which included contributions from alumni, community members, and local businesses. No public or school funds were used.
