These Are the Most—and the Least—Polite Zodiac Signs (2024)

RD.COM Zodiac

Updated: Jun. 26, 2024

Each sun sign has a trademark style when it comes to manners. So which is the nicest zodiac sign—and where do you rank?

Emma Kumer/rd.com

Ranking the nicest zodiac signs

We all have different communication styles—some are bold and assertive, others passive or soft. And while they can influence our interactions and affect how we’re perceived, they’re not the only consideration for “niceness.” There’s compassion, tact, care and open-mindedness. And luckily, sun signs have their own particular style of manners. But can you determine the nicest zodiac sign? What about the rudest zodiac sign? Does your zodiac element have any influence? I’ve been an astrologer for 25 years, and during that time, I’ve come up with a few theories.

Some zodiac signs are more formal, while others are warm. I’ve found that the politeness (or lack thereof) can often be blamed on where Mercury falls in their chart. Keep in mind that certain signs are quiet and don’t play up formalities, but the most gentle zodiac signs can make anyone feel safe. Other signs may be sensitive to your energy, and their politeness shows more in actions than words.

Ahead, we’ll examine which signs tend to be the nicest (in order) and the different types of politeness each zodiac sign expresses—plus what motivates them and what you can expect from any social encounters.

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Taurus (April 20–May 20)

Although Taurus is an earth sign represented by the bull, don’t be fooled. It’s often considered the nicest zodiac sign. Taurus shows its true colors when out at a restaurant—no one is kinder to the waitstaff, and no one makes their zodiac companions feel more comfortable and noticed than Tauruses do. They are one of the most gentle zodiac signs, and they rank No. 1 in the most polite zodiac category. Ruled by Venus, they really do appreciate the small, beautiful aspects of life, like a good meal or a thriving garden. These little things make them happy, and they will go out of their way to make sure everyone feels like they have a seat at the table and a welcome voice. They treat all signs equally.

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Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Coming in a close second is the other Venus-ruled sign, Libra. They have a reputation for being one of the nicest zodiac signs, and for good reason. These balanced and aesthetically minded folks are gifted with social grace, and Libras (or Libra rising signs) really do care about making others feel at ease. A harmonious vibe nourishes their souls. They get critiqued by some for focusing too much on superficial habits, but it’s that oil that greases the wheel in most relationships, families and communities, so thank them for their soft touch. Libras are not boring, though. They love to play guessing games and bring everyone into the fun. They’re able to create bonds between all signs, at least in the moment.

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Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

As an earth sign, Virgo is very much aware of the physical world. These gentle souls really want you to feel at ease, and they make sure your every need is tended to. They will freshen up your tea and remember your allergies. This is a trustworthy zodiac sign known for its helpfulness, so you can bet if you’re ever in a jam, Virgos will be on call with tender words followed by, “I’ll be right there. Don’t worry at all.” When you thank them, it’s always, “No need to thank me; you’d do the same for me.” That may not always be the case, but they don’t keep score. Virgos are all about action. They act polite and talk when necessary, putting everyone at ease.

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Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

These traditionally minded folks are all about the formalities of human behavior. Their punctuality is legendary, and they always come prepared. If you need sunblock, they’ve got it—or will get it. They move at a slow pace and allow you to breathe a little before rushing to the next activity. No one is better at transitions than Capricorn. This earth sign is very good at making sure your physical needs are tended to. If you’re missing a beverage, Capricorns will make sure to set you up with your favorite co*cktail. They are also good at initiating interesting conversations about relevant matters. And yet they have such a great gift for diplomacy—they know how to avoid hot-button issues that could make everyone uncomfortable. Boundaries are their specialty.

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Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

These generous folks are polite, yes, but they also give you a fabulous experience rather than a visit from Miss Manners. Leos live for luxury. So even if you are just hanging out on a stoop or in your backyard, they will bring an air of glamour to the occasion—because why not? They love compliments and give them freely too. You will feel like you are part of a mutual admiration society when you’re together. They like to add a flourish or two to their speech as well, whether it’s a generous “Of course, Darling!” or “For you? Anything!” And it just feels good to be in their warm, sunny presence. Leos are one of the happiest zodiac signs. They’re big characters, and they will always give you a grand experience and shower you with niceties.

