The 3 Zodiac Signs Who Text Back Immediately (And One Who Leaves You on Read)

This year, we’ve relied heavily on digital spaces to keep our friendships thriving. Zoom book clubs replaced our usual chats over wine and cheese, shared playlists subbed in for concerts and texting took over for deep, in-person convos. Through it all, it’s become clear which of our pals can maintain a lively texting thread and which forgot to respond...three months ago. And it turns out, astrology has its own takes on which zodiac signs are the best and worst texters. Here’s what the stars have to say.

(Be sure to check your Mercury sign along with your sun sign, since this tells us your communication style.)

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

Taureans are concerned with practical matters of the material world. They know the difference between a 401K and Roth IRA, where to find the best burritos in town and how to reliably text people back. The fixed earth signs are persistent. Like a sturdy, deeply-rooted tree, our Taurus friends are set, and sometimes stuck, in their ways. So they’re extremely predictable when it comes to their texting habits. Taurus is comforted by familiar rituals, like sweet good morning messages from their best friends. And they aren’t afraid to triple text if they haven’t heard back from you. (You owe them a British Bakeoff recap.)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 21)

Libras care way too much about their crew to neglect their inbox. These harmony-seekers are the conductors of the group chat, agreeing with their friends’ opinions and sprinkling angel emojis throughout. The air signs know how to make others feel warmly embraced with every text message. And while Libras are notoriously indecisive, the idea of ignoring someone feels way more daunting than shooting them a simple note (even if they’re not sure exactly what to say). Libra wouldn’t want their silence to be interpreted as (*gasp*) disrespect. Instead, they do what’s needed to keep all their relationships in balance.

Virgo (Aug 23- Sept 22)

Virgos have tons on their to-do list, but they still make time to get back to the people they care about. Fulfilled by turning chaos into order, the earth signs can breathe a sigh of relief when they’ve attended to all of their messages. Virgo might even schedule out “social time” to chat with loved ones throughout the day. They’re zeroed in on details, so along with remembering to answer you, they’re the first to send a beautifully-written paragraph at 12:01 a.m. on your birthday. Virgos hold high standards for themselves, and being a supportive friend tops the list. And since they’re ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, clever Virgo can’t resist delivering their witty remarks right to your inbox.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Aquarians love technology, but they’re rarely compelled to use their phones for endless text chains. Instead, they’re tapping their screen to sign petitions or learn about the potential for life on Venus. Aquarians are the deep thinkers of the zodiac, so they might get lost in an idea and realize they have 65 push notifications when they come back down to earth. The air signs are more low maintenance with their messaging and might be perceived as aloof because of it. They don’t feel the need to detail their day to friends, and similarly, they won’t be offended if they haven’t heard from you in a few weeks. Time is a construct anyway.