Ever wonder why communication seems to break down, and relationships hit a rough patch a few times a year? Chances are, it’s because Mercury’s gone retrograde again. For the uninitiated, that’s when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in the sky for a few weeks, three or four times annually. During these periods, Mercury rules over communication and travel, and when it’s retrograde, those areas of life can get wonky.
If you’ve been feeling out of sorts in your love life or relationships recently, Mercury retrograde could be to blame. But don’t worry, the good news is there are a few things you can do to minimize the retrograde romance chaos. And on top of that, the retrograde phase only lasts about 3 weeks.
What Is Mercury Retrograde
Mercury retrograde means the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky. During these periods, Mercury’s energy is turned inward, causing mishaps and miscommunications, especially in love and relationships.
Communication breakdowns and misunderstandings run rampant. Exes may resurface or current relationships hit a rough patch. Plans get canceled or delayed. Important conversations don’t go as expected. It’s not the time to start anything new, like dating someone or taking a relationship to the next level.
The good news is, this retrograde only lasts about 3 weeks, 3 times a year. Use this time to reconnect, reflect, and review your relationships. Double-check communications to avoid confusion. Be extra patient and give your partner some slack. Deal with unresolved issues from the past so you can have a fresh start when Mercury goes direct.
Communication Problems
When Mercury is retrograde, miscommunications seem to happen at every turn. Have you noticed how relationships tend to hit some rough patches during this time? That’s no coincidence.
During Mercury retrograde, it’s easy for wires to get crossed. You’ll be talking to your partner about dinner plans, and you will end up arguing because they thought you said one thing when you said something else. Or texts get misinterpreted, causing hurt feelings and confusion. It’s like everyone’s filters are off, and people just blurt out the first thing on their minds without thinking.
The best way to handle this retrograde relationship madness is through open communication. Make the extra effort to be clear in what you say and tactful in how you say it. Double-check that your message was received correctly, and don’t assume your partner automatically knows what you mean. It will also help to give each other the benefit of the doubt if a misunderstanding does pop up.
Misunderstandings
During this astrological phase, be extra mindful of how you communicate in your relationships. It’s easy for subtle cues to get lost in translation, leading to hurt feelings or conflict over nothing. Double-check that your partner fully understands what you mean before assuming you’re on the same page. Ask follow-up questions to confirm, and avoid hinting or beating around the bush. Speak clearly and compassionately.
Take extra time to listen carefully to others and interpret their words generously. People often express themselves clumsily during Mercury retrograde, so try not to take things personally or read into what your loved ones say. Give them the benefit of the doubt until you’ve clarified. Make an effort to understand them rather than prove your point.
Read also: 8 Things To Avoid When Manifesting During Mercury Retrograde
Exes Keep Coming Back
Don’t be surprised when your ex begins popping up out of the woodwork, sending messages, or casually bumping into you. Mercury retrograde stirs up the past, bringing old memories, feelings, and connections back to the surface.
Sudden nostalgia for an ex can overcome you during this time. You may find yourself stalking their social media or re-reading old love letters and texts. Be careful not to get caught up revisiting a past that is best left there.
Exes often reappear with an agenda, hoping to rekindle an old flame or gain closure. But rarely do these encounters end well. It’s best not to engage, as communication breakdowns are highly likely.
Your judgment may feel clouded when it comes to an ex. Mercury retrograde scrambles your thinking, making it hard to see the situation for what it really is. Your longing for familiarity and comfort could override your better sense.
Wait until Mercury goes direct again before making any bold moves regarding an ex. Let the past remain in the past, and instead focus on self-care. Nostalgia has a way of distorting our memory, making the good times seem better than they were. Have faith that something better lies ahead! The retrograde will pass, clarity will return, and you’ll gain perspective to see that some doors are better left closed.
Bottom Line
Now you’re armed with the knowledge about what’s really going on astrologically and how it affects communication and relationships. Next time Mercury goes retrograde, cut yourself and your partner some slack. Take extra care to be patient, give each other space when needed, and avoid making any rash decisions. The retrograde will pass, as it always does. Your love life and relationships will get back on track.
And when Mercury is direct again, make up for lost time by planning a romantic date night, whisking your sweetheart away for a weekend getaway, or just making an extra effort to reconnect. The stars may throw us curveballs, but with awareness and effort, we can work through them.