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Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

Pisces people are dreamers, and they may look at you like you’re part of their dream world. Even if it’s a formal business meeting, they will make you feel like they were just talking about you (in the nicest way) to their spouse or best friend. They do intimacy very well. A water sign through and through, Pisces will pick up on what you’re feeling in a most subtle way. Their specialty is anticipating what you need, even before you know you need it! Sure, they can be a little aloof. But within minutes, they’ll ground themselves and offer you something thoughtful, paired with a kind look in their eyes.

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Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Cancers love to be in their homes, so they will be the most genteel in their own space. While they’re natural caretakers, they can have a resentful, moody streak. They will be super polite and thoughtful most of the time, but when they are in a mood, that’s it. Like a storm cloud, it just has to pass over—and it will. Luckily, this allows you the same permission to be yourself. Cancers are not rude, but they are a “feelings first” type of people. You too can skip formalities when you need to get straight to confiding or crying—or both! They are also able to ascertain the needs of all different zodiac signs, so once their mood is centered, they will make you feel like the center of the universe.

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Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Geminis have a great sense of humor, and that in itself makes them more polite than you might expect. After all, a good laugh puts everyone at ease and makes folks feel welcome and included. They are also very nuanced about reading the room, so they will make sure everyone is in the mood for a joke before pushing it too hard. Ruled by Mercury, they can be mercurial, though. That means you may not always feel safe and trusting in their presence. They are actually one of the nicest zodiac signs in the sense that they treat everyone equally. It’s just that they can switch vibes on a dime, even without meaning to. If you’ve known a Gemini forever, you’ll get where they’re coming from and know that, deep down, they’ve got your back. Just remember: They are never rude—just mischievous!

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Sagittarians are the travelers of the zodiac, so they emanate a citizen-of-the-world energy. This means that although they may seem a little contrived in their vibe at times, it’s just because they like to raise the energy in the room. They’re excellent at adapting to various cultures, so sometimes their unusual versions of politeness may actually be customs that you are simply not familiar with. Luckily, Sag folks are the teachers of the zodiac, and once the awkward pause is over, they will laugh and explain what they meant. They also don’t stand on ceremony.

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Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Scorpios believe “nice” is a meaningless word. Depth and authenticity are what matters to them—not being considered the nicest zodiac sign. They can definitely turn on the charm and act as fabulous hosts or guests. But in less formal settings, they’d rather “get real” than waste time on the usual niceties. They abhor small talk and want true emotional connection without wasting their breath. This can put some people off, as they do indeed have an edge. Scorpios are not necessarily a rude zodiac sign, but sometimes they are overly intense. However, if you’re suddenly having a crisis, they’ll politely save you from your social situation, take you to the bathroom, let you wail and panic, and be a real, true friend in your hour of need.

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Aries (March 21–April 19)

Aries is an on-the-go cardinal fire sign. People with this star sign may not be in the presence of other humans long enough to be polite or impolite! They do what they want, when they want, and this can seem rude to people who are more traditional or judgmental about these matters. Luckily, they are wherever the action is, and they’re a lot of fun. So instead of sitting around talking about the weather, they may say, “Come on, let’s go out!” They tend to suffer from FOMO, but when you’re around them, they ensure that you won’t! Aries folks will tell you where the action is—then tell you to grab your coat so you can come along. They don’t waste a minute on niceties, but they are nice people.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Aquarians are great friends, but they also live up to their reputation for being somewhat alien-like. Their behavior is probably considered super polite on their home planet, but here on Earth, you may scratch your head and wonder, Have they ever asked someone, “How are you?” They are concerned with big-picture issues, so their mind is likely on something of importance to all of humanity. They may be absorbed in their favorite podcast and oblivious to the people right in front of them. Luckily, they are very community-oriented, so once they realize they are around someone else, they will bring you in to whatever is on their mind and make you feel like you can do something to change the world, just like they do.

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Originally Published: November 25, 2020